Heavily laden Al Zubara sails to Felixstowe, starboard side to Berth 8 09 / 03 / 17

Ultra large Al Zubara sails from Port Kelang with a maximum draft of 15.9 metres to the Port of Felixstowe. The 400 metre vessel was due to arrive yesterday 8th March but she was told that she would have to go to anchor as there was a ship , the Estelle Maersk, berthed in Felixstowe that required the next high tide as she was restricted by her draft which was 15.2 metres. The Al Zubara had to wait for the next high which would be in the morning.
Al Zubara weighed anchor and proceeded to the Sunk Pilot Station for 0645am to board a plot for the inward passage to her berth. Once onboard the pilot radios Harwich VTS to say that they are on their way in and the maximum draft. VTS confirms that the Al Zubara was planned starboard side to Berth 8 and gives the wind speed and direction followed by confirming that no commercial traffic in the shipway. The pilot then gives his tug requirements which was 3 tug for berthing, first and preferably the Svitzer Deben centre lead aft, second tug starboard shoulder for a push then make fast on the port quarter and the third on the port shoulder.

Al Zubara passing the Harwich Approach Buoy the Svitzer Deben and Svitzer Sky head out to meet the Zubara near 7&8 Buoys ready for the 90deg Beach End turn into the harbour. Deben goes out on the port quarter full power while the Sky positions on the most aft pushing point for a push. As she rounds the beach End the Svitzer Shotley makes her move to be made fast on the port shoulder. Once around the Beach End the sky comes away from the ships side to make her way around to be made fast on the port quarter while the Deben eases up to straight astern ready to apply the brakes and slow the Al Zubara.
Svitzer Deben goes on 50% straight back then favours the port side to straighten her up for the pull towards the berth. Sky comes in for a push while Deben pulls toward the quay. After getting the stern on the move toward the berth Deben moves to a check position and lets the wind, tide and the Sky take her closer to the quay.
Slowly edging in the Pilot gives a little kick ahead on the main engine to get her in the berthing position and keep some distance between her and the MSC Erica berth in no9.

Final tie up 6 and 2 fore and aft with spring line first.

Dean Cable