Costa Mediterranea departs Harwich International for her next port of Amsterdam.
The ship was built at Kværner Masa-Yards (Helsinki, STX Finland) in 2003 at a cost of US$510m. She has a length of 292 metres and beam of 32 metres ship has 1057 cabins for a maximum 2114 - 2537 passengers. The ship has 12 decks but only 6 are for the passengers with many thing to do including the 4 main dining areas, 5 Jacuzzi's and spa, casino, library, 4 pools and the open air theatre.
She is currently on a 12 nights / 13 days, one-way from Savona to Stockholm 21 May, 2017 - 02 Jun, 2017
The itinerary for the cruise is as follows.
21 May boarding Savona
22 May 08:00 - 22 May Marseille, France
24 May 08:00 - 24 May Cadiz, Spain
25 May 08:00 - 25 May Lisbon, Portugal
26 May 09:00 - 26 May Vigo, Spain
28 May 08:00 - 28 May Le Havre, France
29 May 08:00 - 29 May Harwich, UK
30 May 09:00 - 30 May Amsterdam, Netherlands
02 June disembark Stockholm, Finland
The pilot boarded for the departure. Stena Hollandica making her way inwards passing the Harwich Approach Buoy as the Costa singled up ready for departure. The pilot used the bow and stern thrusters to edge away from the berth. Proceeding ahead towards Felixstowe the pilot gives one long blow in the horn as a goodbye salute to Harwich.
Former Hanjin Bosal which was on charter from Seaspan has a new life with OOCL on undisclosed terms.
The Seaspan Elbe sails as on the Asia Northern Europe Loop1 which sailed straight from Singapore to Felixstowe then Rotterdam and then back to Felixstowe before heading back to Singapore.
She sailed from Felixstowe to Singapore with a draft of 14.1 metres
Loa 336.95 metres
Beam 48.2 metres
Gross tonnage 112967t
Deadweight 115297t
maximum capacity of 10100TEU
The pilot radios Harwich VTS for the services. VTS replies that the mooring gang was still making fast the MSC Jade on Berth 8 and would be done shortly. Svitzer Deben headed back to the pontoon to collect someone then will come straight to the Seaspan, Svitzer Shotley slowly paddled from the MSC to make fast forward just starboard of centre. Svitzer Deben went astern to pick up the centre lead aft ready for departure.
The mooring gang in attendance lines began to be slackened and bought back aboard. VTS radioed the pilot to say that the Stena Britiannica had been clearance to depart and wanted to pass through the harbour as they were delayed. The pilot said it would be around a 15 minute delay for the departure. As the Stena passed the last head and stern lines were released from the bollards.
The pilot got both tugs, Svitzer Shotley and Svitzer Deben to pull straight off at 25% then the Shotley increased to 50%. Deben increased to 50%, the pilot wanted to get the bow out before the stern.
Coming ahead on the main engine the pilot releases the Shotley from forward while the Deben comes astern of the Seaspan Elbe.
Passing the Fort Buoy the pilot gets the Deben to go out on the starboard side at full line load to take her around the 90deg Beach End.
Maiden voyage MSC Leanne makes her maiden call to the Port of Felixstowe with assistance of 2 Svitzer tugs, Port swing off the berth for Felixstowe Berth 9. 24th May 2017
399.965m x 58.831m
19437TEU
G.T. 193,489t
Draft: 12.4m
Last port; Bremerhaven.
Next port; Algeciras.
MSC Leanne is the last in the Pegasus Class container ship to be built.
400 metre Msc Leanne set sail on her maiden voyage to Europe from Asia. The Pilot launch St Christopher left Harwich with 2 pilots to board the Leanne around 12 nautical miles out in the North Sea.
Once onboard the pilot radios Harwich VTS to say the MSC Leanne was at the Walker Buoy inbound for Felixstowe. VTS replies that there was a ready berth planned portside to Berth 9, wind in the harbour 215° 11 knots, traffic the Maersk Kotka approaching 7&8 Buoys outbound to the Sunk, Selandia Seaways North Shipwash inbound for Felixstowe RoRo 4. The pilot replies that he requires 2 tugs for berthing 1st one outside the harbour at 7&8 to make fast centre lead aft for a powered in-direct and the 2nd tug at the Fort Buoy make fast centre lead forward ad that it will be a port swing off the berth.
