Moscow Maersk swings for Felixstowe Berth 8 with 3 tugs in a brisk NW wind 12th November 2017

The Moscow Maersk is the 3rd to be built in the Second Generation Triple E Class which has a capacity of 20568teu. The first port on the European leg of her journey was Algeciras where she discharged a lot of cargo bringing her draught to 13 metres.

Steadily she made her way to the Sunk Pilot Station were a Harwich Haven Pilot Launch went alongside to board the pilot. Once onboard he radios Harwich VTS to say they were inbound for Felixstowe Berth 8. VTS replies there was a ready berth planned portside to Felixstowe Berth 8. Wind on the Landguard was a fresh North-Westerly 25-27 knots. The pilot replies he would like three Svitzer tugs for berthing, the first at 7&8 make fast centre lead aft, second also near 7&8 to lay alongside the starboard quarter then make fast once inside the harbour and the third tug inside the harbour centre lead forward. 

Svitzer Deben left the tug pontoon to be the first tug shortly followed by the Svitzer Sky. The Deben makes their approach and made fast on the centre lead aft while the Sky positions on the most aft tug marker on the starboard quarter.  Svitzer Kent leaves the pontoon and paddles towards the Beach End.  The pilot believed the Moscow Maersk would turn around the 90 degree Beach End ok but had the Deben on standby just incase he requires a little help. 

Safely in the harbour Sky breaks away from the ships side and makes fast on the starboard quarter.  Kent makes their approach as the speed drops off to around 6 knots.

The Deben goes straight astern 25% to help reduce the speed. Passing the MSC Rifaya alongside Berth 9, the pilot comes astern on the main engines to take the weight off as they steer to port at the Guard Buoy.

The pilot gets the Kent to move out onto the port shoulder while the Deben and Sky moves out onto the starboard ready to take her round. Once in position  the pilot increases all three tugs to 50%. Swinging around the pilot uses the bow thruster to port releasing thick black smoke from both funnels. 

The stern tugs were reduced to hold her against the wind while the Kent moves from the portside onto the starboard for a check as the bow was still swinging towards the berth. Sky comes in for a push to get her closer to the berth before all three tugs check to slow her for a soft landing onto the berth.

Final tie up 6 and 2 each end with springs first.

EDT 04:00 Tuesday 14th November 2017