Olympic Class, MSC Zoe, planned port side to Felixstowe Berth 9 swings to starboard 1st October 2018

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKRRePXC8Ht1kPDQzoiaPmA

MSC Zoe arrives from her last port of Rotterdam with a maximum draught of 12.5 metres. A harwich haven pilot boards Sunk Pilot Station which is situated around 12 miles out in the North Sea. Once onboard, the pilot radios Harwich VTS to say he was onboard 12.5 metres from Rotterdam with no defects for Felixstowe Berth 9. VTS repies that there was soon a ready berth as the Murcia Maersk was off the berth and about to come ahead. Planned port side to Berth 9, wind speeds and height of tide. The pilot replies that he requires to tugs for berthing both outside the harbour, first to make fast centre lead aft and the second push on the starboard quarter. Svitzer Deben which took a turn on the end of Berth 9 waiting for the Zoe to get closer before heading out of the harbour. Svitzer Shotley left the tug pontoon with an extra person for the Deben so they went alongside to drop the person off. Deben then casted off from the berth as the Harbour Ferry was approaching Felixstowe. Deben slipped astern of the ferry and powered out of the harbour soon followed by the Shotley.

Approaching the harbour, Deben makes fast centre lead aft while the Shotley positions on the starboard quarter but doesn't make fast. The pilot onboard the Zoe gets the Deben to go out on the port quarter for a powered indirect to help steer the MSC Zoe around the Beach End turn in to the harbour. Safely indide the harbour, Deben leans back with power to reduce the headway. Soon after the pilot runs the engine astern before geting the Shotley to nose up and push full on the tug marker while the Deben moves onto the port quarter and both tugs start to take the stern around. The pilot uses the bow thrustwers to swing the bow. Swung around, the pilot gets the Deben to come around onnto the Starboard side into a check position while the Shotley pushes her up alongside. Almost in position Deben is released and repositions on the starboard shoulder while the mooring gang makes fast the spring lines ashore. Final tie up 6 and 2 each end with springs first.

Deano C

Published on 3 Oct 2018