The Svitzer Kent radios Harwich VTS as they leave the tug pontoon to be the first tug for the MSC Leanne. A little while later the pilot radios through to the Svitzer Kent to go on to channel 12. After changing channel the pilot who was command today was training under the close eye of senior pilot @rascalmaster goes through the plan for berthing.
The plan was to use the Kent for a powered indirect around the Beach End and then a brake as they came onto a Northerly heading then a port swing off the berth, the forward tug would be made fast on a bow to bow for the swing then let go to push up near the funnel on the starboard side to go portside to on number 9. The skipper on the Kent was also in the training seat.
As the Leanne was coming around onto a Northerly heading Svitzer Deben made her approach to receive the weighted heaving line for the centre lead forward. While the Deben was making fast the pilot needed to slow up so he got the kent to ease up from an indirect to come straight astern at 50% then full power. As the speed was dropping off the pilot came astern on the main engine while using the bow thrusters gently to port. Almost to a crawl the pilot gets the Svitzer Kent come out on the starboard quarter at full weight to start the swing. Svitzer Deben moves out to the port shoulder but the pilot was using the bow thrusters for most of the swing so Deben was on minimum weight for most of it, mainly for the photographers.
Half way around the Deben increase to 50% then as she became level with the berth the pilot got the Deben to ease up and let go to move to the funnel for a push up to the berth. Svitzer Kent eases up and repositions in a check position if it was required.
The pilot used the main engine to come astern while using the bow thrusters to edge closer to the berth. The Berthing Master comes on the radio loud and clear, the pilot believed the bridge position by the leg of a crane. The berthing Master replies that was correct and there was 6 bollards to come astern for position, the pilot replies that it would be 6 and 2 each end with the spring lines forward first. Trickling astern the berthing master comes on the radio again with an update with 4 bollards astern.
Bow thrusters increased, black smoke pours from the funnel as they edge closer and closer to the berth. The crew onboard get the springs heaving line ready for the mooring gang, one of the crew threw the heaving line over the side to the mooring gang. Spring lines ashore the Leanne slides onto the fenders, Deben pushes up to holder her alongside.
Final tie up 6 and 2 each end with spring lines forward first
ETD 1700 Thursday 25th May 2017
MSC Leanne is on a long term charter from Giga Box Shipping Company.
Flag: Liberia
Home Port: MONROVIA
Built at Samsung Heavy Industries Co. Ltd., Koje Shipyard (Hull number: 2158)
Contract date:
2014-07-29
Keel laid:
2015-12-07
Launch:
2016-11-20
Contract date: 2014-07-29
Keel laid: 2015-12-07
Launched: 2016-11-20
Date of build: 2017-03-22
Ultra large Talos departs Felixstowe Berth 7 with 2 Svitzer tugs. The pilot boards from the shore side and requests the services.
The 369.076 metre, 14354TEU Talos sails as part of the Asia Europe service Loop3 bound for Southampton.
The Damen ASD 3212 tugs Svitzer Kent and Svitzer Deben assist the Talos off the berth. Both tugs were made fast on the centre leads, Deben forward and Kent aft.
Once the tugs were fast the pilot radios through to Harwich VTS to ask for permission to depart Felixstowe Berth 7.
Clearance was granted so the pilot gave the orders to single up. With the pilot on the bridge wing the last of the lines were released off the bollards and the tugs in position ready to pull her off the berth.
Svitzer Deben goes straight off at 25% shortly followed the Kent going on at 25%. Edging away from the berth the tugs increase up to 50% then 75%.
The pilot comes ahead on the main engine then gets the Deben to come in straight ahead ready to let go from the centre lead forward. Deben peals off to the Felixstowe side. Svitzer Kent fast on the centre lead aft comes in to let go and comes clear to power up the portside of the Talos to head out for the next job of the morning which was the APL Charleston inbound near the Harwich Approach Buoy.
MSC Bhavya departs a breezy Felixstowe with 2 Svitzer tugs 20th May 2017.
MSC Bhavya was built at the Hyundai Samho Industries, South Korea. The ship yard was contracted to build the ship June 2003 and the Keel was laid April 2005 and finally completed August 2005. Since she has been on the water she has change names many times.
During the afternoon the winds picked up to a brisk 18-25 knot south westerly. The pilot boarded the Bhavya from the shore side. 2 tugs were required for departure as the pilot would be battling the wind off the berth. Felixstowe's most powerful tugs Vietnamese built Damen ASD 3212 tugs Svitzer Deben and Svitzer Kent paddled up from the tug pontoon to assist with the departure.
