CSCL Arctic Ocean Arriving at the Port of Felixstowe 10th May 2017

CSCL Arctic Ocean Arriving at the Port of Felixstowe 10th May 2017

Friday 6 October 2017

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.


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