Maersk Guayaquil leaves the Port of Felixstowe bound for Hamburg 14th August 2018

The Maersk Guayaquil departs Felixstowe bound for Hamburg.  Two Svitzer tugs, Svitzer Deben and Svitzer Sky, assist with a pull off the berth. Once the pilot had began to run the main engine ahead, the forward tug was released and stood down.   The pilot held the aft tug a little while longer so he knew the ship would steer ok then when he was happy the aft tug was released. The Deben follows the Maersk Guayaquil out of the harbour as the next job Maersk Geneva was closing in on Felixstowe.

OOCL Kobe departs Felixstowe with the Maersk Kawasaki following 30 minutes later 19th July 2018

The day kicked off with some ultra large movements. Just before the next large movement, 2 smaller vessels Oocl Kobe and Maersk Kawasaki both departed Felixstowe's Trinity Terminal.  The first was OOCL Kobe which was helped away from the berth by Svitzer Deben. Once the mooring gangs and Svitzer Deben had finished with the Kobe, they went to station with the Maersk Kawasaki.

Maiden voyage Cosco Shipping Denali arrives to the Port of Felixstowe laden from Singapore 190718

Cosco Shipping Denali built in June 2018 makes her European debut by making the Port of Felixstowe her first European port.  At 366 metres in length and 51.2 metres in breadth she can hold just over 14,500teu.  She began her voyage in China before going to Singapore and then through the Suez Canal northbound to Felixstowe.

One of Harwich Haven pilots boards the Denali at the Sunk Pilot Station which is around 12 miles out in the North Sea from Felixstowe.

Once onboard the pilot radios Harwich VTS to say they were inbound 13.9 metre draught from Singapore, planned port side to Felixstowe Berth 9. VTS replies with the wind on the Landguard, height of tide and any conflicting traffic.  After a few moments the pilot requests three tugs for berthing. Two outside, first made fast centre lead aft before the Platter, second starboard quarter then make fast on the main deck but on the quarter and the third inside the harbour to make fast starboard shoulder for a port swing off the berth.

Svitzer Kent heads out to be the first tug and makes fast centre lead aft. Shortly after Kent heading out, Svitzer Shotley leaves the tug pontoon to be the quarter tug. The skipper on the Shotley radios the pilot to say they can make fast whenever the crew are ready as the panama lead was right above the tug marker.  Finally Svitzer Deben slowly heads to the entrance of the harbour to wait for the Cosco Shipping Denali to round the Beach End before making their approach to make fast on the starboard shoulder.

Safely inside the harbour, the pilot uses the Kent as a brake to slow the ship down ready for the swing. To slow down a bit more the pilo runs the main engine astern.

The pilot begins to position the tugs for a port swing so the Kent moves out onto the starboard side, Shotley moves out on the starboard quarter to start taking the stern around. Deben pushes up on the starboard shoulder to take the bow around.

Almost swung around the Shotley comes in to push her alongside Felixstowe Berth 9. Kent helps straighten her for a parallel berthing onto the fenders.

Final tie 6 and 2 with springs first fore and aft then offshore lines.

MSC Tina eases from Felixstowe on a very busy day of ultra large movements 19th July 2018

MSC Tina is currently one of MSC's largest ships in their fleet able to carry an impressive 19,437teu.

Felixstowe was about to experience one of their busiest days for ultra large movements for a good couple of weeks.

The day started off with the MSC Sarah arriving for Trinity 7 just before 6am. Soon after, the MSC Tina was ready to depart for her next port of Le Havre. When she was off the berth, the ferries departed for their various parts of Rotterdam,  then a Harwich Haven pilot boards maiden voyage Cosco Shipping Denali at the sunk to go port side to Felixstowe Berth 9 from Singapore. When she was making fast alongside, 2 pilots came across from Harwich to board OOCL Kobe and Maersk Kawasaki. Tugs from the Kawasaki then went to assist the heavily laden CSCL Indian Ocean off the berth for her next port of Singapore. And the last big ship of the day was the Marseille Maersk from her last port of Colombo.


MSC Tina ready to depart from Felixstowe Berth 9 with the assistance of Svitzer Kent made fast centre lead aft and Svitzer Shotley on the starboard quarter.  Once the lines fore and aft were released the pilot uses the tugs to reverse her off the berth before using the bow thrusters to bring the bow around into the tide.

Safely inside the channel, Shotley is released and makes their way around to the port quarter for a push indirect.   Kent aft drops in astern and prepares themselves to assist steering around the 90° Beach End turn out of the harbour with a powered indirect.

Tide restricted Maersk Edmonton departs Felixstowe with assistance of two Svitzer tugs 17th July 2018

The tide restricted Maersk Edmonton departs Felixstowe Berth 7 for her next port of Le Havre in France.

A Harwich Haven pilot boards the ship for the outward journey to the Sunk where the pilot disembarks onto a pilot launch.

Two Svitzer tugs head up Trinity Terminal to assist the Edmonton off the berth.  Svitzer Shotley makes fast centre lead aft while the Svitzer Intrepid makes fast centre lead forward.

The plan was a simple pull off the berth then release the forward tug when the ship has some headway. The pilot keeps the Shotley fast until they were safely around the 90° Beach End turn at the entrance of the harbour.

CSCL Indian Ocean swings for Felixstowe Berth 8 with two Svitzer tugs 17th July 2018

CSCL Indian Ocean arrives to the Port of Felixstowe with a maximum draught of 13.6 metres from Wilhelmshaven in Germany. The ship had been to Felixstowe about 11 days previous heavily leaden from Singapore. She sails on the LL1 route as part of the Ocean Alliance that calls at Shanghai, Ningbo, Xiamen, Yantian, Singapore before transiting the Suez Canal northbound to Felixstowe, Rotterdam, Gdansk, Wilhelmshaven and back to Felixstowe the transits the Suez Canal Southbound to Singapore, Yantian and then start the voyage all over again.

As the CSCL Indian Ocean approaches British waters, a Harwich Haven pilot launch goes alongside the ship to board one of their pilot for the inward journey to Felixstowe.  Once obroard, the pilot confirms that he is inbound with a maximum draught of 13.6 metres from Wilhelmshaven with no defects. He continued that he believed the ship was planned port side to Felixstowe Berth 8. VTS replies that there was a ready berth port side to Berth 8, the wind on the Landguard and height of tide and finally the traffic.   The pilot replies that he wuld like three tugs for berthing, first one make fast centre lead aft at 7&8 Buoys and prefered one of the 3212's. Second at the Platters to push up on the starboard quarter for the corner and then move down for a starboard swing. Finally the thrid inside the harbour on a bow to bow for the centre lead.

CSCL Indian Ocean making progress inwards, Svitzer Kent heads out to be the first tug shortly folowed by the Svitzer Shotley. As the Indian Ocean approaches 7&8, Svitzer Intrepid leaves the tug pontoon to be the bow to bow tug.   Next part of the arrival is one of the most challenging, a 90° corner at the enterance of the harbour. Standard procedure with 400 metre and deep draught ships need a little help steering around the corner so the aft tug move out onto the port quarter for a powered indirect and a tug on the starboard quarter pushes up to give extra steerage.

Safely inside the harbour  the pilot uses the Kent aft as a brake. Up the bow of the ship, Svitzer Intrepid makes their approach to make fast.  After a little while the pilot gets the Kent to favour the port side to stop the ship swinging too far out. Further up the harbour, the pilot gets the Shotley to push up while the Kent goes out onto the port quater to take the stern around. On the bow, Intrepid moves onto the starboard shoulder to take the bow around.

Almost swung around, the pilot gets the Shotley to move up tto midships to push up to the berth.

Final tie up 6 and 2 each end with springs first fore and aft.

ETD 13:00  19th July

Light draughted Murcia Maersk departs Felixstowe Berth 9 for her next port of Bremerhaven

After discharging cargo from the Far East, the Murcia Maersk prepares to depart Felixstowe Berth 9.  The skilled Harwich Haven pilot boards the ship from the shore side. As the last crane booms up the pilot radios Harwich VTS with the details of draught, next port and tugs required.  With a draught of 10.55 metres for Bremerhaven and would like two Svitzer tugs for departure.

Svitzer Kent and Svitzer Shotley both make their way to berth 9 where the pilot gets them to take the centre leads fore and aft but wanted the bigger 3212 Svitzer Kent aft and the smaller 2411 Svitzer Shotley forward. The tugs were made fast before the crew began to single up fore and aft. Spring were the last lines to be released.

The pilot began with an easy pull with both tugs away from the quay steadily increasin power. After a little while the pilot drops the power of the Kent so the Shotley could bring the bow into the channel.

Bow responding to the Shotley, the pilot kicks ahead on one engine before getting the Kent to drop in astern. Once the Kent is right astern the pilot comes ahead on both engines.  Shotley eases and comes in to let go from forward.  Once released they peel off onto the Harwich side and makes their way around to the port quarter for the 90° Beach End turn out of the harbour.  As Shotley comes around the stern, the pilot gets the Kent to move out onto starboard side at full line load for a powered indirect.

Deep draughted OOCL United Kingdom eases from Felixstowe bound for Singapore 16th July 2018

The heavily laden and deep draughted OOCL United Kingdom sets sail for Singapore.