Svitzer Deben was made fast on the centre lead aft while the Svitzer Kent was made fast on the centre lead forward. The pilot radioed Harwich VTS to ask for permission to single up and break away from Felixstowe berth 5. MSC Bhavya was given clearance to depart. Both tugs pulled straight off at 25% then increased up to 50%. With the wind pushing on the starboard side the pilot needed more power from the tugs so they increased to 75% then up to full. Finally she began to edge away from the berth.
The pilot gives a kick astern on the main engine while giving some starboard helm to bring the bow towards the North Shelf.
After coming ahead on the main engine the pilot gets the Kent to ease up and come in to let go. The Kent breaks away on to the Felixstowe side while the Deben comes in astern ready to let go.
Once gone and clear the Deben slowly makes her way over to Trinity berths where they done some handling training.
The pilot slowly increase speed as he travels along the Shelf towards the 90deg Beach End turn out of the harbour.
LoA 294.14 metres
Breadth 32.3 metres
Capacity 5042TEU
Maximum draft 13.65 metres
Gross tonnage: 54771t
Deadweight: 66799t
Main Engine: Wartsila NSD Sulzer 9RTA96C-B rated 51480kW
Other Engines
x2 MAN-B&W 8L27/38 rated at 2280kW
x2 MAN-B&W 6L27/38 rated at 1710kW
Bow thruster rated at 2100kw
A crew of 28
Nationalities of the crew -- Indian, Romanian and Russian.
With the heat rising, mist and fog was rolling in from sea. 3 Ultra large container ships were due to leave Felixstowe, the 19437TEU MSC Reef followed by 13296TEU CSCL Uranus followed by the 18270TEU Morten Maersk.
Not to worry the fog rolled through and that was the end of it.
The MSC Reef all ready to depart Felixstowe Berth 8 with a draft of 11 metres for her next port of Antwerp.
The pilot required the assistance of 2 tugs for departure. Svitzer Sky made fast centre lead aft and the Svitzer Deben made fast on the centre lead forward. An easy pull off the berth then as the pilot came ahead on the main engine the Deben comes in to be released and peals off to harwich side and heads up for the next job the CSCL Uranus.
CSCL Uranus showing off the new China Cosco Lines colours departs Felixstowe with a draft of 13.6 metres for Southampton. The pilot onboard the CSCL Uranus calls for the services but after a 30 minute delay due to a few reseats, the Crane finally booming up and the driver coming down the Uranus was almost ready to depart. The tugs were last thing to do before departure. They were made fast both centre leads fore and aft, Svitzer Deben fast aft and Sky forward.
The crew begin to single up and the Deben pushes on the quarter while singling up. The tugs get in towing positions and bring her off Felixstowe Berth 7. The tugs pull the CSCL away from the berth and clear of the MSC Francessca in Berth 6. The pilot comes ahead on the main engine and releases the Svitzer Sky forward to head down the harbour to the Morten Maersk ready to sail on Berth 9.
The 18270TEU Morten Maersk was ready to leave with a draft of 13.1 metres for Algeciras.
The pilot onboard requests 2 tugs for departure. Svitzer Kent left the tug pontoon to be the first tug and the second tug Svitzer Sky was coming down the harbour after helping the CSCL Uranus leave her berth.
The pilot wanted both tugs to take the centre leads fore and aft, Svitzer Kent went aft and Sky went forward. Offshorehead lines were slackened to make it easier to make fast the Sky. Once fast the rest of the head and stern lines wre slackened and released off the bollards to be winched back onboard. Spring lines were released and the tugs started off with an easy pull at 25% then increase to 50%. The bow thrusters kicked in as the pilot increased the Sky to full power to help the bow into the channel. Svitzer Kent increased to 75% then a few minutes later up to full.
The pilot comes ahead on the main engines shortly after the Sky eases up to be released from forward and the Kent eases and comes astern of the Morten. Approaching the Fort Buoy the Kent prepares to go out on the starboard quarter at full line load for a powered in-direct around the 90deg Beach End turn out of the harbour.
MSC Reef sails to Felixstowe with a draft of 12.8 metres from her last port of Algeciras.
The pilot boards at the Sunk Pilot Station about 12 nautical miles out in the North Sea. Heading inbound the pilot requests 2 tugs for the starboard swing on to Felixstowe Berth 8.
