Fully loaded Majestic Maersk departs Felixstowe with help of two 3212 Svitzer tugs 27.10.17

A couple of shots of her arrival to the Port of Felixstowe at the start of the video.
As space onboard East bound ships to the Far East from Europe are still at a premium, the Ultra large Majestic Maersk which arrived at Felixstowe on Wednesday 2 days previous with a draught of 13.8 metres from Bremerhaven. While alongside in Felixstowe, dockers have been loading her with UK exports and containers with fresh air inside for the Far East.

Majestic Maersk's agent confirmed a departure time of 14:30 local time, she was ready way before then but as she deep draughted, she was tide restricted and had to wait for the tide window to head out of the harbour to the Sunk via the deep water channel.

The Harwich Haven pilot Mr Love boarded the Majestic from the shore and went through the plan of departure with the crew onboard. The pilot radios Harwich VTS to ask the all important question what was the tide doing? The tide was .2 of a metre above prediction. The pilot replies they were ready for the services and believed 2 tugs were ordered and she is deep draughted with a maximum of 15.5 metres for Tanjung Pelepas via the Suez Canal.

Svitzer Kent and Svitzer Deben paddles from the tug pontoon to assist the Majestic off the berth. Kent takes the centre lead aft and Deben takes the centre lead forward. The pilot holds on the berth until the DFDS ferry Britainnia Seaways has passed through the harbour and backs for her berth. Finally the springs are let go and the Deben begins with an easy pull of 10% as the wind was coming from a north-westerly direction. The pilot then starts the Kent off at 25% then increases the Deben to the same. Edging away from the berth the pilot increases both tugs to 50% shortly increasing Kent to 75% and decreasing Deben in stages to a all stop.

The Majestic Maersk off the berth and Kent decreasing the pilot begins to swing the bow into the channel by using the bow thrusters and increaing the Deben to full for a little while. Kent drops in astern as the Majestic comes ahead on the main engines. Deben eases up and comes in to let go from forward. As Majestic was heavily laden the pilot says to the tugs that he would like the normal procedure for the corner so once Deben was clear they break off on to the starboard side and steams around the stern to position on the port quarter ready to help her around the corner. 

Speed increasing as they approach the Fort Buoy the pilot radios the Kent to say there was a yacht just outside the channel so when they were ready go out on the starboard side and give what they can. Kent replies that the weight was going on. A few moments later the pilot radios the Deben to angle up for a push. Both tugs use their power to help turn the Majestic Maersk around the 90° Beach End. Once around the Beach End the Deben comes away from the ships side while the Kent eases up and comes up to the transom to let go.

Deep draughted CSCL Arctic Ocean edges from Felixstowe Berth 9 with 2 Svitzer tugs 25th October 2017

The 19100teu CSCL Arctic Ocean prepares for departure from Felixstowe Berth 8 deep draughted for Singapore. Slighty behind schedule due to a faulty box the pilot pilot reports back to Harwich VTS, mooring gang standing by with the tugs waiting for an update.

Finally the pilot orders the services as the last crane booms up. The tugs leave the pontoon and paddle to assist the CSCL Arctic Ocean off the berth.  Svitzer Deben takes the centre lead aft and Svitzer Sky takes the centre lead forward.

As she was on the drag the DFDS ferry Britainnia Seaways was inbound for Felixstowe Ro-Ro 4. Plan A was for the DFDS to round the Beach End in to the harbour before the Arctic Ocean breaks away from the berth.

Once the ferry was in the harbour, the pilot begins with an easy lift off with the both tugs pulling at 25% steadily increasing to 50%. The DFDS clearing astern of the CSCL and backs towards her berth.

The pilot increases the tugs to get the CSCL Arctic Ocean in to the channel. The pilot gets the Deben to drop in astern as he comes ahead on the main engine. Sky comes right ahead and pulls her to help get moving before slackening up to let go.

The pilot says that he would like the Sky to position on the most aft tug marker on the port quarter and would be using them as primarily for the Beach End turn out of the harbour. The Sky peels off onto the Felixstowe side and positions on the quarter ready for a push indirect.

Once in position the pilot gets the Sky to push up full at a 45 degree angle to help steer the stern around the 90 degree Beach End. The Deben still fast aft favours the starboard side as requested by the pilot.

Almost around the corner the Deben comes in astern to be released while the Sky still assists with the turn to port.  A few minutes later the Sky eases up and comes away from the ships side.

As the CSCL Arctic Ocean heads towards the Sunk they pass the 18270teu Majestic Maersk which was inbound for Felixstowe Berth 8 where the Arctic Ocean had just sailed from.

Maiden voyage OOCL Japan alongside Felixstowe after her grounding incident in the Suez Canal 261017

The OOCL Japan sails from the Far East, her last port of Singapore, loaded with cargo for Europe.

