CSCL Indian Ocean arrives to Felixstowe and swings to starboard with three Svitzer tugs 1st May 2018

My apologies I've got the quarter tug and bow to bow tug the wrong way round.  Svitzer Shotley is on the quarter and Svitzer Sky on a bow to bow for the centre lead.

The CSCL Indian Ocean arrives to the Port of Felixstowe after her tour of Europe. Felixstowe is the first and last port in Europe on the LL1 route which OOCL and CSCL have weekly sailings from the Far East to Europe.

After leaving Wilhemshaven with a draught of 14.5 metres heading for Felixstowe, the UK was being battered with another storm which had closed the Sunk Pilot Station due to rough seas. The decision to close the pilot station is not taken lightly as it could cause huge percussions with the economy but safety of seafarers are paramount.

A vessel heading outbound to the Cork pilot station was a sight of good news. As time went on, Sunk pilots radioed the CSCL Indian with information that a pilot will be heading out to try and board a pilot at 12:30 local time and told them to be at least 4 miles East of the Sunk centres Racon with a ladder rigged 2 metres above the water on both sides due to the weather.

Safely onboard the pilot confirms he was onboard 14.5 metres from Wilhemshaven planned portside to Felixstowe Berth 8 and would like three Svitzer tugs for berthing. The first at 7&8 buoys centre lead aft, second outside on the starboard quarter and the third bow to bow inside the harbour.

Svitzer Deben was the first tug to meet the CSCL Indian Ocean and makes fast centre lead aft. Svitzer Shotley is the next tug to leave and positions on the starboard quarter.  Approaching the 90° Beach End turn the pilot gets the Deben to move out onto port quarter for a powered indirect.  Safely inside the harbour Svitzer Sky makes their approach to make fast on a bow to bow.

The pilot gets the tugs ready for a starboard swing off the berth. Shotley pushes up full on the quarter while the Deben moves onto the port quarter to take the stern around.  Sky moves out onto the starboard shoulder at full power and takes the bow around.  After swinging half way around the pilot stops the Sky forward as the Shotley comes away from the quarter to reposition on the shoulder and begin to push her closer to the berth.   Deben running out of space on the port quarter moves onto the starboard side into a check position.

The Deben comes in to pin her onto the berth while the mooring gang make her fast alongside Felixstowe berth 8.

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