After the Harwich Haven pilot boards from the shore side, crew lift the gangway ready to sail.  Two Svitzer tugs were ordered for departure. With standard procedures on these type of ships, the pilot prefers to have a 3212 tug aft so they can assist with the 90° Beach End turn out of the harbour.

The two tugs that were ordered leave the pontoon and make their way to berth 8.  The pilot confirms with the tugs that he would like the bigger 3212 Svitzer Deben aft and the smaller 2411 Svitzer Shotley forward. Both to make fast on the centre leads.

Deben was first to be made fast. They back away into a pull position and await further instructions, Shotley follows in suit on the bow.

All lines released fore and aft, the OOCL United Kingdom begins to ease away from the berth with just the wind and tide before the Shotley and Deben increase power to pull her into the channel.  The pilot gives a kick ahead on the main engine before getting the Deben to drop in astern and the Shotley to come in to let go from forward then to position on the port quarter for the Beach End.

Approaching the 90° Beach End turn, the pilot gets the Deben to move out onto starboard side at full line load for a powered indirect.  Steadily the Deben increases power producing about s 15° list as they help steer the OOCL United Kingdom around the corner and out of the harbour.

Shotley is stood down as the turn was almost complete, Deben eases and drops in to the transom to retrieve their gear. Deben then swings around to head back into the harbour leaving the pilot onboard the OOCL United Kingdom to guide her to the Sunk where he will disembark onto a Harwich Haven pilot launch.

Heavily laden Murcia Maersk, a Triple E MkII, makes her second visit to Felixstowe 14th July 2018

The Murcia Maersk is one of largest container ship in world. She is an updated version of the 2013 record breaking Triple E and based on the 399 metres in length and 58.6 metre breadth but with the accommodation block 2 cargo bays forward and the engine room one bay further back to accommodate an extra 2,300teu.

Roughly 12 miles out in the North Sea a Harwich Haven pilot launch goes alongside the Murcia Maersk to board a pilot for the inbound passage into the harbour.  Proceeding inwards she passes the Morten Maersk, a first generation Triple E, that was bound for Tanjung Pelepas.

The pilot onboard Murcia Maersk radios Harwich VTS to confirm he was onboard, 14.75 metres from Colombo with no defects, planned port side to Felixstowe Berth 9. VTS replies with a confirmation that there was a ready berth planned port side to Felixstowe Berth 9, followed by the wind on the Landguard and height of tide. The pilot orders two Svitzer tugs for berthing, first one at 7&8 Buoys to make fast centre lead aft ready for the corner and the second outside the harbour to assist on the starboard quarter and then push up for a starboard swing off the berth.

Svitzer Deben which was waiting outside the harbour after being released from the outbound Morten Maersk,  would be the first and aft tug.   As the Murcia Maersk passes 7&8 buoys the Deben makes their approach to make fast centre lead aft. All fast aft the Deben stretches their gear ready to work. The Svitzer Intrepid makes their way out of the harbour and approaches on the starboard side and lays onto the quarter ready to help steering around the 90° degree Beach End turn.

Just as the Murcia Maersk passes the Platters, the pilot gets the Deben to move out onto the port quarter for a powered indirect while the Intrepid pushes up at 45° angle.

Safely inside the harbour, the pilot uses Deben as a brake so they drop in astern and leans straight back at 50%.  The pilot gets the Intrepid to move up to the tug marker and nose up at 75%. As the Intrepid builds up power thick black smoke pours from both funnels.  Shortly after the Deben moves out onto the Port quarter and keeping an eye on the North Shelf Buoy builds up power.  The pilot uses the bow thrusters to almost swing the ship around 180° on the spot.

After swinging, the aft tug moves from the port side onto the starboard in a check position before coming in to pin her on the berth.

Final tie up 6 and 2 with springs first fore and aft.

EDT Tuesday 17th July 07:00

Ultra large Morten Maersk departs Felixstowe for her next port of Tanjung Pelepas 14th July 2018

A harwich Haven pilot boards the 399 metre Morten Maersk as cargo operations were almost complete. The cranes over the mid to aft of the ship were booming up. Two Svitzer tugs were ordered for departure. They both leave the tugs pontoon to stand by the ship. The pilot radios Harwich VTS to say there was a bit of lashing to complete but would like to make the tugs fast as soon as. the ship was almost ready to depart, 13 metre draught for her next port of Tanjung Pelepas in Malaysia.

Duty tug, Svitzer Intrepid radios the Morten Maersk to find out how the pilot intended to use the tugs. The pilot replies the he would like the Deben aft and the Intrepid forward both on the centre leads.  The offshore lines fore and aft were slackened to make it easier to make the tugs fast. Deben was made fast and backs away ready to work, at the bow of the Morten Maersk a crew member was getting ready to throw down a heaving line down for the Intrepid so their tow line could be made fast onto a bollard for the pull off. A coulpe of minutes later, the Intrepid all fast forward, starts to back away as the Stena Britiannica passes through the harbour from Parkeston Quay bound for Rotterdam.  

Singling up to just spring lines fore and aft, the pilot requests permission to break away from Felixstowe berth 9. Permission granted, the springs were released. The pilot starts with just the wind and tide to push her off the berth before increasing the power of the Deben aft while using the bow thrusters to help the bow out. Shortly after the pilot gets the Intrepid to build up power before getting them to pull full power to get the bow into the channel.

After a straight pull off into the channel, the pilot gives a kick ahead on the main engine to keep the mommentum going. Slowly putting more revs ahead on the main engines, Deben eases up and drops in astern while the Intrepid goes right ahead and gets in a position to let go from forward.  Intrepid retieving their gear and peels off onto the Felixstowe side. The skipper on the Intrepid asks the pilot if they were required on port quarter for the 90° Beach End out of the harbour. The pilot said that he would like them to lay alongside on the port quarter just incase they were needed.  Speed increasing all the time, the pilot gets the Deben to go out onto the starboard side for a powered indirect around the Beach End.

Safely around the Beach End, the Intrepid is stood down and makes their way back into the harbour to Berth 9 to wait for their next job of the day.  Deben ease and closes up to be released from aft. One released they wait outside the harbour,  before proceeding to 7&8 Buoys to make the aft tug on the Murcia Maersk.

I am back.    Over the last month or so the Port of Felixstowe have upgraded their IT system to a more efficient and reliable system but it's had a few teething problems.    

Hutchinson's have bought the software out in their terminals around the world which has been a success but with Felixstowe was slightly different as the port handles more empties than Chinese ports.

  I did not want to cause any extra problems for them so any good journalist would give them time to get used to the system.

The port is getting back to normal now and I feel this is the right time to restart my blog.

I thank you for your support and hope to inform you more about the largest ships in the world that visit the port of Felixstowe.

OOCL Hong Kong departs the Port of Felixstowe with a powered indirect 10th May 2018

The OOCL Hong Kong departs Felixstowe 

Berth 8. As she approaches the Fort Buoy, the pilot has both tugs assist with a powered indirect by helping steering her around the 90° Beach End turn into the North Sea.

Helle Ritscher swings to starboard off Felixstowe Berth 6. 8th May 2018

Her next port has just been updated. She is making an additional call at London Gateway before sailing to Kotka.

Maiden voyage Maersk Hangzhou slides away from Felixstowe Berth 6 with two Svitzer tugs 8th May 2018

MAERSK Hangzhou departs Felixstowe after her first and maiden call.  

Two Svitzer tugs assist the Hangzhou off the berth.

MSC Mirjam departs Felixstowe Berth 9 at sunset with three Svitzer tugs 7th May 2018

First call Tampa Triumph eases from Felixstowe's Trinity 7. 7th May 2018

Seago Felixstowe arrives to a hot and hazy Felixstowe planned starboard side to Trinity 4 070518

Marseille Maersk arrives to Felixstowe fairly light, 3 Svitzer tugs assist with a port swing. 050518

Dredger UILENSPIEGEL commences maintenance dredging in the Harwich Haven 1st May 2018

CSCL Indian Ocean arrives to Felixstowe and swings to starboard with three Svitzer tugs 1st May 2018

My apologies I've got the quarter tug and bow to bow tug the wrong way round.  Svitzer Shotley is on the quarter and Svitzer Sky on a bow to bow for the centre lead.

The CSCL Indian Ocean arrives to the Port of Felixstowe after her tour of Europe. Felixstowe is the first and last port in Europe on the LL1 route which OOCL and CSCL have weekly sailings from the Far East to Europe.

After leaving Wilhemshaven with a draught of 14.5 metres heading for Felixstowe, the UK was being battered with another storm which had closed the Sunk Pilot Station due to rough seas. The decision to close the pilot station is not taken lightly as it could cause huge percussions with the economy but safety of seafarers are paramount.

A vessel heading outbound to the Cork pilot station was a sight of good news. As time went on, Sunk pilots radioed the CSCL Indian with information that a pilot will be heading out to try and board a pilot at 12:30 local time and told them to be at least 4 miles East of the Sunk centres Racon with a ladder rigged 2 metres above the water on both sides due to the weather.

Safely onboard the pilot confirms he was onboard 14.5 metres from Wilhemshaven planned portside to Felixstowe Berth 8 and would like three Svitzer tugs for berthing. The first at 7&8 buoys centre lead aft, second outside on the starboard quarter and the third bow to bow inside the harbour.