Her maiden voyage has been a rather interesting voyage. As she boarded a pilot to transit the Suez Canal northbound she experiencing mechanical issues subsequently grounding on a sandbank
blocking the channel for the rest of the convoy. Astern of the Japan was the 6,690teu  Maersk Kimi, fortunately she was able to grind to a holt in time

Many tugs were sent to assist the stricken ship back into deeper water. The OOCL Japan was able to carry on with their maiden voyage with only minor damage.

Originally the berth and Japan was meant to be berthing on Wednesday around 4pm bit due to the grounding issue the arrival was pushed back to a 1am pilot boarding time.

The Harwich Haven pilot @rascalmaster was the pilot who had the privilage to bring This monster into Felixstowe. The pilot has 3 Svitzer tugs assisting with the swing to go portside to Felixstowe Berth 9.

ETD 1am Saturday 28th October 2017


Don't be down hearted there is still a chance to see her in about 10 days time when she arrives for the second time to loaded with exports for the Far East.

First call of the CSAV Tyndall to the Port of Felixtowe 24th October 2017

The pilots onboard the outbound Triton transfer onto the Csav Tyndall which was on her first call to the Port of Felixstowe. The ship sails from Dunkerque with a maximum draught of 11.75 metres. Once onboard the pilot requests two Svitzer tugs for berthing, the first outside the harbour centre lead aft and the second at the corner centre lead forward. It will be a port swing and back up to the berth.

Svitzer Sky leaves the tug pontoon to be the first tug and makes fast centre lead aft. A short while later Svitzer Deben leaves the tug pontoon and paddles towards the Beach End for the Csav Tyndall to come around the corner. Once inside the harbour the Deben makes fast centre lead forward.

Further in the harbour, Svitzer Sky goes straight astern to slow the Tyndall down ready to swing her around in the middle of the harbour. As the pilot comes astern on the main engine the tugs are asked to get ready for the port swing by Sky moving out on the starboard quarter and Deben moving out on the port shoulder. The tugs increase power to swing her around to a head out position.

The pilot comes astern on the main engine to back up towards the berth with Sky putting some weight on the line towards the berth. Deben moves onto the port side and puts a little weight on the line to help her straighten up onto the berth.

Both tugs move on to the starboard side before coming in for a push alongside.

Triton breaks away from Felixstowe with two Svitzer tugs. 24th October 2017

The Triton departs Felixstowe Berth 7 with assistance of 2 Svitzer tugs for her next port of Hamburg. The tugs leave the tug pontoon and paddles up to the top of Trinity Quay. Svitzer Sky takes the centre lead aft while the Svitzer Deben takes the centre lead forward. 

The pilot onboard was in the training seat under supervision of @rascalmaster.  As the tugs were made fast and move out into position to pull the Triton away from the berth. Last of the lines let go, the pilot begins with an easy lift off from the tugs, steadily increasing the power of the tugs to bring her into the channel. 

The pilot comes ahead on the main engine as the tugs still with weight on their lines. Once the Triton has picked a knot or two, the pilot gets the Deben to come in to let go while the Sky is held for the 90deg Beach End out of the harbour.

First call of the MSC Heidi to Felixstowe with assistance of Svitzer Deben 10th October 2017

The 11 year old MSC Heidi makes her first call to Felixstowe as she sails part of the Europe Pakistan India Consortium 1 (EPIC1) route.

The day was a good day for Felixstowe as there were 3 first call ships arriving to the Port. The first was the 334 metre MSC Shuba B then the 332 metre MSC Heidi and shortly after the general cargo ship FWN Rapide. The pilot boards the MSC Heidi 12 miles out in the North Sea. Once onboard he requests that he would like one tug for berthing and to meet just outside the harbour.

As they approach the harbour the Svitzer Deben leaves the tug pontoon and paddles towards the Beach End. Inside the harbour the Deben makes fast then stretches their line ready for work.

The pilot gets the Deben to go straight astern to help slow the vessel down ready to swing in the middle of the harbour. Passing number 9 Berth, the pilot gets the Deben to move out onto the starboard quarter but maintain their position without putting any weight on the line.  After a few moments the pilot comes on the radio and asks the Deben to build up a 75% pull to  swing stern around.

Almost swung the pilot comes astern on the main engine to back up towards the berth 7. Deben drops in astern and follows them up the harbour.

Approaching the berth the pilot gets the Deben to pull towards the berth then come back into a check position but she was not heading towards the berth so Deben comes in on the starboard quarter and pushes her onto the berth before coming out into a check position.

MSC Heidi berths portside to Felixstowe Berth 7 and just behind her is the heightened crane that will soon be servicing some of the world's largest container ships.

CSCL Star sails from Felixstowe with two 3212 Svitzer tugs. 10th October 2017

CSCL Star sails from Felixstowe Berth 7 with assistance of two 3212 Svitzer tugs. The CSCL Star departs with a draft of 13 metres for Southampton. The Svitzer Deben makes fast aft and the Svitzer Kent makes fast forward. After all of the head and stern lines were released, the pilot begins with an easy lift off by increasing the tugs up to full power.

