The pilot boards the Elly Maersk at the Sunk Pilot Station around 12 nautical miles out in the North Sea. Once onboard the pilot radios through to Harwich VTS that they are inwards with no defects. VTS confirms a ready berth planned portside to Felixstowe Berth 9. With a brisk 18-24 knot northerly wind the pilot requests 3 tugs for berthing, the first centre lead aft at 7&8, the second outside the harbour to push on the starboard quarter for the corner then move around to the port quarter for the swing then make fast and the third in the harbour centre lead forward.
The typical British weather had been throwing everything at the port during the morning, heavy rain, sleet and hail but the skies darkened as Elly made her way towards the harbour.
The first tug Svitzer Kent leaves the tug pontoon to be the first tug shortly followed by the Svitzer Shotley. As the Elly Maersk approaches 7&8 Buoys the Svitzer Kent swings around to chase up astern to be made fast on the centre lead aft. In the meantime Svitzer Shotley makes her approach onto the starboard quarter for a push.
The third tug Svitzer Sky leaves the tug pontoon and paddles slowly towards the Beach End.
Approaching the 90deg Beach End turn into the harbour the pilot gets the Svitzer Kent to go out on the port quarter at full line load for a powered in-direct while the Svitzer Shotley pushes up full to help with the corner.
The Beach End navigated the Shotley eases up and comes away from the starboard side to reposition on the port quarter to push for the swing. As the Shotley moves around, Svitzer Sky makes her approach for the centre lead forward but says to the pilot that he will be on starboard of centre to retrieve the heaving line to be made fast.
Now on a northerly heading the pilot gets the Kent to go full straight astern to slow the Elly down enough for the swing.
Just as the pilot was about to initiate the swing the weather turned dark and a very heavy hail shower fell but as the bridge on the Elly was enclosed the pilot was kept warm and dry. Svitzer Kent comes out on to the starboard quarter and pulls while Svitzer Shotley pushes the stern. The Svitzer Sky positions out on the port shoulder and pulls the bow around.
Almost swung around the hail shower stops and brightens up as the sun peaks through the clouds. Sky begins to run out of space and moves onto the starboard side in a check position.
Easing alongside the Shotley pushes on 20% to hold her in position.
Final tie up 5 and 2 each end with spring lines first fore and aft

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