OOCL Hong Kong swings to starboard for Felixstowe Berth 8 in squally conditions 20th February 2018

With weather conditions not the greatest, the current world's largest container ship OOCL Hong Kong's pilot boarding time was put back so the fog could lift before she entered the harbour. 

Finally the pilot boarded at the Sunk station. Heading inbound the pilot requests 3 tugs for berthing. The first tug to meet at 7&8 make fast centre lead aft. Second tug to meet outside the harbour and push on the starboard quarter and the third tug to meet at the Beach End to make fast on the starboard shoulder.

Svitzer Deben was the first tug to head out and make fast on the centre lead aft. Shortly followed by the Svitzer Shotley. Approaching the 90 degree Beach End turn into the harbour the pilot gets the Deben to move out onto the port side for a powered indirect to help the ship steer around the corner. In the process Svitzer Sky speeds towards the corner where they make fast on the starboard shoulder. 

Safely inside the harbour Deben eases up and moves right astern until required for the swing.   Passing the MSC Sveva alongside Berth 9 the pilot begins the starboard swing off the berth.  Sky begins to pull the bow while Shotley pushes on the quarter and Deben moves out onto port side to take the stern around.   As the Hong Kong swings the pilot kicks the engine ahead to keep the ship moving.

The wind picking up the Deben and Sky move onto the starboard side into a check position while the Sky pushes up until they were alongside.