Once off the berth the Kent is released shortly followed by the Deben.

Maersk Seletar departs a breezy Felixstowe with two 3212 Svitzer tugs for Newark. 9th October 2017

The Maersk Seletar departs Felixstowe bound for the US full of cargo from Europe. The 308 metre vessel can carry 6788teu. Normally you can tell what ships are on American routes by the state of the ship but this one had recently had a repaint and looks smart.

The pilot has two 3212 Svitzer tugs assist her off the berth and out of the harbour.

Svitzer Deben makes fast centre lead aft and Svitzer Kent makes fast centre lead forward.  All head and stern lines released the pilot says they are down to springs and will be letting go in a few moments.

The pilot gives the order to begin pulling her away from the berth by increasing their power.  Slowly she edges away from the berth and then comes ahead on the main engine releasing the Kent from forward. They peel off to the Harwich side while the Deben is kept aft just incase they are needed around the 90° Beach End turn out of the harbour.

Delayed CSCL Pacific Ocean swings for Felixstowe Berth 8 at nautical twilight. 9th October 2017

The CSCL Pacific Ocean was expected to arrive to Felixstowe from Wilhelmshaven mid afternoon but earlier in the day an incident with one of the Svitzer tugs suffered a fouled prop while assisting a 366 metre ship at the crack of dawn.

Svitzer Sky was assisting the ultra large CSCL Star when disaster struck. A rope had tangled around one of the propellers causing issues with performance.  Another tug took over from the Sky so they could try to dislodge the rope.  After a spinning around port to starboard then ahead and astern the rope still didn't move it. The only option was to go back to the pontoon and wait for a diver to assess the damage.

As the day went on, the pilot headed out to the Sunk where he would embark the CSCL Pacific Ocean. Once onboard he radios Harwich VTS to say they were inbound for Felixstowe Berth 8 with a maximum draught of 13.3 metres from Wilhelmshaven. VTS replies there is a ready berth planned portside to Felixstowe Berth 8,  wind in the harbour and traffic information. The pilot replies that he would like 3 tugs for berthing, first tug at 7&8 centre lead aft, second also outside the harbour on the starboard quarter then move around to the Port quarter and the third inside the harbour on a bow to bow.

VTS gave the pilot some bad news as the crew onboard the Kent had used up their hours and would have to call in a relief crew to take over but would take about an hour for them to get onboard as they had to come a distance. The pilot decides to turn around and doodles until there was an update on the situation.

As time went on the pilot began their passage inbound o reduced speed in hope the third tug would be manned as they approached the harbour.

Svitzer Deben leaves the tug pontoon to be the first tug shortly followed by the Svitzer Shotley. Passing the Harwich Approach, CSCL Pacific Ocean gets in contact with the duty tug so they can go on the tugs working channel 12. The pilot goes through the plan for berthing, firstly he would like an indirect from the aft and quarter tug to help her into the harbour then quarter tug to move around to the port quarter while the forward tug makes fast. As the speed drops off it would be a port swing to go portside to the berth. The other tugs copy the conversation.

Pacific Ocean approaching 7&8, Deben makes fast on the centre lead aft and moves out on the port quarter ready to work.
Shotley positions by most aft tug marker on the starboard quarter ready to push if required to. Kent finally manned they leave the tug pontoon and heads towards the entrance to the harbour.

The pilot gives the Deben the heads up that he would like them to out on the port quarter and put some line load on. Approaching the 90 degree Beach End turn into the harbour, the pilot gets the Deben to go out for an indirect while the Shotley to push up at a 45 degree angle. While turning the pilot asks out of curiosity what weight the Deben had on their line. Their equipment was reading 96.5 tonnes.

Kent comes under the bow to pick up the heaving line to make fast forward. Deben eases up and drops in astern while the Shotley moves around to the port quarter.

As they come into the harbour the light deteriorated fairly quickly. Deben goes astern while the pilot comes astern on the main engine to reduce the speed so they could swing just off the berth.  Once past the SM Savanna on berth 9 the pilot slowly steers to port. Deben is asked to go out on the starboard quarter and build up to 50%, Shotley to push up on the quarter at 50% and a little bit later to build up to 75%. Swinging around the pilot gives a kick ahead then gets the Shotley to move away from the ships side to move back around to the starboard quarter. Swung around the pilot comes astern to level up with the berth and gets the Deben to pull them towards the berth before getting the forward tug and aft tug to come onto the starboard side in check positions to ease her onto the berth.

Final tie up 6 and with the aft spring first the one forward spring then the other lines.

GB Railfreight 4Z33 service to Doncaster holds up the traffic in Felixstowe. 9th October 2017

Containers leave the Port of Felixstowe in many ways, by lorries Feeder ships and trains.

Felixstowe has 66 train movements a day  which goes to and from all corners of the UK. There are only 3 rail freight companies that run out of the port. They are GB Railfreight, Freightliner and DB Cargo.

