"This lady is not for turning" OOCL Japan struggles to swing at Felixstowe. 28th June 2022

OOCL Japan 15.7m from Singapore.  Next port Gdansk.
10am pilot boarding at the Sunk Pilot Station.
3 tugs ordered for berthing, planned port side to Felixstowe Berth 9.
Svitzer Deben centre lead aft
Svitzer Kent starboard quarter then Port quarter then back round.
Svitzer Shotley centre lead forward.

Original plan was starboard swing but the wind and tide had other plans all 3 tugs were on full power but little progress was made.

All tugs ease their power as the pilot puts Plan B  into action and ran the engine ahead towards the Grisle Buoy and the Shotley Spit where they would swing to port.  The Kent goes around the stern onto the port side ready to push around. Once swung, Kent moves back onto the starboard quarter and makes fast on the quarter while heading down the harbour.

Careful edging to the berth box,  Deben and Shotley pull towards the berth with Kent mostly pushing full power on the quarter until they were entering the berth box.  Deben and Shotley come around onto the starboard side in check positions to slow her for a soft landing alongside the fenders.


Final tie up 8 and 2 each end with springs then inshores.