Svitzer Deben was the first tug to meet the CSCL Indian Ocean and makes fast centre lead aft. Svitzer Shotley is the next tug to leave and positions on the starboard quarter.  Approaching the 90° Beach End turn the pilot gets the Deben to move out onto port quarter for a powered indirect.  Safely inside the harbour Svitzer Sky makes their approach to make fast on a bow to bow.

The pilot gets the tugs ready for a starboard swing off the berth. Shotley pushes up full on the quarter while the Deben moves onto the port quarter to take the stern around.  Sky moves out onto the starboard shoulder at full power and takes the bow around.  After swinging half way around the pilot stops the Sky forward as the Shotley comes away from the quarter to reposition on the shoulder and begin to push her closer to the berth.   Deben running out of space on the port quarter moves onto the starboard side into a check position.

The Deben comes in to pin her onto the berth while the mooring gang make her fast alongside Felixstowe berth 8.

Final tie up 6 and 2 each end with springs first.

ML Freyja swings to port for Harwich Navyard 1 Berth 1st May 2018

The Ro-Ro cargo ferry, ML Freyja connects the UK and Scandinavia. Built in 2017, the ML Freyja replaced the smaller Stena Forerunner which was previously on this route as the demand of freight  increased.

Although it's the 1st of May, the British weather still packed her punch. Earlier this morning the Sunk pilot station was suspended due to the rough conditions but as the morning went on the wind dropped and the pilot launch headed outbound to the Cork pilot station to land a pilot then to board a onto ML Freyja.

Pilot onboard the ML Freyja radios Harwich VTS to say he was onboard inbound for Harwich Navyard 1 starboard side to.   Proceeding into the harbour, the pilot contacts the little work boat that was helping the Freyja make fast alongside. Turning to port to follow the River Stour, the pilot begins a port swing between the berth and the Gard Buoy. Safely swung the ML Freyja slowly backs up to her berth.

2015 record breaker MSC Oscar swings to port with 3 Svitzer tugs at Felixstowe 27th April 2018

In 2014/15 the race for the world's largest container ship was fierce with Maersk Line claiming first with there 18,270teu Maersk Mc-Kinney Møller, then China Shipping bought out a bigger one, topping 19,100teu. Only 2 months later MSC bought out a larger ship MSC Oscar just 124teu bigger.

MSC Oscar sailing as part of the 2M alliance with Maersk, Hyundai and Hamburg Süd arrives from Colombo with a draught of 13.5 metres.  

A Harwich Haven pilot boards the MSC Oscar at the Sunk pilot station roughly 12 miles out in the North Sea.   Once onboard he radios Harwich VTS to say they were inbound with no defects, planned portside to Felixstowe Berth 9, draught of 13.5 metres from Colombo. VTS replies there was a ready berth planned portside to Felixstowe 9, wind on the Landguard and traffic outbound.  The pilot replies that he would like three tugs for berthing. The first at the usual place (7&8 Buoys) make fast centre lead aft the second outside on the starboard quarter to assist with the Beach End then make fast once inside and the third bow to bow inside the harbour.  Duty tug copied the conversation.

Svitzer Deben leaves the tug pontoon to be the first tug shortly followed by the Svitzer Sky.   Deben makes fast centre lead aft while the Sky positions on the starboard quarter.  A little while later Svitzer Kent leaves the tug pontoon to meet the MSC Oscar as she approaches the Beach End.   The pilot gets the Deben to go out on the port quarter at full line load for a powered indirect.  Safely inside the harbour Deben drops in astern as the Kent makes fast forward.  Sky comes away from the ships side to and swings around to make fast while going astern.

The Deben goes straight astern to help reduce the headway before the port swing.   Sky moves out at a 90° and starts taking the stern around. I'm the mean time Kent moves out onto the starboard shoulder at 90° angle to take the bow around. Slowly the Deben aft transfer the weight from right astern to the starboard quarter. The pilot kicks the engine ahead as the tugs swing the Oscar around.

As the Oscar was almost swung the pilot and the Capitan walk out onto the Port bridge wing to line her perfectly alongside Felixstowe Berth 9. Closer to the fenders the pilot radios the berthing master to say the final tie up will be 6 and 2 each end with the aft spring first then offshore lines aft followed by the forward springs and the rest of the lines.  A small adjustment was made for the gangway so a bollard wasn't in the way.

Svitzer Deben assists the ultra large MSC Eloane with a powered indirect. 27th April 2018

The MSC Eloane departs Felixstowe with a draught of 14.35 metres for Tanjung Pelepas in Malaysia.  As the 400 metre MSC Eloane safely edges away from the berth. Approaching the Beach End, Svitzer Deben moves out onto the starboard quarter for a powered indirect.

MSC Eloane swings at Felixstowe. Two Svitzer tugs assist with a port swing. 25th April 2018

The 400 metres MSC Eloane makes her way from bremerhaven to the Sunk Pilot Station with a maximum draught of 12.4 metres.

A Harwich Haven pilot boards the MSC Eloane and makes his way up to the bridge. A few minutes later the pilot radios Harwich VTS to confirm that they were inbound with a draught 12.4 metres for Felixstowe Berth 9.  VTS replies there was a ready berth planned portside to Felixstowe Berth 9, wind on the Landguard and the outbound traffic. The pilot replies he would like two tugs for berthing, the first tug centre lead aft at 7&8 with the second outside the harbour on the starboard quarter then move around to the port quarter then possibly make fast on the port shoulder depending on how the bow thrusters react.

Heavily laden OOCL Hong Kong arrives to Felixstowe straight from Singapore, 3 Svitzer assist. 260418

The OOCL Hong Kong heavily laden with a draught of 15.8 metres from her last port of Singapore. As she was deep draught she had to come in on the high tide but before she could make her way inbound, the OOCL United Kingdom was also deep draught at 15.6 metres and was tide restricted departs Felixstowe Berth 8 with three Svitzer tugs.

A Harwich Haven pilot boards for the OOCL Hong Kong at the Sunk pilot station roughly 12 nautical miles out in the North Sea. Once onboard the pilot radios Harwich VTS to say they inbound 15.8 with no defects from Singapore planned starboard side to Felixstowe Berth 8.  VTS confirms a ready berth planned starboard side to Berth 8, wind on the Landguard and the outbound traffic.   The pilot replies that he would like three tugs for berthing, the first at the usual place centre lead aft for a powered indirect. Secondly on the starboard quarter for the corner and then make fast on port quarter.  The third tug bow to bow inside the harbour.

Svitzer Deben leaves the tug pontoon and heads out of the harbour shortly followed by the Svitzer Sky.  The OOCL Hong Kong gradually decreasing speed as she approaches 7&8 buoys, Svitzer Deben makes fast centre lead aft while the Sky positions on starboard quarter.   Svitzer Shotley makes their way towards the Beach End.  The pilot gets the Deben to move out onto the port quarter at full line load for a powered indirect. Sky pushes up on the starboard quarter.

Safely around the 90° Beach End turn into the harbour, Sky comes away from the ships side and moves around the stern to make fast on the port quarter.   Shotley makes fast centre lead forward. Shortly after the pilot uses the Deben as a brake by going right astern.  Both centre lead tugs move onto the starboard side to start taking the Hong Kong towards the berth.  After getting closer to the  berth,  Deben and Shotley move around to check positions on the port side.

Final tie up 6 and 2 each end.

During the night on the next available tide the OOCL Hong Kong was taken off the berth and swung around so she was portside to the berth.

Tide restricted OOCL United Kingdom departs Felixstowe with assistance of 3 Svitzer tugs 260418

As the Harwich Haven pilot boards the tide restricted OOCL United Kingdom, with a draught of 15.6 metres, alongside Felixstowe Berth 8, three Svitzer tugs leave the tug pontoon to standby the ship awaiting further instructions from the pilot. The radio comes alive the the pilot saying where he wanted the tugs. Svitzer Kent goes for the centre lead aft as a ship of this size and draught requires a powered indirect out of the harbour. Svitzer Shotley goes for the centre lead forward. Normally, a third tug would make fast on the quarter but as the 2 new STS gantry cranes which was delivered last month were positioned over the bow the pilot wanted the Svitzer Sky to make fast on the starboard shoulder for ensurance the bow would not cause any problems.  

Once the tugs were made fast, the lines fore and aft were slackened and bought back onboard. The Sky was the first tug to increase power away from the quay with Kent and Shotley following suit. Steadily the OOCL United Kingdom eases parallel from the berth before the forward tugs ease power so the pilot could use tide and the Kent to back her into the channel.

As the Hong Kong enters the channel the bow begins to swing starboard with the two bow tugs and thrusters. Sky is released from the shoulder and heads around the stern to position on the port quarter ready for a push indirect.   The pilot comes ahead on the main engine and gets the Shotley to close up to let go from forward. After retreiving their gear,  they peel off onto the Felixstowe side and heads back to the pontoon.

Approaching the Fort Buoy, the pilot gets the Sky to push up full at a 45 degree angle on the quarter while the Kent moves out on the starboard side at full line load for a powered indirect.

Safely out of the harbour, the Sky comes away from the ships side and heads back to the pontoon while the Kent eases and drops in astern to let go and head back to the pontoon.

MSC Mirja departs a breezy Felixstowe with two 3212 Svitzer tugs 25th April 2018

Msc Mirja departs Felixstowe with a maximum draught of 10.5 metres bound for Antwerp.  Two 3212 Svitzer tugs assist with an easy pull off the berth. Svitzer Deben goes centre lead aft and Svitzer Kent goes centre lead forward.

