Svitzer Sky was assisting the ultra large CSCL Star when disaster struck. A rope had tangled around one of the propellers causing issues with performance. Another tug took over from the Sky so they could try to dislodge the rope. After a spinning around port to starboard then ahead and astern the rope still didn't move it. The only option was to go back to the pontoon and wait for a diver to assess the damage.
As the day went on, the pilot headed out to the Sunk where he would embark the CSCL Pacific Ocean. Once onboard he radios Harwich VTS to say they were inbound for Felixstowe Berth 8 with a maximum draught of 13.3 metres from Wilhelmshaven. VTS replies there is a ready berth planned portside to Felixstowe Berth 8, wind in the harbour and traffic information. The pilot replies that he would like 3 tugs for berthing, first tug at 7&8 centre lead aft, second also outside the harbour on the starboard quarter then move around to the Port quarter and the third inside the harbour on a bow to bow.
VTS gave the pilot some bad news as the crew onboard the Kent had used up their hours and would have to call in a relief crew to take over but would take about an hour for them to get onboard as they had to come a distance. The pilot decides to turn around and doodles until there was an update on the situation.
As time went on the pilot began their passage inbound o reduced speed in hope the third tug would be manned as they approached the harbour.
Svitzer Deben leaves the tug pontoon to be the first tug shortly followed by the Svitzer Shotley. Passing the Harwich Approach, CSCL Pacific Ocean gets in contact with the duty tug so they can go on the tugs working channel 12. The pilot goes through the plan for berthing, firstly he would like an indirect from the aft and quarter tug to help her into the harbour then quarter tug to move around to the port quarter while the forward tug makes fast. As the speed drops off it would be a port swing to go portside to the berth. The other tugs copy the conversation.
Pacific Ocean approaching 7&8, Deben makes fast on the centre lead aft and moves out on the port quarter ready to work.
Shotley positions by most aft tug marker on the starboard quarter ready to push if required to. Kent finally manned they leave the tug pontoon and heads towards the entrance to the harbour.
The pilot gives the Deben the heads up that he would like them to out on the port quarter and put some line load on. Approaching the 90 degree Beach End turn into the harbour, the pilot gets the Deben to go out for an indirect while the Shotley to push up at a 45 degree angle. While turning the pilot asks out of curiosity what weight the Deben had on their line. Their equipment was reading 96.5 tonnes.
Kent comes under the bow to pick up the heaving line to make fast forward. Deben eases up and drops in astern while the Shotley moves around to the port quarter.
As they come into the harbour the light deteriorated fairly quickly. Deben goes astern while the pilot comes astern on the main engine to reduce the speed so they could swing just off the berth. Once past the SM Savanna on berth 9 the pilot slowly steers to port. Deben is asked to go out on the starboard quarter and build up to 50%, Shotley to push up on the quarter at 50% and a little bit later to build up to 75%. Swinging around the pilot gives a kick ahead then gets the Shotley to move away from the ships side to move back around to the starboard quarter. Swung around the pilot comes astern to level up with the berth and gets the Deben to pull them towards the berth before getting the forward tug and aft tug to come onto the starboard side in check positions to ease her onto the berth.
Final tie up 6 and with the aft spring first the one forward spring then the other lines.
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