If you manage to get stuck at the level crossing in Felixstowe you will be waiting a fair while as these freight trains can be 730 metres long or 33 wagons.

This train being pulled by GB Railfreight locomotive number 66279 left the south terminal bound for Doncaster via Ely.

OOCL Germany swings and departs Felixstowe after dark with two 3212 Svitzer tugs 6th October 2017

OOCL Germany departs Felixstowe after her first and maiden European voyage. The light began to fade, the last of the cranes boomed up as cargo operations had been completed, which meant she was ready for departure.

The harbour gets busy from 19:00-20:00 with the Stena Hollandica ferry from the Hook of Holland and DFDS ferry from Felixstowe departing, pilot boarding time was going to be slightly later than 19:00 to allow the ferries to have clearance.

The Harwich Haven pilot launch crosses the harbour from Harwich with the pilots for OOCL Germany and the MSC Cordoba which was ordered up to leave 19:15 with Germany to follow behind 15 minutes later. 

MSC Cordoba still working cargo, the decision was to sail OOCL Germany first so the tugs and mooring gang made there way over to Berth 8 where she was berthed.

ASD 3212 tugs Svitzer Kent and Svitzer Deben leave the tug pontoon to assist with the lift off from the berth and swing to head out of the harbour. Kent makes fast centre lead aft while Deben makes fast centre lead forward.

As predicted the Selandia Seaways had been given clearance to depart so the Germany stayed on the berth until she had swung and procceding past berths 8&9. With a clear channel the pilot began with the departure with the tugs pull off at 50% then Kent building up to full power. Deben drops down to 25% then lets go so they could push up on the port shoulder for the swing.  Pilot comes astern on the main engine to back her further into the channel to begin the starboard swing.

Swung around the pilot gets the Deben to back away from the ships side as they had finished with her. After a few moments the pilot comes ahead on the main engine asking the Kent to drop in astern ready for a powered indirect. As the OOCL Germany passes Landguard Viewpoint the pilot radios the Kent to say he is going to blow the whistle for the crowd watching them depart.

Approaching the Fort Buoy the pilot gets the Kent to go out on the starboard side for a powered indirect and give what they can as the Germany was only going 6.1 knots. 

Expected to be back in Felixstowe 17th October 2017

General cargo ship Berum departs Felixstowe Berth 2 at last light. 6th October 2017

General cargo Berum departs Felixstowe Berth 2 as the cargo ferry Capucine passes through the harbour. The 100 metre Berum was starboard side to the berth so the pilot just had to edge her way from the berth and swing the bow to port.  Once swung the pilot came ahead on the main engine releasing a bit of white smoke. As the y head out of the harbour, the pilot finds out where the pilot launch is and how long they would be for the him to disembark the Berum.

Latest World's largest container ship OOCL Germany makes her maiden call to Felixstowe 04.10.17

The latest world's largest container ship OOCL Germany arrives to very busy Felixstowe on her maiden European voyage. Earlier in the day the Mathilde Maersk departed Beth 9 with her sister ship Maribo Maersk taking the berth she came off.

The Harwich Haven Pilot launch heads out of the harbour with the pilot for the Germany. Once onboard the pilot he radios Harwich VTS to say they wereb inbound with a maximum draft of 14.6 metres from Singapore and believed they were port side to Felixstowe berth 8. VTS replies that there was a ready berth, wind speed and direction and the traffic. Mathilde Maersk was outbound at the South Shiwash and Maribo Maersk about to round the Beach End into the harbour then swing for the berth with 3 tugs. The pilot said he will assess the sutuation closer to the harbour but plan A would be to have 3 tugs for berthing for the swing for the berth.

Proceeding inwards at a reduced speed of about 9-10 knots the situation changed, Maribo Maersk was taking a while to berth so it was decided to go starboard side to Felixstowe Berth 8. Svitzer Deben started as the quarter tug for Maribo but had to leave and rush off as they were the only 3212 escort tug that could be replaced so the Svitzer  Shotley took over on quarter.  Svitzer Deben hurried back to the tug pontoon to pick up a photogragher then paddles out to meet the OOCL Germany as she turns at the Harwich Approach Buoy for the last leg of her passage to Felixstowe.

As she gets closer to the harbour Svitzer Deben is made fast aft ready to assist her around the 90deg Beach End into the harbour. Finally the Maribo Maersk was alongside and making fast so the Kent and Sky were released, Kent chucks up a plume of black smoke and storms towards the Fort Buoy to make fast centre lead forward. The Svitzer Sky radios the Germany to see if they were still required. The pilot comes back and says they should be ok with just 2 tugs as they were going straight on the berth. Once insid the harbour the Deben goes straight atern then in to a check position to hold her back from the wind as she edges closer to the berth.

Final tie up 4, 2 and 2 each end with spring lines first.

ETA Friday 6th October 2017 at 16:00.