After pulling the MSC Mirja in to the channel Kent is released from forward and positions on the port quarter. Deben drops in astern as the Mirja comes ahead on their main engine.  Approaching the Beach End Deben moves out for a powered indirect on the starboard side while Kent pushes up on the port quarter.

MSC's Pegasus class, MSC Mirja arrives to the Port of Felixstowe. 23rd April 2018

MSC Mirja arrives from Algeciras with a draught of 12 metres. The Harwich Haven pilot boards for the Mirja at the Sunk. Once onboard be requests two Svitzer tugs for berthing, first one at 7&8 to make fast centre lead aft and the second outside the harbour to position on the starboard quarter then move up onto the shoulder to make fast as they push up closer to the berth.

Ultra Large MSC Tina arrives to Felixstowe, three Svitzer tugs assist with a starboard swing 200418

MSC Tina laden with cargo from the Far East  arrives to the Port of Felixstowe. Heading West from her last port of call in Sri Lanka bound for the Suez Canal into Europe with a draught of 14 metres.

As MSC Tina approaches the Sunk Pilot Station which boarder international waters where a Harwich Haven pilot launch goes alongside to board a pilot.  Once onboard the pilot confirms with Harwich VTS, the draught and if there was any defects. VTS replies there was a ready berth planned portside to Felixstowe Berth 9, wind on the Landguard and traffic.   The pilot request three Svitzer tugs for berthing. The first at the usual place (7&8 buoys) make fast centre lead aft, the second outside the harbour on the starboard quarter and the third inside the harbour bow to bow.  The pilot also said he will be doing a starboard swing off the berth.

Svitzer Deben and Svitzer Sky charges out the harbour to meet the the inbound ship.  Crew onboard MSC Tina prepare a heaving line so the Deben's tow gear could be made fast on a bollard aft.  With speed reducing steadily Sky positions on the starboard quarter.  A short while later Svitzer Deben leaves the tug pontoon to meet the MSC Tina at the 90° Beach End in to the harbour.  The gives the Kent aft the heads up that they will be required to go out at full line load on the portside for a powered indirect.  Passing the Platters, the pilot gets Kent to go out for a powered indirect.

Safely in the harbour Kent drops in astern while the Deben makes their approach to make fast on a bow to bow.   The pilot begins to slow the Tina down with Kent leaning back and by going astern on the main engine.  Down to a crawl, the pilot begins to use the bow thrusters releasing a puff of smoke out of the funnel. Shortly after the pilot gets the Sky to square up and increase power while Kent moves out at 90° on the starboard shoulder to start taking the bow around. Deben aft moves onto the port quarter at a 90° angle and starts to take the stern around.

Steadily she swings to starboard off the berth. Waiting on the quayside, the berthing master and mooring gang were ready and waiting for the Tina to come alongside. Swung around, the pilot continues to use the Sky to push her closer to the berth. Kent comes in for a push on the starboard shoulder while aft the Deben switches from the portside to the starboard side in a check position.   Kent then backs off with a slack line.  Slowly edging onto the berth, the crew forward throw a heaving line for the springs to the mooring gang.

 Final tie up 6 and 2 each end.

As the Kent is released from forward they plan to do a fire monitor test in front of Landguard Viewpoint.

Svitzer Kent soaks Landguard Viewpoint as they test their fire monitors 20th April 2018

The Svitzer Kent which was the bow tug on the inbound MSC Tina swinging for  Felixstowe berth 9. After the MSC Tina was alongside and making fast, Svitzer Kent is released from forward. While retrieving their tow gear the skipper onboard radios Harwich VTS to say they would be doing a fire monitor test in front of Landguard Viewpoint and wanted the wind speed and direction on the Landguard so they could position themselves.

The water jets start up gently. Thick black smoke poured from the starboard funnel as the jets spray into the air producing a brilliant water show for the people at the viewpoint.

Time lapse of MSC Tina swinging for Felixstowe Berth 9. 20th April 2018

The MSC Tina swinging for Felixstowe Berth 9 with the assistance of three Svitzer tugs.

Second Gen Triple E, Moscow Maersk swings off Felixstowe 9 with three Svitzer tugs to depart 170418

Moscow Maersk, one of the largest ships in Maersk Line's fleet able to carry an impressive 20,568teu prepares to depart Felixstowe.

The last crane booms up and a few minutes later the driver makes his long journey down the many flights of steps to the bottom.  Crew onboard the Moscow Maersk raise the gangway lifted after the Harwich Haven pilot boards.

A short while later the pilot confirms that they were ready the services and wanted to up the order of tugs from two to three.  As she was starboard side to Berth 9 she would have to swing to depart.   The tugs leave the pontoon to standby the ship and wait for instructions from the pilot.

The pilot radios the tugs to say where he wanted them. Svitzer Kent makes fast centre lead aft, Svitzer Deben makes fast centre forward and for the time being svitzer Shotley to push up on the port quarter. The plan was to come off the berth then swing to port.

The lines fore and aft are released one by one as the shotley pushes up.  Once let go Shotley backs off, while the centre lead tugs pulls Moscow Maersk clear of the berth and the gap between them and the quay increases.
The pilot uses the bow thrusters to start swinging the bow to port. The Svitzer Kent moves from the port side on to the starboard side and increases power as the shotley pushes up to swing the stern.

Swung clear of the berth, the Shotley, Deben and Kent ease down. As the pilot comes ahead on the main engines. Deben closes up to let go from forward and peels off onto the Harwich side.

Approaching the 90° Beach End, the pilot gets the Shotley to push up at a 45° angle a few moments later the Kent moves out onto the starboard side for a powered indirect.

CSCL Atlantic Ocean arrives to Felixstowe. 3 Svitzer tugs assist with a starboard swing. 170418

The CSCL Atlantic Ocean arrives to the Port of Felixstowe after calling at European ports. Approaching the Sunk pilot station with a draught of 13.7 metres from her last port of Wilhemshaven in Germany a Harwich Haven pilot boards for the inward passage.

Once onboard he radios Harwich VTS to say they were inbound, 13.7 draught from Wilhemshaven with no defects. Vts replies there was a ready berth planned portside to Felixstowe Berth 8, winds on the Landguard and any conflicting traffic.  The pilot replies that he would like three tugs for berthing. First at 7&8 make fast centre lead aft, second at the Platters to escort on the starboard quarter around the Beach End and then make fast on the quarter and finally the third tug bow to bow in the harbour.  Duty tug copied the tug order.

Svitzer Kent leaves the tug pontoon to head out to be the first tug shortly followed by the Svitzer Shotley. Kent makes fast centre lead aft while the Shotley positions on the quarter.  The Kent moves out for a powered indirect on the port quarter to help steer the ship around the 90° Beach End turn in to the harbour.  In the meantime Svitzer Deben leaves the tug pontoon and towards the Beach End where they will meet the CSCL Atlantic Ocean on a North/South heading for a bow to bow to make fast centre lead forward.

The Kent eases off and goes directly eastern to begin slowing the Atlantic Ocean down ready for the starboard swing off the berth. To straighten her up Deben favours the Port shoulder while Kent favours the starboard quarter.   Both tugs soon move back to their original positions before the pilot starts to swing her around. Shotley squares up on the quarter and begins to push up, Kent moves out onto the Port quarter and starts taking the stern around keeping an eye on the North Shelf Buoy. Deben moves out on the starboard shoulder and takes the bow around.

Swung around the pilot carefully edges the CSCL Atlantic Ocean closer to her berth where the betting master and mooring gang were ready and waiting for her to come alongside.

Final the up 8 and 2 each end with springs first fire and aft.

Felixstowe heightens 10 ZMPC Cranes. April 2018

The Port of Felixstowe expands further with heightening 10 ZMPC cranes on Trinity 6 and 7 berth.  The cranes will be able to work cargo 11 high unrestricted.  ZMPC's Dutch subsidiary are carrying out the work which is expected to be completed by December 2018 and cost approx £1.5m each crane.

Maersk Hanoi on her maiden voyage eases from Trinity 7 with the assistance of Svitzer Deben 160418

Maersk Hanoi was gently eases away from Felixstowe's Trinity 7 berth. With all new technology onboard these new builds, just one Svitzer tug was ordered for departure. As the last crane boomed up, a Harwich Haven pilot goes across to the tug pontoon on a pilot launch from Harwich.

Pilot heading up to the Hanoi as the Svitzer Deben breaks away from the tug pontoon.  Pilot radios VTS to confirm draught which was 13.1 metres for her next port of Le Havre and once the tug was fast they were ready to depart. Given clearance to depart,  the Svitzer Deben is made fast centre lead aft.  The crew begin to single up fore and aft but up the stern of the ship an problem with one of the offshore lines was causing an issue.  The problem soon sorted the rest of the lines were dropped and just down to the spring lines, Deben gets ready to pull the ship off the berth.

The pilot planned to use the bow and stern thrust to edge into the channel and then release the Deben when they got some headway.

As the Maersk Hanoi breaks away from the berth she begins to move closer to the boomed down crane astern of the ship so the pilot kicks ahead a couple of times on the main engine before getting the Deben to move right astern as the ship goes ahead towards the Guard Buoy. Steering nicely the pilot hits Deben to close up to let go.

