MSC Ditte arrives to a hazy Felixstowe, starboardside to Berth 9. 8th April 2017

19437TEU MSC Ditte sails from Algeciras to the Port of Felixstowe with a draft of 12.2 metres. The pilot boards the Ditte at the Sunk Pilot Station around 12 nautical miles off the Suffolk coast. As the pilot steers the ship towards the deep water channel inwards, he radios Harwich VTS with the important information, Draft, if there was any defects and tug requirements for berthing.

MSC Ditte was planned starboard side to Berth 9 as her sister ship was due in in the small hours the next day. The pilot request 2 tugs for berthing, both to meet outside the harbour, first tug centre lead aft and the second on the starboard quarter then move around to the portside for a push onto the berth.

As she approaches the Harwich Approach Buoy the Svitzer Kent heads out to be made fast on the centre lead aft. A short while later the Svitzer Sky heads out to position on the starboard quarter just incase the Ditte had a problem turning around the 90° Beach End into the harbour. As she comes onto a northerly heading the Sky moves away from the quarter and moves around the stern onto the portside quarter ready for the push onto the berth.

The Svitzer Deben goes straight astern at 50% to slow Ditte enough to slide her onto the berth. A few minutes later the pilot gets the Deben to come out on the starboard quarter on an easy weight to help the stern straighten for a gentle landing.

Just off the berth the stern was coming in nicely but the bow would not keep up. It looked like they were doing a port swing but after a little while the bow started to come in. The last 50 metres was a little interesting as the springs were thrown ashore and the pilot used them to come alongside. The lines were taking the strain as you could hear them stretching with the weight. The tugs were released and went back to the tug pontoon.

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

Expected EDT 0900 on the 10th April 2017. Swing off the berth for Antwerp.

My guess was there was an issue with the bow thrusters onboard. I would like to know what really happened so if the pilot would like to explain, I would be grateful.