Maribo Maersk swings for Felixstowe Berth 9 in a strong breeze with 3 Svitzer tugs 4th October 2017

The Maribo Maersk arrives from Bremerhaven with a maximum draft of 13.9 metres for Felixstowe Berth 9. The pilot orders 3 tugs for berthing, the first to be made fast centre lead aft at 7&8 Buoys, the second tug to be on the starboard quarter for the corner then make fast inside the harbour on the quarter and the third tug on a bow to bow inside the harbour.

The outbound sister ship Mathilde Maersk Maersk passes the Maribo Maersk near south Shipwash. As the Maribo gets closer to the harbour they change radio channels to 12 and duty tug receives the plan for berthing.

Aft tug Svitzer Kent go out for a powered in-direct while the second tug Svitzer Deben positions on the starboard quarter to make sure the Maribo steered around the 90deg Beach End turn into the harbour. Svitzer Sky makes fast as they round the Beach End.  Coming round onto a Northerly heading, Svitzer Deben says to the pilot that with the inbound OOCL Germany on a maiden voyage to Felixstowe was heading in and wanted a escort tug to meet them at 7&8 Buoys, would it be ok for them to come away from the ships side and Svitzer Shotley to take over as the quarter tug. Svitzer Shotley leaves the pontoon to rush over to assist with Maribo and makes fast on the starboard quarter. Further up the harbour Kent goes straight astern to help reduce the speed for the swing. The pilot then comes astern on the main engines .

Approaching the berth, the pilot gets Sky to position on the starboard shoulder ready for a push while the Kent to move out on to the starboard quarter with the Shotley. As they were moving into their positions the pilot gives them the order to begin the swing with Kent and Shotley to build up to a 75% pull. A few moments later Sky builds up their power on the bow to push the bow around. The pilot uses the bow thrusters to port to help the swing keep the swing going.

After a while the pilot comes ahead on the main engines to give more clearance astern. Almost swung the Sky comes away from the ships side in to a check position while the aft tugs reduce thier pull to let the wind take Maribo towards the berth. Unfortunatally the tugs were in a bit of a hurry as the OOCL Germany was less than 20 minutes away from the harbour and there was no other tugs available so the pilot onboard the Maribo got the shotley to come in for a push to towards the berth as time was of the essence.

Closer to the berth the Shotley comes away from the ships side back in to a check position. As they came alongside the heaving lines for the springs were thrown to the mooring gang to make fast on the bollards. Sky and Kent come in to be released and go to assist with the OOCL Germany which was rounding the Beach End. The Shotley pushes up to hold her alongside while the rst of the lines were made fast.

Final tie up 5 and 2 each end with springs first.

18270TEU Mathilde Maersk battles the winds as she sails from Felixstowe with 2 tugs 4th October 2017

This was the first mega ship of the day to either depart or arrive at the Port of Felixstowe.

 The pilot boarded and radios Harwich VTS that he would be on the drag because of a re-seat and then another box arrived very late to go onboard. Finally the last boom went up and crane driver made his way down. Mooring gang gave the go ahead to single up to make fast the 2 Svitzer tugs. Svitzer Deben took the centre lead aft and Svitzer Shotley took the centre lead forward. Tugs fast, last of the lines were released and then the pilot begins with the departure.

Both tugs are asked to start off at 25% then increasing to 50%. Svitzer Deben increases to 75% and then full power to try to bring the stern into the tide and wind. Very steadily the Mathilde begins to swing her bow into the channel so the pilot gets the Deben to drop in astern while the Shotley comes in to let go.

As the Shotley is released the bow begins to swing back towards the berth so the pilot uses the bow thrusters to bring her into the channel again while coming ahead on both engines. Shotley positions on the port quarter as this is usually procedure for mega ships.

Coming ahead towards the Beach End the pilot gets the Deben to go out on the starboard side for an indirect at full power to help her steer around the corner safely then proceed to the Sunk where the pilot disembarks onto a Harwich Haven pilot launch back in to the harbour.

Mathilde Maersk swings at Felixstowe with 3 Svitzer tugs. 2nd October 2017

As the pilot for the Mathilde Maersk headed out to the Sunk on the Harwich Haven pilot launch winds were forcasted to pick up to around 30knots. Felixstowe had taken every precaution to keep the port open for business by have all 4 Svitzer tugs manned until they knew the winds was dying off.

The Mathilde Maersk had travelled from Tangier-Med in Morocco with a maximum draft of 13.1 metres. As she approached the Sunk, none of the deep water berths at Felixstowe were available so she headed for the deep water anchorage slightly north of the Sunk pilot station.    MSC Anna which was about to depart Felixstowe Berth 9 but a squall passing through the harbour held the Anna alongside so a 3rd tug was ordered for her departure.

Just as MSC Anna came off the berth, the pilot boards the Mathilde Maersk and then radios Harwich VTS that he was onboard with a draft of 13.1 metres for Felixstowe berth 9 and to find out where MSC Anna was, wind speed and direction?  VTS replies that a squall with gusts up to 27 knot were passing through the harbour and the MSC Anna was off the berth with 3 tugs. The pilot replies in that case he would come in at reduced speed so they meet the Anna somewhere near the South Shipwash and he would like 3 tugs for berthing, the first at 7&8 to make fast centre lead aft, the second outside to position on the starboard quarter then make fast inside the harbour and the third tug inside the harbour on a bow to bow. The pilot also says that he will be doing a port swing off the berth.

