Two giant cranes as tall as the London Eye have passed Herne Bay on their way to the River Thames.

The massive machines – which will be used to pick up containers – were on their way from China to the London Gateway port in Essex last Wednesday.

They passed the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa before being seen off the coast of Herne Bay and Whitstable on board the impressive Zhen Hua 10 vessel.

Cameron Thorpe, chief executive of DP World London Gateway, said: “As an island nation, it is absolutely vital that the UK has world-class port infrastructure to facilitate trade.

“In addition to the eight already in operation here, the arrival of these cranes ensures that the UK is able to efficiently and reliably handle the largest container ships afloat.

“These cranes are unique in the UK. They are safer, more wind resilient, able to lift more containers in one movement and comfortably reach out across and above the largest container ships.”

It took 45 minutes to move the 2,000-tonne cranes onto land when they arrived in Essex.