The new world's largest container ship Ever Ace arrives to the Port of Felixstowe on her maiden voyage to Europe with a maximum draught 13 metre with an even keel from her last port of Hamburg.

The Harwich Haven Pilot Launch leaves Harwich around 3am with a pilot to board at the Sunk Pilot Station out in the North Sea.  At about 4am, the pilot launch meets the Ever Ace and boards for the inward journey.   


After a short while, the pilot radios Harwich VTS to confirm he was onboard with a maximum draught of 13 metres even keel inbound for Felixstowe Berth 9 port side to.     VTS replies that there was a ready berth planned port side to Felixstowe Berth 9 and continued with the wind on the Landguard gauge and height of tide.   The pilot replies that he would like 4 tugs for berthing. 2 outside 2 inside with the water display as they enter the harbour.  First to meet at 7&8 buoys to make fast centre lead aft, second before the Platters for push indirect around the corner then around port side to push round before going around to starboard side to push up to the berth. Third inside the harbour at the Beach End to make fast centre lead forward on a bow to bow. Fourth would be doing a welcome salute then to push on the starboard shoulder for the swing.

The pilot radios VTS to say that they would be making a slow inward journey so they would arrive in the harbour around 06:20 for all the spotters who gathered around the viewpoint to see her arrive.  She steady proceeds inbound  via the deep water channel at about 5.7 knots most of the way. Svitzer Deben makes fast centre lead aft  onto a bollard with a safe working load of 146 tons, Svitzer Shotley escorts on the starboard quarter then around to the Port quarter for swing then back around to the starboard side to push up alongs.  Svitzer Sky makes fast centre lead forward, Svitzer Kent gives the a welcome salute with their fure hydrant. Once they have finishes with the welcome salute they push up on starboard shoulder for the port swing for Felixstowe Berth 9.
Final tie up 6,2,2 each end with springs lines first then offshore lines

ETD Wednesday 15th September 2021  PM