As the MSC Anna finishes with their aft tug, Svitzer Deben waits outside the harbour for Mathilde to get closer then paddles out to 7&8 Buoys to be the first tug. The pilot and the tugs go onto channel 12 on the radio so they could go through the plan for berthing. Once Deben was fast they streched their line ready for the indirect around the 90deg turn into the harbour, the Svitzer Shotley heads out of the harbour to be the quarter tug while the Svitzer Sky leaves the pontoon and slowly paddles towards the corner to be the bow tug.

Approaching the Platters, Deben begins to move out on the portside at full line load to help steer Mathilde around the corner into the harbour. Around the corner the Shotley comes away from the ships side to make fast while the Sky makes their approach to make fast centre lead forward.  Heading up the harbour, the pilot comes astern on the main engines to reduce her speed before swinging. Shortly after the pilot gets the Deben to move onto the starboard quarter and the Sky to move onto the port bow with a slack ready to swing but he wanted a bit more speed to drop off before commencing with the port swing. With the speed down the pilot gets the Deben and Sky to go straight on at 75% to start the swing. As they swing VTS keeps check how far the bow is away from the North Shelf Buoy. Space to the edge of the channel was steady and opening as they almost swung 180 degrees.

Once swung the Sky was asked to move around from the portside to the starboard side into a check position. The shotley comes in to push her closer to the berth before backing off into a check position. The pilot varies the tugs power to carefully edge her on to the berth. Once alongside the Shotley comes in to hold her alongside while the 2 spring lines each end were fast on the bollards, shotly followed the 6 fore and aft lines to hold her alongside.

ETD 11am Wednesday 4th October 2017

MSC Anna struggles from Felixstowe as a 27knot squall passes. 2nd October 2017

Ultra large MSC Anna battles the brisk westerly winds from the tail end of ex hurricane Maria. Although we were not going to experience gale force winds but it was causing a little bit of a problem for the ships at Felixstowe.

 The pilot comes across from Harbour Master's Pound at Harwich with a pilot for Anna and a pilot for the Mathilde Maersk which had been in the deep water anchorage waiting for MSC Anna to depart.

Pilot boards the Anna, shortly after the gangway was lifted. Once on the bridge the pilots orders the tugs and mooring gang to assist with the departure. The pilot requested that both tugs to make fast aft. A few line began to drop so the Svitzer Deben could be made fast centre lead aft and the Svitzer Sky made fast starboard quarter. As the tugs were making fast Harwich VTS came on the radio to say there was a squall passing through the harbour with winds gusting up to 27 knots. The pilot said he would like a third tug made fast centre lead forward.

Svitzer Shotley starts up and leaves the tug pontoon to poodles up to the bow of MSC Anna. As she comes under the bow she gives a little toot on her horn but no hands were visable so the Shotley's captian radios the pilot to find out where the forward hands are. Shotly after the crew begin to prepare a heaving line to throw for the Shotley to connect their tow line up to the bollard on the Anna.

Shotley fast forward, all three tugs stretch their line ready for the pull off the berth as the last of the line were taken off the bollards.  The pilot begins with a straight pull off with all the tugs at 75% then increase to full power. The idea was to bring her away from the berth stern first so the Shotley decreases so she could use the tide and wind to their advantage. As the stern comes into the channel the pilot uses the bow thrusters to starboard while increasing the Shotley to 75% to straighten up in the channel.

Sky is released from the starboard quarter as the Anna comes ahead on the main engine. Shotley comes straight ahead then slackens their line to be released. The pilot wanted to do the usual proceedure with the tugs. Shotley came around the stern to position on the port quarter while the Deben still fast aft goes out on the starboard quarter for a full powered indirect to help MSC Anna turn to port around the 90deg Beach End out of the harbour.

Mighty CSCL Globe swings for Felixstowe Berth 8 with Svitzer Kent and Svitzer Sky 26th September 20

CSCL Globe sails from Wilhelmshaven in Germany with a draft of 11.7 metres as she collects the exports from the UK for the Far East.  The January 2015 record breaker can hold 19100teu and can have a maximum draft of 16 metres when fully loaded.

During the Globe's voyage to Europe she visits Felixstowe, Rotterdam Gdansk, Wilhelmshaven and back to Felixstowe before heading to the Far East via the Suez Canal.

When she arrived to Felixstowe for the first visit on the voyage, 14th September, she had a draft of 15.7 metres emptying some of the cargo holds which was destined for UK.

12 days later she arrives to Felixstowe for the Eastern leg of the journey with a draft of 11.7 metres.