As the MSC Reef approaches the Harwich Approach Buoy Svitzer Deben heads out to meet the Reef near 7&8 Buoys to make fast on the centre lead aft ready for a powered in-direct around the 90deg Beach End into the harbour. A short while later the Svitzer Shotley heads towards the Beach End to make fast on the starboard shoulder.
Just as she came around the Beach End the rain began to fall. The pilot needed to slow up to a crawl so the Deben increased to 50% straight astern to knock off some of the speed. Passing the North Shelf the pilot comes astern on the main engine.
Svitzer Deben comes out on the port quarter to take the stern around while the Shotley comes out to pull the bow around. Swung roughly half way around the Deben disappears behind the ship then as she was about level to come alongside the Deben comes around from the portside to the starboard side into a check position
As there was a south westerly wind the pilot would need the tugs to get in a check position to bring the Reef alongside number 8 gently. Easing towards the berth the pilot radios through to the berthing master to find out if the position was ok also with the tying up requirements.
Final tie up 6 and 2 each end with spring lines first fore and aft.
Damen ASD 2411 tug Svitzer Shotley just finished with the outbound ship the ultra large Salahuddin swings around astern of her and slowly makes her way towards the Landguard Box to spray a bit of water.
This is the second time in just a few weeks the Svitzer tugs at Felixstowe have been playing with water. This could be that there are 2 of the world's largest container ships are due to make an appearance at the port on their maiden voyages to Europe next month.
Madrid Maersk 19568TEU due 4th June
OOCL Hong Kong 21413TEU due 21st June
The Cape Akritas is one of 8 ships on Charter to OOCL. She sails as part of the new Ocean alliance which consists of China Cosco Lines, OOCL, CMA CGM and Evergreen with around 3.5 million TEU.
The 11010TEU Cape Akritas is on charter from Costamare for a cool $18,000 per day.
The pilot requests the services for departure. Svitzer Kent and Svitzer Deben leave the tug pontoon to assist the ship off the berth.
The pilot wants both tugs to take the centre leads fore and aft, the Deben is made fast aft while the Kent is made fast forward.
Once the tugs are fast, the pilot gives the orders to start singling up ready for departure. The tugs get in position to pull the Cape Akritas off the berth. Both tugs pull straight off at 50% then increase to 75%.
With the top deck almost completely filled with empty containers the windage on the starboard side would not help with the departure. The tugs battle with the wind slowly edging the ship into the tide and channel. The pilot gives a kick ahead on the main engine an plume of black smoke poured from the funnel as she came ahead.
The kent eases up and comes in to be released as the pilot comes ahead again on the engine releasing another plume of smoke.
The pilot keeps the Deben aft just incase he requires a little help by a powered in-direct around the 90deg Beach End turn out of the harbour but she did not require any help and as she come onto an Easterly heading the Deben comes in to be released and head back to the tug pontoon.
A15 LNG ready 15000teu Salahuddin departs Felixstowe Berth 8 with assistance from the Svitzer Shotley aft and Svitzer Deben centre lead forward. She sails with 14.3 metres for Le Havre, France.
The pilot boards from the shore side and requests the services for the departure Harwich VTS radios through to the pilot to say that the Stena Britannica has been given clearance to leave Parkeston Quay. Pilot said it was ok as it would take a while to come off the berth. Salahuddin waits until the Stena is closer to the guard Buoy before coming off the berth. As the rain fell the tug were made fast.
Coming off the berth the tugs pulling at 50% then increase to full. Once in the channel the pilot gets the Shotley to ease up and come in astern while the Deben eases up and comes in to be released.
Svitzer Shotley comes in to be released.
Svitzer Deben sits under the bow as the pilot comes ahead on the main engine.
After a few minutes the Deben finishes under the bow and peals off to the Felixstowe side heading back to the tug pontoon. The Svitzer Shotley is released, comes away from the ships transom and swivels around. The Shotley radios Harwich VTS and says they will be spraying water in the Landguard Box. I'm guessing it's in preparation for next month for the 2 maiden voyages of the world's largest and second largest container ships.
Ultra large MSC Fillippa departs Felixstowe with a draft of 12.55m to her next port of Hamburg. 2 Svitzer tugs pull the Fillippa off Felixstowe Berth 6.
Svitzer kent takes the Centre lead aft while Svitzer Shotley take the centre lead forward. The pilot has the tugs push up on the starboard side as they singles up as the wind was on the portside and not helping with letting go.
