London-based photographer Max Lancaster has created a compelling documentary series titled "Life Suspended Between Ports," capturing the isolated yet intimate world of a 25-member crew aboard the Panda 006, a massive 270-meter container ship. The project explores themes of isolation, routine, and human connection through the lens of maritime life.
Lancaster's journey to the high seas began in January during a tour of the decommissioned submarine SAS Assegaai in Simons Town, South Africa. Guided by a former crew member who had served on the watercraft in the 1980s, Lancaster was fascinated by the guide's description of life at sea as both isolating and full of camaraderie. "When I left the boat, I told my girlfriend that life at sea appealed to me. She thought I was mad," Lancaster recalls.
The photographer's interest was further sparked weeks later while rewatching Wes Anderson's 2004 film "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou." Despite being aware of the movie's stylized and romantic portrayal, Lancaster found that "the idea of living and working on the water with a mix of personalities really resonated" with him. This inspiration led him to reach out to scientific vessels and shipping companies about potential photographic projects, though initially without success.
Opportunity came by chance when Lancaster met a man named Nick at a London pub, whose family chartered large boats. "I followed up with an email, and four months later I was on the Panda 006, a 270m container ship," Lancaster explains. This serendipitous encounter became the foundation for his documentary series.
Upon boarding the massive vessel, Lancaster was immediately struck by a key contrast that would define his project: "the sheer scale of the ship versus the small crew of 25." He describes the setting as perfect for exploring themes of isolation, routine, and human connection. To fully immerse himself in the crew's experience, Lancaster adopted their strict daily routine, waking at the same time each morning and sharing meals with the crew.
"I had curry for breakfast, lunch and dinner with the crew at the same time every day," Lancaster notes. "Thankfully, I love Indian food – it was made really well on board." This dedication to mirroring the crew's lifestyle allowed him to build genuine connections and capture authentic moments of life at sea.
Between scheduled meals and rest periods, Lancaster was given tours of the deck and engine room, which provided crucial opportunities to connect with crew members, ask questions, and observe their daily routines. However, some of his most compelling photographs emerged during solitary wanderings around the ship. One particularly poignant image features Mohammed, an onboard trainee in his early twenties experiencing his first time at sea.
"I hadn't noticed he was behind me, and when I turned around, I saw him struggling a bit in his oversized yellow overalls – it made each step look clumsy in an endearing way, so I quickly captured the moment," Lancaster recalls. Mohammed shared his homesickness and uncertainty about whether the seafaring life was right for him, highlighting the emotional challenges faced by crew members.
The harsh realities of maritime isolation are evident in the crew's limited communication with home. Crew members spend six months on and six months off, with only around 2GB of slow data per month to maintain contact with their families. "Just enough for a short call home in the evenings," Lancaster explains. "That balance of isolation and connection really stuck with me, and I think it comes through in that photo."
The photographs throughout "Life Suspended Between Ports" convey a quiet, reflective atmosphere, with individuals primarily captured alone or in small groups of two. This visual approach reflects Lancaster's own transformation during the voyage. "Being at sea taught me how to enjoy my own company – something I hadn't really experienced growing up in London, where you're always surrounded by people and noise," he reflects.
The ship's interior spaces also contribute to the series' exploration of isolation and temporal displacement. The metal walls feature old-school mechanics and peeling paint, creating a sense of the past, while the unfiltered lighting that bounces off the sea adds warmth reminiscent of Lancaster's Wes Anderson inspirations. These environmental elements help create the series' distinctive visual language.
One conversation with third officer Ajjay particularly resonated with Lancaster and helped ground the entire project. "He told me what keeps him going during the hard days is thinking about the joy on his wife and kids' faces when he takes them on holiday around India during his time off," Lancaster shares. "That kind of perspective – sacrificing so much for the people you love – really grounded the project for me."
Lancaster's "Life Suspended Between Ports" series reveals the largely unknown inner workings of container ships, moving beyond their "strangely aesthetic appearance of stacked colorful metal boxes" to expose the human stories within. The project offers viewers a rare glimpse into a world where vast oceanic spaces meet intimate human experiences, where routine and isolation coexist with camaraderie and connection.
