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.
CSCL Arctic Ocean Arriving at the Port of Felixstowe 10th May 2017
Wednesday 16 May 2018
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.
Two Svitzer tugs assist the Hangzhou off the berth.
Wednesday 2 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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