The Murcia Maersk is one of largest container ship in world. She is an updated version of the 2013 record breaking Triple E and based on the 399 metres in length and 58.6 metre breadth but with the accommodation block 2 cargo bays forward and the engine room one bay further back to accommodate an extra 2,300teu.
Roughly 12 miles out in the North Sea a Harwich Haven pilot launch goes alongside the Murcia Maersk to board a pilot for the inbound passage into the harbour. Proceeding inwards she passes the Morten Maersk, a first generation Triple E, that was bound for Tanjung Pelepas.
The pilot onboard Murcia Maersk radios Harwich VTS to confirm he was onboard, 14.75 metres from Colombo with no defects, planned port side to Felixstowe Berth 9. VTS replies with a confirmation that there was a ready berth planned port side to Felixstowe Berth 9, followed by the wind on the Landguard and height of tide. The pilot orders two Svitzer tugs for berthing, first one at 7&8 Buoys to make fast centre lead aft ready for the corner and the second outside the harbour to assist on the starboard quarter and then push up for a starboard swing off the berth.
Svitzer Deben which was waiting outside the harbour after being released from the outbound Morten Maersk, would be the first and aft tug. As the Murcia Maersk passes 7&8 buoys the Deben makes their approach to make fast centre lead aft. All fast aft the Deben stretches their gear ready to work. The Svitzer Intrepid makes their way out of the harbour and approaches on the starboard side and lays onto the quarter ready to help steering around the 90° degree Beach End turn.
Just as the Murcia Maersk passes the Platters, the pilot gets the Deben to move out onto the port quarter for a powered indirect while the Intrepid pushes up at 45° angle.
Safely inside the harbour, the pilot uses Deben as a brake so they drop in astern and leans straight back at 50%. The pilot gets the Intrepid to move up to the tug marker and nose up at 75%. As the Intrepid builds up power thick black smoke pours from both funnels. Shortly after the Deben moves out onto the Port quarter and keeping an eye on the North Shelf Buoy builds up power. The pilot uses the bow thrusters to almost swing the ship around 180° on the spot.
After swinging, the aft tug moves from the port side onto the starboard in a check position before coming in to pin her on the berth.
Final tie up 6 and 2 with springs first fore and aft.
EDT Tuesday 17th July 07:00
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