Once off the berth the Fillippa comes ahead on the main engine and the Shotley eases up to come in to let go from forward. Shotley is released and breaks away to the Felixstowe side. The pilot keeps the Kent fast until he knows she can steer well at the Shotley Spit. On a Southerly heading along the Shelf, the pilot gets the Kent to close up and let go.
Fillippa leaves the harbour and heads towards the Sunk where the pilot disembarks and the ship heads for Hamburg.
MSC Fillippa
IMO 9447902
Port of Registry: Monrovia, Liberia
LoA 366.06 metres
Breadth 48.23 metres
Max draft 16 metres
Gross tonnage 140259t
Deadweight 153514.2t
Capacity 12562TEU
Anchor chain length: 770 metres
Keel laid 24th January 2011
Launched 9th April 2011
Built 20th June 2011
Engine
Main Engine: MAN-B&W 12K98ME-E rated at 65160kW
x2 rated at 3800kW
x2 rated at 2800
Bow thrusters rated at 3400kW
MSC Diana, one of the largest container ships in the world sails to Felixstowe with a draft of 13.5 metres from her last port of Colombo Sri Lanka.
The pilot heads out to the Sunk Pilot Station on a pilot launch from Harwich. Once onboard the pilot radios Harwich VTS that they are inbound 13.5 metre draft from her last port of Colombo. Harwich VTS confirms there is a ready berth planned portside to number 9, wind speed and direction. The pilot replies he requires 2 tugs for berthing first tug at 7&8 Buoys centre lead aft and the other to push outside the harbour to push on starboard quarter then to move around to the port shoulder for a push around.
Inbound nearing the Harwich Approach Buoy Svitzer Deben leaves the tug pontoon and paddles out the harbour to be the first tug and be made fast on the centre lead aft. MSC Diana getting closer to the harbour the second tug leaves the pontoon and makes her way out of the harbour to position herself on the most aft tug marker on the starboard side for the 90deg Beach End turn into the harbour.
Approaching the Platters Buoy the pilot gets the Deben to go out on the port quarter at full line load for a powered in-direct to help her steer around the corner. Rounding the Beach End the pilot gets the Shotley to come away from the ships side as she was turning nicely and to move around to the port shoulder ready to push the bow around. The Beach End navigated the Deben eases up and goes astern at 50% as a handbrake to slow her up for the swing. Harwich VTS radios the pilot as he was a third left of the centre line of the channel. With the knots dropped off the pilot gets the Deben to go on the port quarter to start taking her around while the Shotley to push full on the port shoulder. Svitzer Deben has to ease up and gets out of the way of the North Shelf Buoy as it was about 25 metres away. The pilot gives a kick ahead on the engine so the gap could open for the Deben to pull the stern around.
Almost swung the pilot gets the Shotley to stop pushing and move around to the starboard side near the bridge and push up to bring her alongside. Svitzer Deben running out of space on the portside moves to the starboard side. A few metres off the fenders the crew throw the heaving lines for the spring lines fore and aft while the Shotley pushes up to keep the Diana in position while she is made fast on Felixstowe Berth 9.
Final tie up 6 and 2 each end with spring line first fore and aft
MSC Diana
Capacity: 19437 TEU
LoA 399.994 metres
Width 58.84 metres
Max draft 16 metres
Keel laid: 16th November 2015
Launched 13th February 2016
Date of build: 30th June 2016
Engine:
Main Engine ---- MAN-B&W 11G95ME-C 9.5 rated at 75570kW
x4 MAN-B&W L32/40 each rated at 4096kW
Damen ASD tug 3212 Svitzer Deben and Svitzer Kent assist the ultra large Majestic Maersk from Felixstowe Berth 9 outbound for Algeciras.
18270TEU Majestic Maersk departs Felixstowe Berth 9 bound for Algeciras with a draft of 13.8 metres. The pilot boards from the shore side onto the Majestic. Once onboard he requests the services, which included 2 Svitzer tugs and the mooring gang.
As the Majestic was ready to depart the Stena Britannica asked for permission to break away from Parkeston Quay bound for the Hook of Holland. Harwich VTS said the to slowly proceed and follow out the ultra large Majestic Maersk. This was probably did not go down well onboard the captain onboard the Stena Britannica.
The pilot wanted both tugs on the centre leads fore and aft. Svitzer Deben took the centre lead aft while the Svitzer Kent took the centre lead forward. The crew onboard Majestic begin to slacken the offshore lines fore and aft so it was la little easier to make the tugs fast.
