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.
CSCL Arctic Ocean Arriving at the Port of Felixstowe 10th May 2017
Sunday 22 April 2018
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Monday 16 April 2018
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.
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.
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.
Sunday 15 April 2018
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.
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.
Saturday 7 April 2018
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday 3 April 2018
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.
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.
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.
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.
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