As they approach British waters for Felixstowe, a Harwich Haven pilot boards the globe at the Sunk Pilot Station which is about 12 miles out in the North Sea. Once onboard the pilot plans the passage to the berth including how the tugs will the used to Berth her on Felixstowe Berth 8.
The pilot radios Harwich VTS when the plan is finalised and says what they are going to do. Firstly he says he is onboard with a draft of 11.7 metres for Felixstowe Berth 8 portside to. VTS replies that there is a ready berth planned portside to Berth 8, wind in the harbour, height of tide and conflicting traffic.
The pilot replies that he would like 2 tugs for berthing, the first at 7&8 centre lead aft and the second inside the harbour bow to bow. Duty tug copied the conversation.

The pilot which had took out the OOCL Hong Kong a little earlier in the afternoon wanted to go on the centre lead aft tug. He was unsure if he would make it back to the pontoon in time so he asked if they could do a transfer launch to tug as they were head out.

As the Svitzer Kent passes the MSC Viviana alongside on Berth 9 the pilot launch radios the Kent to say they would board on the starboard side on a  southerly heading 6-8knots.

The Kent meets the CSCL Globe at 7&8 to make fast centre lead aft. A short while later the Svitzer Sky leaves the tug pontoon and waits just inside the harbour to go bow to bow for the centre. The speed to 6 and a half knots over the ground, Sky makes their approach and made fast forward.

The pilot gets the Kent to lay back at 50% to help reduce the speed ready to swing. The Globe comes astern on the main engine to bring her to a halt so the tugs could move in to their positions to swing her around 180deg to go portside to on the berth.

Sky moves out to the port shoulder while the Kent moves out to the starboard quarter and both tugs increase their power to 75% to get her swinging. The pilot gives a few kicks astern while swinging. Once swung the Sky is released from forward and pushes up by the funnel as the Globe goes astern for the berth. 

Almost on the berth the pilot gets the Kent to check 50% to ease her straight onto the berth with a final tie up of 6 and 2 each end.

OOCL Hong Kong departs Felixstowe after her second voyage to Europe. 26th September 2017

In the title sequence in have got the second tug as Svitzer Shotley but in fact it should read Svitzer Sky.


The world's largest container ship OOCL Hong Kong leaves Felixstowe after her second voyage to Europe.

The captain was happy for just the Svitzer Deben to assist her off the berth but a ship of over 395 metres has to have at least two 60 tonne bollard pull tugs in the Harwich Haven Authority area.  The pilot had the Svitzer Deben made fast centre lead aft and the Svitzer Sky to push up midships as the lines were released because of a slight Easterly wind that would push the ship away from the quay. After the last of the lines were released the Sky was asked to hang back just incase she was required.

The Jonni Ritscher was heading inbound and making best speed to pass the OOCL Hong Kong in the harbour as passing at the 90deg Beach End wouldn't be a good idea.  As the pilot uses the Deben to edge away from the berth, Jonni Ritscher passes. The pilot comes ahead on the main engine and keeps the Deben fast aft just incase they need a bit of help around the corner.  After a little while Deben moves onto the portside out of the wash of the OOCL Hong Kong. 

The pilot disembarks onto a pilot launch and heads back into the harbour where he boards the Svitzer Kent as they go out to assist the CSCL Globe into the harbour.

Maersk Elba heads out of Felixstowe for Le Havre with Svitzer Kent assisting. 25th September 2017

The 366 metre Maersk Elba sails from Felixstowe Berth 6 with the help of Svitzer Kent fast centre lead aft.

As they came off the berth the pilot varied the Kent's power to pull her clear.

Once clear the pilot came ahead on the main engine and radioed tbe Kent to say they probably didn't require them at the Beach End as they were steering ok.

Passing the Fort Buoy the Kent comes in to be released and retrieves their towing gear from the aft of the Elba.

Cruise ship Albatros sneaks into Harwich Harbour assistance from Svitzer Shotley. 24th Sepember 2017

The 205 metre Albatros operated by German-based Phoenix Reisen. The 44 year old ship has a an average guest number of 830 passengers and 350 crew. 

The ship was on a 12 day cruise of Great Britain and Ireland starting in Bremerhaven before heading to Invergordon, Isle of Sky, Belfast, Isle of Man then an overnight stay in Liverpool then Cork, Falmouth, Guernsey, Harwich, Amsterdam and back to Bremerhaven to disembark.

Ultra Large MSC Viviana arrives to a murky Felixstowe 25th September 2017

The Ultra large MSC Viviana arrives to a murky Felixtowe. Tha Harwich Haven pilot boards the MSC Viviana at th Sunk Pilot Station.
MSC Viviana shares the number 5 spot with her 12 sisters in the world's largest container ships afloat. she can carry 19437TEU (20ft conainers)
Once onboard the pilot radios harwich VTS to say they were inbound with a maximum draft of 13.9 metres from Tangier Med, Morocco.  VTS replies that there is a ready berth planned starboard side to Felixstowe Berth 9. Wind on the Landguard South-Easterly 12 knots, traffic information Thalassa Mana approaching the Sunk. The pilot replies that he would like two S itzer tugs for berthing, usual proceedure for the first centre lead aft at 7&8 and powered indirect around the 90deg Beach End into the harbour. Second tug outside to push on the starboard quarter for the corner then move around to port quarter for a push up alongside the berth.