Tugs all fast they move out into position for the pull off the berth then the rest of the lines were slackened and released off the bollards and bought back onboard.
The pilot starts by getting the tugs to pull straight off at 50% then increases the forward tug Svitzer Kent up to 75%. Shortly after the pilot increases the Deben to 75% then increases the Kent to full while using the bow thrusters to bring the bow out into the tide.
Edging into the channel the pilot comes ahead on the main engines, the Deben drops in astern while the Kent eases up to let go and peals off the Felixstowe side and heads back to the tug pontoon.
The pilot believed that they wouldn't require a powered indirect around the 90deg Beach end out of the harbour but wanted to keep the Deben just incase she was needed if Majestic got into a little difficulty on the corner.
Majestic Maersk was the second to be built of a family of 20 ships.
Keel launched 21st January 2013
Launched on 27th March 2013
Delivered to Maersk on the 3rd August 2013
LoA 399 metres
Width 59 metres
Max draft 16 metres
Gross tonnage: 194849t
Deadweight: 199485.85t
Engine:
Main engine: x2 MAN-B&W 8S80ME-C9.2 rated at 59360kW
x2 MAN-B&W 9L32/40 rated at 4300kW
x2 MAN-B&W 6L32/40 rated at 2800kW
Turbocharger rated at 6000kW
Shaft alternator rated at 6000kW
Ultra large CSCL Arctic Ocean takes a 19 day voyage from Singapore to Felixstowe with a draft of 15.6 metres.
The CSCL Arctic Ocean sails on a weekly service on the Asia - North Europe Loop1 with OOCL and China Cosco Line. She will be come back to Felixstowe to pick up mostly empties to head back to Singapore and the other Far East ports.
The pilot left Harwich on the pilot launch St Edmund heading for the Sunk Pilot Station around 12 nautical miles out in the North Sea. The pilot suggested that with the draft of the CSCL there would be a strong possibility that he would require 3 tugs for berthing so a 4th tug was drafted in as a standby tug.
Once onboard the pilot radios through to Harwich VTS to confirms that they are inbound with a draft of 15.6 metres from Singapore with no defects. Harwich VTS responds that there is a ready berth planned portside to number 8. The pilot requests 3 tugs for berthing first tug at 7&8 Buoys to make fast centre lead aft, second tug to meet out before the Platters to position on the starboard quarter for a push around the corner then a push around and the third to meet inside the harbour and make fast bow to bow when she was down to 6 knots.
CSCL approaching the HA Buoy, the first tug Svitzer Kent leaves the tug followed by the Svitzer Shotley. The pilot contacts the tugs and goes onto channel 12. Svitzer Kent a little way out from the harbour makes first contact with the ship. The plan was to do a starboard swing off the berth to go portside to 8.
Svitzer Kent all fast stretches their line ready for a powered in-direct around the 90deg Beach End turn into the harbour. Svitzer Shotley positions ready to on the most aft pushing point on the starboard side. Heading inwards on the last approach to the harbour, Svitzer Deben leaves the tug pontoon to paddle out towards the Beach End.
With knots dropping off the Kent has to ease up as they were overtaking the CSCL. Coming onto a Northerly heading Svitzer Deben makes her approach to receive the heaving line to make fast on the centre lead forward. Svitzer Kent comes onto the centre line and goes straight back at 50% to reduce the headway for the starboard swing off the berth.
The pilot comes astern on the engine but with the wind he needs a little help to keep her straight so Kent favours the starboard quarter while the Deben comes out on the port shoulder to counteract the sideward motion of coming astern.
Once straight the fore and aft tug switch to the opposite sides and begin to swing the Arctic Ocean around. Deben on the starboard shoulder increase to full, Kent on the port quarter increases to full and the Shotley pushes up full on the most aft tug marker on the starboard side. The pilot gives a kick ahead on the main engine to help the swing.
A North Easterly wind (offshore breeze) was not helping with berthing so the fore and aft tug pull the CSCL towards the berth until they ran out of space and move onto the starboard side in check positions. Shotley still pushing brings her alongside where the mooring gang were waiting for the first lines to come ashore.
Final tie up 6 and 2 fore and aft with spring lines first.
The pilots experience, the crew on the tugs and the berthing master working together to bring another 400 metre vessel alongside at Felixstowe.
6622TEU Cardiff arrives to the port of Felixstowe just after 6am. Svitzer Shotley meets the Cardiff outside the harbour and made fast centre lead aft.