Suecia Seaways swings off her berth to depart Felixstowe Ro Ro 4 16th April 2018

As the the DFDS Ro-Ro ferry Suecia Seaways closes up and prepares to depart, the Maersk Hanoi was gently easing off Trinity 7 with mainly bow and stern thrust but also Svitzer Deben.

The Suecia Seaways asks for permission to break away from Ro-Ro4. VTS checks with the pilot onboard if its ok, Permission granted the Suecia pushes off the berth before swinging to port and then head out of the harbour for her next port of Rotterdam.

Maiden voyage of Maersk's H Class vessel, Maersk Hanoi swinging for Felixstowe Trinity 6 140418

Maersk Line have started to bring out a new class of vessels. The H Class vessel are 353 metres long and a width 53.5 metres which can hold a maximum of 15,262teu.

The Maersk Hanoi on her maiden voyage calls to a few European ports with Antwerp being the last port before heading to Felixstowe. The Hanoi makes her way towards the Sunk Pilot Station with a draught of just 11.1 metres and an interesting layout of containers.

A Harwich Haven pilot boards the Maersk Hanoi and begins the inward passage for Felixstowe Berth 6. A short while later the pilot requests two Svitzer tugs for berthing, the first tug to meet at the Platters to make fast centre lead aft and the second tug inside the harbour on a bow to bow. The pilot said he would be swinging to port and then back up towards the berth.

Svitzer Deben heads out the harbour to be the first tug and makes fast centre lead aft.  Svitzer Sky paddles towards the Beach End waiting for the arrival of the Maersk Hanoi.  As the ship rounds the Beach End Sky makes their approach on a bow to bow. Speed reducing all the time as the ship tracks up the harbour on a northerly heading.

Deben fast aft, begins to lean back astern to slow Maersk Hanoi more before the pilot starts a port swing.  Deben moves out onto the starboard quarter and takes the stern around while the Sky moves out onto the port shoulder and increases power to take the bow around.  As the pilot begins to back the ship up towards the Trinity 6 where she was berthing.    Final tie up 6 and 2 each end.

Sunday evening as the Thalassa Doxa was leaving berth 7, two Svitzer tugs went to station on the Maersk Hanoi. Both of the tugs pulled her clear of Berth 6 and steadily backs the Hanoi up to Berth 7.

Two 3212 Svitzer tugs assist the ultra large Thalassa Doxa as she arrive to a hazy Felixstowe 140418

Thick fog still persisting at the Port of Felixstowe, the Thalassa Doxa sails from Rotterdam with a draught of 12 metres. She sails for Evergreen as part of the French Asia line 6 (FAL 6)

The 368 metre vessel makes her way towards the Sunk Pilot Station where a Harwich Haven pilot boards. Once onboard he requests two Svitzer tugs for berthing, the first at the Platters to make fast centre lead and the second at the Beach End on a bow to bow. The pilot also confirms that he would be swinging to port then back up to Trinity 7.

Svitzer Deben heads out to be the first tug. A while later Svitzer Kent heads towards the Beach End and waits for the Thalassa to enter the harbour.   Safely in the harbour the pilot uses the Deben as a brake before making a turn to port in the middle of the harbour.

The pilot gets the Deben to move out onto the starboard quarter and start taking the stern around while the Kent moves out on port shoulder and starts taking the bow around.  Three quarters swung, the pilot gets both tugs to stop towing and follow the ship as they begin to back up towards the berth.  Deben then moves onto the portside to pull the aft towards the berth. 

As the Thalassa Doxa begins to edge closer to the berth, the tugs straighten her up.

Final tie up 6 and 2 each end with springs first fore and aft.

Ultra large Talos leaves Felixstowe with a powered indirect from Svitzer Deben 30th March 2018

Ultra large Talos departs Felixstowe with the assistance of two 3212 Svitzer tugs bound for Southampton. As the ship was heavily laden the pilot required a powered indirect around the 90 degree Beach End turn out of the harbour.  Svitzer Deben shows a perfect maneoeure helping to ensure that the Talos steered around the corner.

Ultra large Majestic Maersk swings to starboard for Felixstowe Berth 9. 10th April 2018

Visability still not brilliant, the ultra large Majestic Maersk arrives from Bremerhaven to Felixstowe with a maximum draught of 12.9 metres.

The pilot boards the Majestic Maersk at the Sunk Pilot Station and requests two Svitzer tugs for berthing. The first tug centre lead aft to meet at the usual place 7&8 Buoys and the second outside the harbour on the starboard quarter then to push up for a starboard swing off the berth to go portside to Felixstowe Berth 9.

Svitzer Kent is the first tug to meet the Majestic Maersk and makes fast centre lead aft.  Shortly after the Svitzer Shotley also leaves the harbour and positions on the starboard quarter as a backup for the 90 degree Beach End turn into the harbour.

Safely around the Beach End, Kent is used as a brake to slow the ship down ready for the starboard swing. The pilot gets the Shotley to square up and increase power, Kent moves out on the port quarter to swing the stern around.   The pilot uses bow thrusters to swing the bow around.

All Swung the pilot carefully edges the Majestic Maersk towards the berth.  Kent runs out of space on the portside so they move on to the starboard side into a check position.

Final tie up 6 and 2 each end with springs first.

Newly renamed SM Tacoma swings with Svitzer Shotley for Felixstowe 7. 10th April 2018

As the lighter winds sweep across the UK, thick and dense fog began to form causing navigational issues.

The SM Tacoma was due to arrive around midday but was pushed back to later in the afternoon in hope visability would improve.

As the fog lifted a bit, a Harwich Haven pilot leaves the harbour outbound to the Sunk Pilot Station where they boards the SM Tacoma.

Heading inbound, the pilot requests just one Svitzer tug for berthing to meet at the Platters and make fast centre lead aft.

Svitzer Shotley breaks away from the tug pontoon out the harbour to meet the SM Tacoma. Approaching the harbour, visability decreased to about 4-6 cables and slightly improved inside the harbour.

Once inside the harbour the pilot tracking on a northerly heading towards the Shotley Spit where the Svitzer Shotley moves out onto the starboard quarter and increase power to swing the SM Tacoma to port.  After swinging, the pilot backs up towards Felixstowe's Trinity 7 where Tacoma was berthing portside to alongside.

Tide restricted OOCL Scandinavia eases from Felixstowe with four Svitzer tugs 6th April 2018

Tide restricted OOCL Scandinavia eases from Felixstowe with four Svitzer tugs. 6th April 2018

One of the world's largest container ships, OOCL Scandinavia, prepares to depart Felixstowe heavily laden for her next port of Singapore with a maximum draught of 15 metres.  Before the pilot boarded he had already said that he would require 3 tugs for the departure but as the new cranes were positioned on the middle of Berths 8&9 and were positioned over her bow a fourth tug would be required for safety reasons.

The pilot boards the OOCL Scandinavia and radios Harwich VTS to say that the ship was slightly heavier than predicted at 15.2 metres so with a few calculations the vessel would need atleast 2.2 metres on the tide before departing.  Duty tug, Svitzer Kent radios the OOCL Scandinavia to find out how the pilot would like  the tugs. The plan was to have the two 3212's on the centre leads fore and aft with the two 2411's on the starboard quarter and starboard shoulder. As the wind was slightly off the berth the quarter and shoulder tugs were to push up as the ship singled up and let go.  The pilot then both 3212's to assist with the Beach End corner out of the harbour.

The four tugs that were requested, leave the tug pontoon and head to stations. Svitzer Kent goes to the stern for the centre lead aft while the Svitzer Deben goes under the bow for the centre lead forward. A few minutes later the Svitzer Shotley makes fast on the starboard quarter while the Svitzer Sky makes fast on the starboard shoulder.

The DFDS ferry Suecia Seaways was heading inbound from the North for Felixstowe Ro-Ro 4 Berth. With the Scandinavia unable to break away for another 20-30 minutes, VTS radios the pilot to check if the Suecia could slip through before they break away. The Suecia presses on passing 7&8 buoys

Sky and Shotley both push up as the Suecia Seaways enters the harbour, the OOCL Scandinavia lets go of the rest of the lines with springs to be released last. Deben and Kent builds up to a 50% pull as the Sky and Shotley back away from the ship to increase power when in position.  The ship begins to edge away from the berth with all four tugs pulling.   The pilot gets the Shotley to ease down and come in to let go. A little while later the Sky eases and closes up to let go.

The OOCL Scandinavia slowly coming ahead on the main engine, Kent aft stops towing and drops in astern while the Deben stops towing forward and drops in right ahead to let go. After letting go they retreive their gear and peel off onto the Felixstowe side and makes their way to the port quarter to assist with the Beach End. 

Approaching the Fort Buoy, the pilot gives the heads up that he would require both tug to help turning the 90 degree Beach End corner.  Firstly the Kent moves out onto the starboard side at full line load for a powered indirect while the Deben pushes up full power at a 45 degree angle on the port quarter to help steer the OOCL around the corner.

Once safely around the corner Deben breaks away fromt the ships side and Kent closes up to the transom to retrieve their gear and head back ito the harbour to wait for their next job of the afternoon.

Heavily laden CSCL Arctic Ocean eases from Felixstowe Berth 8 with three Svitzer tugs 30th March 18

Previous Guinness world record holder of the largest container ship in the world CSCL Arctic Ocean sails from the Port of Felixstowe bound for the Suez Canal heading to Singapore.

