Only a few months old the Cosco Shipping Himalayas was due in Felixstowe late Sunday night but as the winds were strong, gusting force 7 to 8 Felixstowe had shut down as the wind was above the save working limit. Shortly before 2000 Sunday night the Himalayas turned around and began to paddle around in the North Sea waiting for any news of a possilbe pilot boarding time.
As daylight beaconed the wind droped and the first of the delayed ships beaded in. The MSC Ditte still had 4 tugs to help her swing for Felixstowe Berth 9. Finally some good news for the Cosco Shipping Himalayas a pilot boarding time of 10:30 was confirmed so they began to head toward the Sunk Pilot Station and wait for the pilot launch to come alongside.
The pilot boards and they slowly makes their way inbound. The pilot radios Harwich VTS to confirm their draft and last port which was 13.2 metres from Rotterdam. VTS replies that there was a ready berth planned portside to Felixstowe number 6, wind speed and direction in the harbour, suprisingly the wind had droped a bit but still gusting 24 knots. The pilot orders 3 tugs for berth, first to meet 7&8 centre lead aft, second at the corner starboard quarter, and third also inside the harbour bow to bow for cetre lead forward. It will be a port swing in the middle of the harbour then edge onto the berth.
Svitzer Kent finished with the MSC Ditte heads back to the tug pontoon to drop off their passangers before heading out of the harbour to be the aft tug. Svitzer Deben does the same as the Kent but hangs close to the Beach End into the harbour. Svitzer Sky heads towards the corner to wait for the ship to come in the harbour.
As the Cosco comes into the harbour,Deben makes their approach to make fast starboard quarter while the Sky makes their approach to make fast centre lead forward. Tugs all fast, the pilot gets the Kent to go straight astern to help reduce the ships speed ready for the port swing. The Sky moves out on to the port shoulder and begins to build up to 75%. The Kent moves out onto the starboard quarter and builds up to a 75% pull to swing the ship around. Deben wasnt required at this stage but could put a little weight on their line to maintain position.
Almost swung around the Sky moves onto the starboard shoulder into check position. Steadily edging towards the berth, the tugs working their magic stopping the 150,000 tonne Cosco Shipping Himalayas against the gusty wind. The mooring gang makes her fast alongside Felixstowe Berth 6.
EDT Thursday 14th September AM Expected to change as an amber wether warning for tonight has been issued by the Met Office.
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