As they come around the 90deg Beach End turn into the harbour and on a northerly heading the pilot needs to reduce speed so the Svitzer Shotley goes 50% straight astern then increases to 75%. Approaching the middle of the harbour the pilot gets the Shotley to come out onto the starboard quarter at 75% to take the Cardiff around.
Swung around the pilot radios the berthing master to find out where she is berthing. The mooring gang was still tying up the MSC Phillippa on Trinity 6 but only had the last lines to make fast then they could assist the Cardiff onto her berth.
Approaching the berth the pilot uses the power of the Shotley aft and the bow thrusters to bring her portside to Berth 5.
IMO: 9629457
LoA 270.9 metres and a width of 42.8 metres
Port of Registry: Monrovia - Liberia
Draft 11.3 metres
MAN-B&W 6S80ME-C rated at 27060kW
The 2nd generation Triple E,21568teu Madrid Maersk first to be built in a family of 11 at a cost rumoured to be in the region of US$1.8. These ships were originally to have a nominal of 19,630teu but it's believed that it went back to the drawing board and changed the design to hold the extra 1938 containers.
The Madrid Maersk has taken the same shape as the original Triple E's but the accommodation block has been bought forward 2 bays and the engine room 1 further towards the stern. The idea is so another layer can be added to the top deck to 12 high while increasing the draft by 50cm to 16.5 metres can accommodate the extra containers.
The Madrid Maersk is currently on her way to Ningbo with a draft of 14 metres and slowly filling up for her maiden voyage to Europe.
Felixstowe is the second port of call in Europe. She will call at Algeciras before making her way to Felixstowe then Antwerp, Rotterdam then back to Algeciras before heading back towards the Far East to start the voyage again.
She is expected to arrive at Felixstowe the 4th of June 2017 but as shipping goes the time and date are expected to change.
A Big thank you to Shaun Jones for the photos taken at the ship yard in South Korea.
Built at Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, South Korea in 2015 for Ocean Bulk and chartered to Maersk Line on a long term charter. The 9971TEU Maersk Shams has a LoA of 299.95m and beam of 48.2 metres, Gross tonnage 94730 tonnes and propelled by a MAN B&W 9S90ME-C 9.2 rated at 41480kW and has 4 other engines 2x rated at 4400kW and 2x rated at 3840kW.
The first piece of steel was cut on the 29th December 2014, launched 2nd October 15delivered 1st December 2015. She originally was registered in Majuro, Marshall Islands but now sails with a Singapore flag.
The Maersk Shams sails on the MEA/EUR (Middle East/Europe) trade lane with her sister ships and the Maersk space saver ships.
Maersk Shams departs Felixstowe Berth 8 with the assistance of two Svitzer tugs. The Maersk Shams sails with a draft of 11.4 metres for her next port of Antwerp.
The pilot comes across from Harwich on a pilot launch. Once onboard he radios through to Harwich VTS that he requires the services for departure. Svitzer Kent and Svitzer Shotley were standing by ready to make fast.
The pilot tests the engine before making the tugs fast. Svitzer Kent centre lead aft and Svitzer Shotley just starboard of centre. Once fast the crew begin to single up fore and aft. The pilot radios the Kent that with the breeze coming from the north he would like them to tow aft of the beam as the wind would push the Shams forward towards the Delphis Bothina berthed in Number 9.
As the spring lines are slackened and released the pilot gets Svitzer Shotley to pull off easy weight to lift the bow off the quay. A few minutes later the pilot gets the Kent to pull off 50% then increase to full power. The pilot stops the Shotley pulling to get the stern into the tide so wind could help with the departure. As the Shams comes away from the berth the pilot gets the shotley to pull at 50% and uses the bow thruster to get the bow into the channel.
The pilot gets the Shotley to ease up and come in to let go as he comes ahead on the main engine. Once Shotley lets go they peal off to the Harwich side. Deben then comes in to let go and leaves the pilot to navigate out to the Sunk where he disembarks onto the pilot launch St Edmund.
UASC Al Khor arrives to the Port of Felixstowe with the assistance of Svitzer Kent. UASC Al Khor was built in 2015 at Hanjin Heavy Industries, Subic Bay in the Philippines. She is being chartered to UASC At 299.95 metres by 48.2m she has a capacity of 9115TEU of which 500TEU are for reefers. Her MAN B&W 8G95ME-C 9.5 engine kicks out 41400kW of power and a bow thruster rated at 3000kW.
