Before the Harwich Haven pilot @rascalmaster left the harbour he suggested he would require 3 possibly 4 tugs for berthing so the 4th tug was held until he was onboard and the plan was clear. As the winds began to pick up strength to 27 knots the pilot launch left the harbour outbound to the Sunk. The pilot boards the Marie Maersk and slowly makes their way inbound.
The pilot radios Harwich VTS to say they were inbound for Felixstowe Berth 9 portside to, with a maximum draft of 14.6 metres from Colombo. VTS replies that there was a ready berth and planned portside to Felixstowe Berth 9, there was 2 tugs available and the other 2 will come from the MSC Cordoba which was inside the harbour and swinging for her berth, traffic information the CMA CGA Rebelais outbound heading for the sunk and the Stena Britiannica given permission to depart from Parkeston Quay and the winds strengthening south westerly 24 to 27 knots. The pilot replies that he would like 3 tugs for berthing the first at 7&8 centre lead aft, the second at the Platters on the starboard quarter for a push indirect then make fast on the quarter and the third tug inside the harbor on a bow to bow. Plan A is for a port swing off the berth but will re-evaluate the situation when closer to harbour.
As they were heading inbound in the South Shipwash the wind increased to 30 knots so the pilot orders the fourth tug to push on the portside by the funnels then move around to make fast on the starboard shoulder.
The Svitzer Deben left the tug pontoon to be the first tug to head out shortley followed by the Svitzer Sky. The Deben all fast and the Sky positions on the starboard quarter. The pilot gives the heads up that in a few minutes he would require a powered indirect around the corner.
The Deben goes out on the port side at full line load while the Sky angles at a 45deg angle at full power to help the Marie steer around the 90deg Beach End turn into the harbour. The pilot enquired if the tugs were on full power as she was understeering around the corner. Once around the Beach End the Deben eases up to drop in on the centre line while the Sky comes away from the ships side to make fast on the quarter. Shotley positons on the portside ready to push while the Kent makes her approach to make fast centre lead forward on a bow to bow. Deben goes astern to slow the Marie down. A few minutes later the pilot comes astern on both engines ready for the port swing. Shotley begins to push 75% on the port quarter as the Deben and Sky move onto the starboard quarter at 75% to pull the stern around while the Kent pulls on the port shoulder at 75%.
Almost swung 180 degrees the Shotly comes away from the port quarter to make fast on the starboard shoulder. Sky comes in for a full push as the stern carries on swinging, Deben moves onto the portside to start bringing her towards the quay. The bow needed a little pull aswell so the Kent carries on pulling towards the berth. As she approaches the berth all 4 tugs get in check positions to bring her alongside carefully in the gusty 32 knot south westerly winds. The pilot varies the tugs power to straighten her for the soft landing. Once alongside the Sky and Shotley pushes up to hold her in position while the lines are made fast on Berth 9.
Final tie up 6 and 2 fore and aft with the springs first.
As the pilot said to the skipper onboard the Sky "It takes a conductor to run an orchestra."
ETD Saturday 5th August 10am but expected to change.
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