Ultra Large MSC Tina arrives to Felixstowe, three Svitzer tugs assist with a starboard swing 200418

MSC Tina laden with cargo from the Far East  arrives to the Port of Felixstowe. Heading West from her last port of call in Sri Lanka bound for the Suez Canal into Europe with a draught of 14 metres.

As MSC Tina approaches the Sunk Pilot Station which boarder international waters where a Harwich Haven pilot launch goes alongside to board a pilot.  Once onboard the pilot confirms with Harwich VTS, the draught and if there was any defects. VTS replies there was a ready berth planned portside to Felixstowe Berth 9, wind on the Landguard and traffic.   The pilot request three Svitzer tugs for berthing. The first at the usual place (7&8 buoys) make fast centre lead aft, the second outside the harbour on the starboard quarter and the third inside the harbour bow to bow.  The pilot also said he will be doing a starboard swing off the berth.

Svitzer Deben and Svitzer Sky charges out the harbour to meet the the inbound ship.  Crew onboard MSC Tina prepare a heaving line so the Deben's tow gear could be made fast on a bollard aft.  With speed reducing steadily Sky positions on the starboard quarter.  A short while later Svitzer Deben leaves the tug pontoon to meet the MSC Tina at the 90° Beach End in to the harbour.  The gives the Kent aft the heads up that they will be required to go out at full line load on the portside for a powered indirect.  Passing the Platters, the pilot gets Kent to go out for a powered indirect.

Safely in the harbour Kent drops in astern while the Deben makes their approach to make fast on a bow to bow.   The pilot begins to slow the Tina down with Kent leaning back and by going astern on the main engine.  Down to a crawl, the pilot begins to use the bow thrusters releasing a puff of smoke out of the funnel. Shortly after the pilot gets the Sky to square up and increase power while Kent moves out at 90° on the starboard shoulder to start taking the bow around. Deben aft moves onto the port quarter at a 90° angle and starts to take the stern around.

Steadily she swings to starboard off the berth. Waiting on the quayside, the berthing master and mooring gang were ready and waiting for the Tina to come alongside. Swung around, the pilot continues to use the Sky to push her closer to the berth. Kent comes in for a push on the starboard shoulder while aft the Deben switches from the portside to the starboard side in a check position.   Kent then backs off with a slack line.  Slowly edging onto the berth, the crew forward throw a heaving line for the springs to the mooring gang.

 Final tie up 6 and 2 each end.

As the Kent is released from forward they plan to do a fire monitor test in front of Landguard Viewpoint.