With a draught of 14.9 metres and stacked high on top deck she was ready to depart so a Harwich Haven pilot boards the CSCL Arctic Ocean from the shore side for the outward passage to the Sunk.

Once onboard the pilot requests three Svitzer tugs and the mooring gang for the departure.   Svitzer Kent goes aft for the centre lead aft, Svitzer Shotley makes fast starboard quarter and the Svitzer Deben makes fast centre lead forward. 

The ship begins to single up as the tugs get ready to pull the CSCL Arctic Ocean clear of the berth.  Springs fore and aft were the last to be released.  The pilot gets all three tugs to steadily increase power to edge her into the channel being careful not to get too close to the Zhen Hua 23 alongside on berth 9.

As the CSCL Arctic Ocean comes away from the berth, crew on the bridge wing takes loads of photos of the Zhen Hua 23.

Safely in the channel, Svitzer Shotley eases and closes up ready to let go.  As the pilot begins to come ahead on the main engine. Deben stops towing and closes up to let go. Kent drops in astern but kept fast aft.  The pilot wanted the Deben to reposition onto the port quarter ready for a push indirect as the CSCL was a bit slow picking up speed. 

Approaching the Fort Buoy, the pilot gets the Deben to push up full power at a 45 degree angle on the most aft tug marker.  The ship steering nicely around the 90 degree Beach End turn, the pilot gets the Kent to close up to let go from aft as the Deben was doing a grand job assisting her out of the harbour into the North Sea.

Sealand Washington on charter from Costamare departs Felixstowe with two 3212 Svitzer tug

The Sealand Washington departs Felixstowe with the assistance of two 3212 Svitzer tugs.   The Washington was built in 2000 and really shows her age. She was sold to Costamare for an undisclosed fee and chartered back to Maersk on a 7 year lease. 

A Harwich Haven pilot d the Sealand Washington from the quayside.  Wvith a draught of 10.7 metres she sails for her next port of Rotterdam. 

Two Svitzer tugs were ordered for the departure. Svitzer Deben and Svitzer Kent both head up to Trinity 5 where she was berthed.  Svitzer Deben and Svitzer Kent are 3212 tugs with a bollard pull of 80 tonnes. The pilot wanted them to take the centre leads fore and aft for a straight pull off. The tugs asked for the bollard rating of where the were making fast so they knew the safe working load.

Deben goes aft while Kent takes forward.  Once fast they get on pull positions while the crew and mooring gang single up. As the last lines were released the pilot starts with the departure by increasing the tugs power to edge away from the berth and into the channel.

As the pilot begins to come ahead on the main engine, Kent eases and slackens ready to let go from forward while the Deben drops in astern.  The pilot wanted to keep the Deben on the stern as the Washington had a reputation of not steering to well.

The pilot knowing that the Washington was ok turning, Deben closes up to the stern and let's go from aft.  Once clear the Deben heads off to the next job which was the CSCL Arctic Ocean on Berth 8.

Marie Maersk leaves the Port of Felixstowe bound for Rotterdam Two Svitzer tugs assist 270318

Marie Maersk is pulled safely away from Felixstowe Berth 8 with two Svitzer tugs. 

A while previous the pilot onboard the heavy load carrier Zhen Hua 23 swung her off  Trinity 1 and swung again to go starboard side to Berth 9. Once they had made her fast he pilot transfered onto the Marie Maersk for her departure.

The pilot boards Marie and two Svitzer tugs which were pushing up on the Zhen Hua while she was making fast alongside.  Tugs all finished with Zhen Hua 23, they go to stations on the Marie Maersk. Svitzer Deben makes fast centre lead aft and Svitzer Sky makes fast centre lead forward.

Both tugs ease the Marie Maersk off the berth into the channel. As the pilot comes ahead on both engines, Sky closes up to let go while Deben drops in astern.  Sky stands by on the port quarter but the pilot said the quarter tug could be stood down near the Fort Buoy as Deben would be enough to steer Marie around the 90 degree Beach End. 

Passing the Fort Buoy, the pilot gets the Deben to move out onto the starboard side for a full power indirect.

MSC London breaks away from Felixstowe Berth 9 with assistance of two Svitzer tugs 27th March 2018

MSC London finishes cargo and the pilot boards via the gangway ready to depart Felixstowe for her next port of Antwerp with a draught of 12.1 metres.

As she was about to leave, patchy light rain began to fall but Felixstowe doesn't stop for rain. Both tugs, Svitzer Deben and Svitzer Sky make fast on the centre leads. Deben goes aft and Sky goes forward.  Mooring gang in attendace, the forward lines are slackened so they could be released. Springs were the last to be released. Sky and Deben start off with an easy pull. Shortly after Sky increases to full power.

Steadily edging towards the channel, Deben eases up then drops in astern as the MSC London comes ahead on the main engine. Sky eases up and comes in to let go. The pilot asks the Sky to escort them passed the Fort buoy but stands them down as the ship was steering nicely with the Deben aft just incase they needed a bit of assisting.

Heavily laden OOCL Germany eases off Felixstowe Berth 8 with two 3212 Svitzer tugs 24th March 2018

Heavily laden OOCL Germany eases off Felixstowe Berth 8 with two 3212 Svitzer tugs.  24th March 2018

A very busy day for the Harwich Haven Pilots and Svitzer tugs as the port had a several ultra large movements.  Deep draughted OOCL Germany was ready to depart Felixstowe Berth 8 to head off to Singapore via the Suez Canal. Two Svitzer tugs were ordered for the departure. Svitzer Kent makes fast centre lead aft while Svitzer Deben centre lead forward. Both tugs pull the OOCL Germany clear of the berth into the harbour.

As the OOCL Germany was only had about 6 knots the pilot had the svitzer Deben to push up on the port quarter for a push indirect.

The Zhen Hua 23 sails from Shanghai on a 79 day voyage to Felixstowe with two state of the art ship to shore gantry cranes.

*** Correction to the opening sequence of the video, Svitzer Shotley was made fast port shoulder and not starboard shoulder***

The Zhen Hua 23 sails from Shanghai on a 79 day voyage to Felixstowe with two ship-to-shore cranes .  4 Svitzer tugs assist her on to Trinity 1.   25th March 2018

The Port of Felixstowe welcomes the Zhen Hua 23 which was carrying 2 state of the art ship to shore gantry cranes from ZMPC's yard in Shanghai. The vessel left Shanghai on the 6th January, across the Indian Ocean towards the Horn of Africa as she could not fit through the Suez Canal with the cranes onboard. When she entered the Atlantic Ocean she stopped off at a port in Togo which we believe was for bunkers and then headed for Las Palmas, Gran Canaria for bunkers and stayed around there for about a week before getting on the move steadily heading north.

With a confirmed day of Sunday 25th March, the Zhen Hua picked up speed to around 10 knots occasionally up to  12 knots.  The day did not look brilliant as fog was forecasted. And with how the weather at Felixstowe differs from the actual forecast anything could happen.  The pilot which was going onboard the Zhen Hua had a decision to make, Was it safe to bring in the ship and what would be the tug order be?

At around 1500, the Harwich Haven pilot boarded the Zhen Hua 23 at the Sunk and immediatly ordered 4 tug for berthing. Two 3212 tugs to take the centre leads fore and aft and the smaller 2411's on the port quarter and port shoulder. 

As I got down Shotley, the weather was poor with visability at about 1-2 miles so I wasn't expecting a brilliant video but as she started her turn at the 90 degree Beach End the fog lifted slightly to get some shots. Svitzer Deben made fast centre lead aft, Svitzer Sky made fast prt uarter, Svitzer Shotley made fast port shoulder and Svitzer Kent made fast centre lead forward.

The plan was to edge her straight onto Trinity 1 and then move her onto Berth 9 when it became available on Tuesday.

As thoughts passed through everyones minds, would 10 years previous happen again.  The mooring gang and Zhen Hua's crew steadily egan to make the ship fast alongside with 10 lines each end with 2 chunky lines on the main deck to keep her alongside Trinity 1.

Port of Felixstowe welcomes another first call ship, the MSC Coruna Svitzer Kent assist with berthing

Port of Felixstowe welcomes another first call ship, the MSC Coruna. Svitzer Kent assists with berthing.  24th March 2018

Just recently, in the last couple of months. the Port of Felixstowe have seen a boom in first call vessels to the port. MSC Coruna was one of them. At 270.41 metres long and a breadth of 40.05 metres she has a maximum capacity of 5550 TEU.

The pilot requests just one Svitzer tug for berthing. With MSC Coruna approaching the harbour, Svitzer Kent heads to the Beach End where she makes fast centre lead aft for a port swing in the middle of the harbour and back up to Trinity 5.

Triple E Maribo Maersk arrives to Felixstowe on a busy day of ultra large vessels 22nd March 2018

Today was a busy day for the Port of Felixstowe as they had 4 ultra large movements. Firstly the MSC Sola arrived during the early hours for Berth 7, the latest world's largest container ship OOCL Scandinavia departed berth 8 then the Maribo Maersk arrived for Berth 9 and finally the OOCL Germany went alongside Berth 8 as the sun began to set.

