Unknown at the time of the pilot heading out to the Sunk, waiting out in the North Sea at the deep water anchorage was a ship that would test all the skills of the pilot and the tugs. The 140 metre Lyubov had sailed from Abu Qir in Egypt with a possible cargo of fertilizer for the UK.
The Lyubov was tricky job for the Harwich Haven Pilot that was tasked to bring her in to Ipswich. At first he knew he would require a Gray tug to help with berthing because she was a fairly big ship for Ipswich. Soon after boarding the Lyubov the pilot radioed Harwich VTS with some information about the ship that would make the passage inwards a very slow one. The captain had not told the the pilot of the defect to the starboard engine that would limit their speed to a crawl of 5-6 knots the whole way to Ipswich from the Sunk.
The pilot was very concerned that if the captain didn't tell of that defect what else has he not said about. Very slowly the Lyubov made her way inwards via the main channel. Also heading inwards for Felixstowe was the 366 metre container vessel on her maiden voyage, Toledo Triumph was making their best speed of 10 knots on full speed ahead. The pilot onboard the Toledo Triumph radios the Lyubov and says that they would like to pass around the 5&6 Buoys so they could swing before they make their entrance into the harbour and head towards the mouth of the River Orwell.
As they enter the harbour Svitzer Shotley meets Lyubov and makes fast aft and theGray Test also meets inside Felixstowe harbour and helps with steering the bow a little way up the river before handing over to the Gray Salvor where they are made fast centre lead forward.
Ipswich wanted the Lyubov to swing to go portside to the 500ft berth as there would be an issue of space when she departs.
The knowledge and skills of the pilot and tug skippers safely bought the Lyubov to the 500ft berth with no further issues.
Deano C
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