Svitzer Deben heads out of the harbour to be the first tug and makes fast centre lead aft. Svitzer Kent heads out to be the quarter tug.  As they approach the Beach End the pilot gets the Deben to go out on the port quarter at full power for an indirect while the Kent pushes up on the starboard quarter at full power. Inside the harbour, the pilot gets the Kent to ease away from the ships side to move around tho the port quarter ready to push up. Deben drops in astern as they reduce their power then goes astern to help reuse the headway.  The pilot comes atern on the main engine as the Deben moves onto the starboard quarter to straighten her up so the Kent could push he alongside the berth.

The Viviana was not responding to how the pilot wanted so the Deben moves onto the starboard quarter again to get it moving towards the berth. Just off the berth crew onboard throws the heavig line for the springs to the mooring gang waiting on the berth.

Final tie up 6 and 2 with springs first.

ETD 19:00 Wednesday 27th September 2017

OOCL Hong Kong peeks through the heat haze at Felixstowe 24th September 2017

The world's largest container ship OOCL Hong Kong arrives to the Port of Felixstowe for her second visit during her 77 day round voyage.  The morning began calm but as the heat rose it became hazy.

The Eugen Maersk which had came off the berth and began to head out towards the Sunk. Mean while the pilot on a Harwich Haven pilot launch comes alongside to board the pilot.

Once onboard the pilot radios Harwich VTS to say they were inbound with a maximum draft of 12.4 metres from Wilhelmshaven. VTS replies that they are requested portside to Felixstowe Berth 8, wind speed & direction and conflicting traffic. The pilot replies that they would like 3 tugs for berthing, first one at 7&8 made fast centre lead aft, second on the starboard quarter and the third centre lead forward. It will also be a starboard swing off the berth.
Duty tug copied the conversation on the radio.

Svitzer Deben heads out to be the first tug and makes fast centre lead aft.  Shortly after the Svitzer Shotley heads out of the harbour to position on the starboard quarter.  10-15 minutes later the Svitzer Kent leaves the tug pontoon.

Approaching the 90deg Beach End the pilot gets the Deben to go out on the portside at full line load for a powered in-direct to help her steer into the harbour. The Shotley is asked to push on the quarter to also help her turn into the harbour.

Svitzer Kent makes their approach to make fast centre lead forward and makes fast as the speed reduces.

The pilot gets the Deben to go straight astern to help slow her to a crawl. The OOCL Hong Kong comes astern on her main engine. The centre lead tugs move out on the port quarter starboard shoulder to counteract the swing as they come astern.

Passing the MSC Hamburg alongside on Berth 9, the pilot gets the tugs to get in position for the starboard swing. Shotley pushes up full, Kent goes out on the starboard shoulder and Deben moves out on the port quarter and begins to swing her around.

Final tie up 6,2 and 2 each end with spring lines first.

ETD Tuesday 26th September 2017 16:00

Eugen Maersk coming ahead after easing off the Felixtowe Berth 8 with 2 Svitzer tugs 24th September

The Eugen Maersk departs Felixstowe Berth 8 with two Svitzer tugs. The Euge had to wait for the services from the inbound MSC Katyayni which had swung and making fast on Trinity 5. Svitzer Shotley left the tug pontoon and was the first tug to assist the Eugen. Svitzer Kent finished with Katyayni began to make her way to Eugen Maersk. Shortly after both tugs were made fast. The mooring gang in assistance, lines released the tugs began to pull the Eugen clear of the berth.

Svitzer Shotley all done with, is released and heads back to the tug pontoon. The pilot holds onto the Svitzer Kent around the 90deg Beach End just incase she needs a little help turning out of the harbour.

Svitzer Kent is released and poodles back into the harbour to wait for their next job. As  the Eugen Maersk picks up speed heading out to the Sunk via the main channel she passes the world's largest container ship OOCL Hong Kong heading inbound for Felixstowe Berth 8.

Stena Foreteller swings for Harwich Navyard 24th September 2017

The 195 metre Stena Foreteller arrives to a beautiful sunny Harwich. A Harwich Haven pilot boarded the Foreteller at the Cork Pilot Station and began to proceed inwards via the main channel.

As she passed through the harbour a Svitzer tug went to the Beach End corner into the harbour to meet the Stena Foreteller. This is very unusual as it was a calm morning, she only normally have tugs if the wind picks up to an unsafe level to berth on their own. I guess she had some mechanical issue onboard and required a little assistance with swinging for the Navyard 2.

Svitzer Shotley went to assist her by making fast portside lead aft ready for the port swing at the mouth of the River Stour to go starboard side to Harwich Navyard 2

EDT 19:30 24th September 2017