12 miles out in the North Sea, a Harwich Haven pilot launch with a pilot aboard, goes alongside the Maribo Maersk at a steady 6-7 knots. Once onboard he radios Harwich VTS to say they were inbound with a draught of 13.4 from Bremerhaven for Felixstowe via the deep water channel, he believed they were planned portside to Berth 9.  VTS confirms a ready berth, gives the wind speed and direction, height of tide and conflicting traffic.   The pilot requests two Svitzer tugs for berthing, the first tug at 7&8 Buoys to make fast centre lead aft and the second tug outside the harbour on the starboard quarter then once inside the harbour to make fast on the starboard shoulder for a starboard swing off the berth.

Svitzer Deben was the first tug to meet the inbound vessel. A quick swoop around the stern to pick up centre lead aft, Shotley also leaves the harbour swiftly and positions on the starboard quarter just as a backup if Maribo couldn't steer well enough around the 90 degree Beach End turn at the enterance of the harbour.

Once inside the harbour, Shotley comes away from the ships side and heads towards the bow where they make fast on the starboard shoulder.   The pilot uses the engines astern to reduce the headway.  After a few minutes the pilot kicks ahead on one engine to help clear the North Shelf Buoy and give Deben more room to swing the Maribo to starboard.

Shotley stretches their line as they move out on the starboard shoulder and increases power while Deben moves onto the port side to start the swing.  Carefully the the Maribo Maersk swings.  After swinging around 90 degrees the Shotley comes in for a push to maneoeure her closer to the berth.  Deben reappearing on the port side begins to run out of space so they repositions on the starboard side in a check position.

Shotley comes away from the shoulder into a check position aswell as the Maribo slides onto the fenders.

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

OOCL Scandinavia departs Felixstowe with three Svitzer tugs 22nd March 2018

OOCL Scandinavia prepares to depart Felixstowe for her next port of Rotterdam with a draught of 13.6 metres. As the last crane booms up the pilot requests the three Svitzer tugs and the mooring gang.

With all ships over 395 metres, most Harwich Haven pilots prefer to have a 3212 escort tug made fast on the aft. The three tugs leave the tug pontoon to assist the pilot with the departure.

Svitzer Deben makes fast centre lead, Svitzer Shotley makes fast on the starboard quarter and Svitzer Sky takes the centre lead forward.  As the tugs backed away in to pull positions, lines fore and aft are slackened to single up. The last of the springs were released.

The pilot begins with the Deben and Sky with easy weights after a while the Shotley increases power on the quarter. All three tugs builds up power to bring the Scandinavia into the channel. Sky increases power on the bow to point the bow towards the Beach End corner.

The Shotley eases and closes up ready to let go and position on the port quarter to assist steering around the Beach End.  Sky also eases up ready to let go from forward
 Once the Sky's line drops in the water they spin around and heads back to the tug pontoon.

As the OOCL Scandinavia approaches the Fort Buoy, the pilot gets the Deben to go out on the starboard quarter for a powered indirect to help steer the vessel around the 90 degree Beach End.

1st call HSL Portsmouth arrives to Felixstowe, two Svitzer tugs assist with starboard swing. 220318

The HSL Portsmouth arrives to the Port of Felixstowe. Two Svitzer tugs assist with a starboard swing off the berth for Felixstowe Berth 6.

Svitzer Sky makes fast centre lead aft while the Svitzer Deben doesn't make fast but pushes on the port shoulder then after the HSL Portsmouth swung around the Deben repositions on the starboard side to push up alongside.

MSC Diana swings to starboard off Felixstowe Berth 9 and departs with two Svitzer tugs. 210318

As Maersk shakes up their 2M routes the MSC Diana on the AE1 route would be the first ship not to call at Southampton as the changes are implemented. With a draught of 12.1 metres the MSC Diana departs Felixstowe heading for her next port of Rotterdam then she will be go to Zeebrugge instead of Southampton.
Currently MSC Diana in the Pegasus class are the largest in MSC's fleet. Due to be delivered 2019-2020 MSC will hold the record again when they release the new 23,500TEU ships.

A Harwich Haven pilot boards the Diana as the last cranes boom up. The drivers begin the long descent down. Two Svitzer tugs were ordered for the departure where a swing would be required off the berth and as she was starboard side to Felixstowe Berth 9. 
Svitzer Deben and Svitzer Sky both head up to the Diana and waits for instructions. Deben takes the centre lead aft while Sky takes the centre lead forward. Once fast both tugs back away into pull positions. Lines aft begin to slacken and the mooring gang released them off the bollards. Springs were the last to be released before the pilot begins with the departure.

Kent builds up to full power to lif the stern off the berth. Up the bow, Sky increases power up to 50% but soon asked reduce then stop. As the stern begins to swing out the pilot goes astern on the main engine. Bow becoming clear Sky darts around to the starboard side and builds up power to swing her to starboard. 

Both tugs swing her around in no time at all. Deben eases up and drops in astern as the pilot comes ahead on the main engine. Sky eases and closes up to let go before swinging around to standby on the port quarter. The pilot says to the tugs that as they were going a bit slow he would use Sky as a primary steerage around the 90 degree Beach End turn.

Approaching the Fort Buoy Sky begins to push up full power at a 45 degree angle on the most aft tug marker to help MSC Diana round the Beach End. Deben stands by just starboard of centre aft incase they needed a little help.  Once the pilot was happy he got the Deben to close up ready to let go. Sky eases up and breaks away from the ships side.  Both tugs then head back into the harbour for the tug pontoon.

Elly Maersk swings to port with three Svitzer tugs to go portside to Felixstowe Berth 9. 160318

The Elly Maersk sails from Antwerp with a draught of 14.1 metres for Felixstowe Berth 9.  As the vessel approaches the Sunk, a Harwich Haven pilot boards the Elly Maersk for the inward passage into the harbour. 

With the pilot onboard he radios Harwich VTS to confirm they were inbound for Felixstowe Berth 9 planned portside to. VTS replies that there was a ready berth planned portside to Felixstowe Berth 9, wind speed & direction and traffic they would encounter.  As the Elly Maersk proceeded inbound via the deep water channel they passed the ultra large Munkebo Maersk.  The pilot radios VTS that he would require three Svitzer tugs for berthing. the first at 7&8 Buoy to make fast centre lead af, second ouside the harbour on the starboard quarter pushing an finally the third inside the harbour on a bow to bow for a port swing off the berth.

Svitzer Kent was the first tug to leave the harbour shortly followed by the Svitzer Sky.  Kent makes fast aft and gets ready for a powered indirect around the 90 degree Beach End turn into the harbour. The pilot gets the Kent to go out on the port side for a powered indirect.  Sky standing by on the starboard quarter gets the nod to push up to help steer Elly into the harbour.

Svitzer Shotley makes their approach as the headway drops off for the centre lead forward.  Coming round onto a Northerly heading the Kent drops in astern and Sky swings around to standby on the port side for a push.  After a few moments the pilot gets the Kent to favour the starboard side to straighten her up for the port swing.  Sky squares up on the tug marker on the port quarter and begins to increase power to start swinging the Elly. Shotley moves onto the port shouder and icreases powe while the Kent moves onto the starboard quarter and increases power.

Almost swung, the pilot gets Sky to come away from the port side around the stern onto the starboard side. The pilot then gets both Kent and Shotley to pull the Elly closer to the berth before moving onto the starboard side in check positions while the Sky pushes up to land her alongside.

Final tie up 3, 2 and 2 each end with springs first.

Ultra large Munkebo Maersk breaks away from Felixstowe Berth 9 with 3 Svitzer tugs 16th March 2018

The ultra large Munkebo Maersk breaks away from Felixstowe Berth 9 with a draught of 15.35 metres.  Three Svitzer tugs assist the heavily laden vessel off the berth for her next port of Tanjung Pelepas in Malaysia via the Suez Canal.

The Harwich Haven pilot boards the deep draughted Munkebo Maersk from the shore side. The plan was to depart at the first available tide as another tide restricted vessel was coming in for Berth 9.

The three tugs and mooring gang were requested. Svitzer Kent, Svitzer Sky and Svitzer Shotley leave the tug pontoon and stands by the Munkebo for instructions.

The pilot wanted the Kent to make fast centre lead aft, Sky make fast starboard quarter and Shotley make fast centre lead forward. A few offshore lines were released before the tugs make fast.  With the tugs backing off into pull positions, the last of the lines were slackened and bought back onboard.

The pilot gets the Shotley to build up to full power while the Kent and Sky builds up their power to ease the Munkebo of the Berth. The pilot begins to use the bow thrusters which released a plume of smoke from the funnels.

Edging steadily into the channel, the pilot gets the Sky to come in to be released and gets them to assist them on the port quarter ready for a push.  Kent eases up and drops in astern ready for powered indirect around the 90 degree Beach End.   Shotley, forward, was the next to be released and asked to stand by on the port side.

Passing the Fort Buoy, the pilot gets the Kent to move out onto the starboard side for a powered indirect, also the Sky is asked to push up on the most aft tug marker to get the deep draughted vessel around the Beach End out in to the North Sea.

Deep draughted APL Miami swiftly leaves Felixstowe Berth 7 with two Svitzer tugs 14th March 2018

The APL Miami departs Felixstowe Berth 7 for her next port of Le Havre. The vessel  sails on the EPIC1 (Europe Pakistan India Consortium) route which links Europe with the Middle East.   With a draft of 14.6 metres she required the height of the tide to depart.