The pilot boards the UASC Al Khor at the Sunk Pilot Station around 12 nautical miles out in the North Sea. As she makes her way inwards the pilot request one tug for berthing to meet outside the harbour before the Beach End turn into the harbour. Svitzer Kent heads out to be made fast on the centre lead aft. Appearing around the 90deg turn into the harbour the Al Khor comes round on a northerly heading towards the middle of harbour for a port swing.
Approaching the Shotley Spit the pilot gets the Kent to come out on the starboard side at 50% to start the swing. The Kent radios the pilot as they were finding it hard to go out as there was still a lot of headway, the pilot replies that the speed was coming off but still around 5 knots of headway. The Kent increases to 75% as the swing picks up momentum. The pilot goes astern on the main engine to back up towards her berth.
Passing the MSC Adelaide in Berth 5 the pilot radios the berthing master to find out where the bridge position was and what the tie up requirements were which was 4 and 2 with spring lines first fore and aft.
The Cape Akritas on Charter to OOCL make the 1st call of the new Ocean alliance which consists of China Cosco Lines, OOCL, CMA CGM and Evergreen with around 3.5 million TEU.
LoA 330 metres and a Beam of 48.34 metres, she can carry a maximum 11010TEU and can has a maximum draft of 16 metres.
Cape Akritas sailed from Singapore to Felixstowe loaded with all sorts of things from the Far East. As there have been severe delays in Chinese ports due to the alliances changing around, the Akritas' schedule has been shortened to only Felixstowe and Rotterdam then back to Felixstowe before heading back to Singapore.
The pilot onboard request for the services for departure. Svitzer Kent and Svitzer Shotley leaves the tug pontoon to make fast for the departure. Svitzer Shotley makes fast on the starboard shoulder while the Svitzer Kent makes fast on the centre lead aft. The pilot gets the tugs to push up as a brisk 18-23 knot ENE wind was pushing on the portside and not helping as the lines were slackened.
Once all the line were let go the tugs move away and stretch their lines ready for work. The pilot gets both tugs to pull straight off at 50%. With the wind helping push her away from the berth she came off the berth quite swiftly.
As she made her way into the channel, the pilot gets the Shotley to stop pulling and come in to let go then gets the Kent to come straight astern. Once the Shotley was clear the Kent comes in to let go. The pilot navigates the Cape Akritas out of the harbour to the Sunk where he disembarks onto a pilot launch back to Harwich.
UASC's Al Zubara arrives at the Port of Felixstowe with a draft of 14.8 metres from her last port of Port Klang, Malaysia. She has 3 Svitzer tugs for the port swing and berthing. Svitzer Deben goes centre lead aft ready for powered indirect around the Beach End turn into the harbour. Svitzer Shotley puts her bow alongside the starboard quarter just incase she needs to push the Al Zubara out of trouble then makes fast on the quarter, finally the Svitzer Sky goes centre lead forward or as it also known bow to bow. Al Zubara will depart on Sunday 10th July for her next port of Rotterdam.
148 passenger NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER sails to Ipswich on the 4th day of a 19 night cruise around the UK.
The 112 metre 148 passenger cruise ship sailed from Leith Scotland, down the East Coast to Ipswich for a tour of Sutton Hoo, a 7th centaury burial mounds.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER was built in Dec 1982 and registered in Nassau, Bahamas. She has 81 cabins including 13 cabins with private balconies, six luxury suites and 14 cabins specifically designed for solo travellers.
From Ipswich she will travel south to Portsmouth for a tour of the Naval base before heading to the Eden Project the next day.
MSC Venice on her Maiden voyage from The Far East departs from Felixstowe's Berth 8 with a draft of 12.5m with the assistance of 2 tugs for her next port of Rotterdam. As the MSC Venice heads out of the harbour Svitzer Sky goes out on the starboard side for powered In-direct around the Beach End (the 90 degree turn out of the harbour).
Mathilde Maersk the last out of 20 to be build departs Felixstowe Berth 9 with assistance of Svitzer Sky which was made fast centre lead aft and the Svitzer Madeleine pushing on the portside bow to help it into the channel. Her last port was Algeciras and next port is Antwerp.
Mathilde Maersk has been a tricky customer with the ship spotters around Felixstowe as she seems to sail in or out during the night but pot luck due to the foggy weather conditions she departs at sunset.
Mathilde Maersk is 399 metres LOA with a beam of 60 metres. She can carry a massive 18340TEU.
