At least that's the ''alternative maritime history'' which will soon greet cruise ship passengers and brighten the harbour.
Artist David Elliot has designed a 22m x 6m flying humpback whale mural for the street side of the A shed on Beach St and a 6m x 6m lifesaver saying ''Port Chalmers'' on the ocean side.
The project was commissioned by the Port Noise and Environment Committee on behalf of Port Otago, which had the idea to brighten the barren concrete structure.
The flying whale will be dark blue, black and white and carry the historic Otago Harbour ferry Elsie Evans on its back to create a steampunk fantasy.
''There are a lot of old anchors around Port Chalmers and the idea was they were kind of holding down the whale.''
Mr Elliot's spaniel, Molly, which recently died, would make an appearance on deck.
''We walked around here so many times.''
While he designed the mural, painting would be a collaboration with artists Daniel Mead and Tessa Petley.
''Although I may have to draw Molly, to make sure she's done right,'' Mr Elliot said.
The hope was the rest of the shed could also be covered with large whales.
''I might also write a wee story to go with it. Why not?''
Mr Mead said he would be very much carrying out Mr Elliot's vision.
There was ''no way of knowing'' how much paint would need to be used, but it would be a ''whole lot'', he said.
Environment committee member Lana Oranje said the project arose at a meeting where it decided to beautify one of its ''butt ugly'' buildings.
''David is quite a famous artist in Port Chalmers and in New Zealand. We think it will look fantastic.''
Work was planned to begin mid-next week and take three to five weeks.
Mr Elliot has authored and illustrated many books, including Snark, which won the Margaret Mahy book of the year award in August.