A Harwich Haven pilot onboard requires two Svitzer tugs to help the vessel off the berth. Svitzer Deben and Svitzer Sky both head up to Trinity 7. The Deben goes aft for the centre lead aft and the Sky goes under the bow for the centre lead forward.   Once fast they both move around to the starboard side and push up to hold her alongside while the crew and mooring gang single up.

All line released the tugs back away ready to work.  The pilot begins to increase the power of the tugs to help pull the APL Miami clear of the berth.  Sky is released from forward and spins around to head back to the tug pontoon.   The pilot holds onto the Deben aft for the 90 degree Beach End turn out in to the North Sea.

Ultra large MSC Leanne swings off the berth with three Svitzer tugs for Felixstowe Berth 9. 10.03.18

As the rain began to fall, Svitzer Deben and Svitzer Shotley leave the tug pontoon to head out to meet a previous Guinness World record holder, 19437TEU MSC leanne.  The MSC Leanne had sailed from Colombo in Sri Lanka with a maximum draught of 14.3 metres as she sails as part of the 2M alliance AE1 with Maersk Line. When she approached the Sunk, a deep water berth was not available until the tide restricted Madrid Maersk had left Felixstowe Berth 9. The MSC Leanne was also tide restricted due to a 14.3 metre draught so she had to wait for the next flooding tide. 

Harwich Haven Pilot boards the MSC Leanne at the Sunk. He requests three Svitzer tugs for berthing to go portside to Felixstowe Berh 9. Two tugs outside and the third inside the harbour on a bow to bow the swing to starboard off the berth.

Svitzer Deben makes fast centre lead aft while the shotley positions on the starboard quarter. Approaching the 90 degree Beach End Svitzer Deben moves out onto the port side at full line load for a powered indirect to safely bring the 400 metre vessel into the harbour. Svitzer Kent makes their approach for the centre lead forward.  Deben drops back in astern but a few momments later the pilot gets the move out onto the starboard quarter to stop the stern swinging too far.  Kent fast forward stretching their line ready to work.

The pilot goes astern on the main engine to slow her down enough for the swing but soon has to kick ahead as the Deben would not of had space to clear the South Shelf Buoy. Shotley squares up and pushes on the starboard quarter. Deben moves around to the port quarter to start taking the stern around while the Kent moves out onto the starboard shoulder to take the bow around.  Swinging around the pilot eases up the Shotley while getting the Kent to move around onto the portside to help the Leaane get closer to the berth.

As the Leanne approaches the berth, Deben and Kent run out of space on the portside and get in check positions on the starboard side.     Crew onboard MSC Leanne throw heaving lines to the mooring gang on the berth. Once alongside the lines one by one were made fast on the bollards.

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

1st call Nordbaltic eases off Felixstowe Berth 4 with Svitzer Deben. 10th March 2018

The Nordbaltic which was a first call to Felixstowe, eases off Trinity 4 berth. At 207 metres long and a width of 29.8 metres, the Nordbaltic has a gross tonnage of 25,407 tonnes that is able to carry a maximum 2478TEU.

After a short delay with a boomed down crane, that resolved it's self and slowly boomed up. Ready to depart for her next port of Rotterdam with a draught of 8.4 metres.  Svitzer Deben standing by near the aft of the Nordbaltic. The pilot kicks the engine over then gives Deben clearance to come in to make fast.

Deben fast on the centre lead aft, the crew onboard begin to single up to just springs at both ends. The plan was to bring her off square then let the bow thrusters swing the bow out into the tide. With the bow swung, to come ahead before release the Deben.

The pilot gets the Deben to pull off with an easy weight as he uses the bow trusters.   Steadily the Nordbaltic swings to a southerly heading and the pilot trickles ahead on the main engine before releasing the Deben from aft.

Haci Fatma Ana leaves Parkeston Tanker Berth for her next port of Dunkerque 10th March 2018

The Haci Fatma Ana has been a troublesome tanker for the ship spotters in the Harwich Haven for the last couple of months as she has either arrived or departed during the dark hours. Today was very unusual as she departed during daylight.

Haci Fatma Ana was built in 2010 for the North Sea Tankers. Her tanks have been split into 14 seperate tanks for more strength and security.  With a length of 123.25 metres and width of 17.2 metres, she has a capacity of 9120m3 for chemical transportation.

As the vessel headed down from Parkeston 6, the tanker berth she passes the Navyard towards the Shotley Spit where she turns to a southerly heading past the worlds largest container ship OOCL Germany berthed on Felixstowe Berth 8.

OOCL Indonesia arrives to Felixstowe on the Eastbound Leg of her maiden voyage 7th March 2018

The last OOCL G class ship to be built OOCL Indonesia arrives to the Port of Felixstowe during her maiden voyage with a maximum draught of 13 metres from her last port of Wilhelmshaven.  Intitally OOCL Indonesia was scheduled to go direct to Singapore after departing Felixstowe but OOCL added an extra call at Rotterdam before heading East.

The Harwich Haven pilot boards the Indonesia at the Sunk Pilot Station which boarders International waters.  Once onboard the pilot requests two Svitzer tugs for berthing. The first tug, an escort tug to meet ant 7&8 and make fast centre lead aft. Second tug to meet at the Platters to escort them into the harbour then push on the starboard quarter for a starboard swing to go port side to Felixstowe Berth 8.

OOCL Indonesia approaching the Harbour, Svitzer Kent and Svitzer Sky were waiting just outside the harbour for the ship to get closer. Kent heads further out towards 7&8 Buoys where they make fast on the centre lead aft. A short while later the Sky swings around to position on the starboard quarter just incase the pilot required a little extra help rounding the Beach End. 

Passing the Platters, the pilot gets the Kent to move out onto the port side for a powered indirect to help steer around the 90 degree Beach End turn into the harbour. Safely inside the harbour and coming round onto a Northerly heading, the pilot gets the Kent to ease up and drop in astern ready to slow the 400 metre ship down for the starboard swing.  The Kent is asked to increase power astern to knock off the headway

Sky on the starboard quarter squares up and begins to increase power to push up on the most aft tug marker while the Kent moves onto the port side and increases power to swing the OOCL Indonesia around.  All Swung, the Shotley and Kent begins to bring the Indonesia closer to the berth before the Kent moves around to the starboard side into a check position. Shotley steadily pushing the Indonesia onto the berth.

Final tie up 6 and 2 each end with Spring lines first then offshore lines.

1st call Maersk Durban departs Felixstowe with the assistance of Svitzer Shotley. 6th March 2018

Maersk Durban departs the Port of Felixstowe after her 1st call to the port.

As cargo operations had finished and the cranes had boomed up, all the pilot was waiting for was the Svitzer Shotley which was about to be released from the aft of her last job the ultra large Titan heading out of the harbour. Svitzer Shotley released she swings around to assist the Maersk Durban off the berth.

The pilot required the Shotley to take the centre lead aft. As the bollard rating was less than the Shotley's bollard pull, the pilot planned to pull square off the berth and then use the flooding tide to swing the bow out.

After going ahead on the main engine, Shotley is released and heads back to the tug pontoon. Approaching 7&8 Buoys outbound the Maersk Durban passes the inbound Viona.

Ultra large Titan eases from Felixstowe Berth 6 with the help for two Svitzer tugs 6th March 2018

Ultra large Titan eases away from Felixstowe Berth 6 with the assistance of Svitzer Shotley made fast centre lead aft and Svitzer Deben made fast centre lead forward.  The 369 metre Titan sails on the EPIC 1 (Europe Pakistan India Consortium) route which calls at Felixstowe before going to Southampton.

Once the tugs were made fast they get in a pull position ready to work. As the spring lines were released and bought back onboard,the pilot got the Shotley to increse power aft and the same for the Deben. Steadily the Debn goes up too full power to help get the bow away from the berth and clear from the APL Oregon which was berthed in Trinity 5.

Clear from the berth, the pilot gives a kick ahead on the main engine to start with to get her moving. As a the speed began to pick up the pilot goes ahead.  Deben stops towing and gets in position to let go. Once the Deben was clear the Shotley closes up to let go. Just after being released the Shotley went to her next job on Trinity 4, The Maersk Durban.

Harwich Haven bids farewell to drilling platform Paragon B391 after 6 months in port. 5th March 2018

Harwich Haven bids farewell to the drilling platform Paragon B391 which had been in port since the 17th August 2017.

Earlier in the morning thick fog rolled in which put the departure in jeopardy. Luckily the fog began to lift enough so the tugs connected up and got the platform on the move.

Lead tug Magne Viking, Bugsier 3 made fast on the port side, Multratug 20 made fast starboard side and Svitzer Shotley made fast aft.

With a Harwich Haven pilot onboard the Magne Viking, using all of his knowledge and skills he carefully plan the departure.   As the smaller tugs connect up, 3 of Paragon's legs are jacked up leaving just one still down.  Magne Viking connects up and then the last leg is jacked up and Paragon is finally floating.

 Steadily the tugs swing the platform around and get in position to start moving the Paragon B391 ahead. Increasing power on all the tugs, she begins to get some headway. 

Approaching the Shotley Spit the pilot begins to steer to starboard a few degrees at a time. On a southerly heading and now approaching the Beach End the pilot begins to steer to port to head out of the harbour into the North Sea.