In this Time-lapse and Bodycam clip, the ULCS EVER GOVERN is underway to sea. There I am met by the Pilot Station Vessel PROCYON and transferred to the inbound MT STEN FJELL underway to Europoort again.
Coming in under worsening conditions
After a smooth helicopter hosting operation I boarded the inbound LOCH RANNOCH, a 270 m long Shuttle tanker, with destination MOT berth 1, in petroleum harbour 8. The conditions were rough at sea, with a wave height of over 3 meters and a big swell due to the NW’ly winds. Due to the expected high winds and the nature of the berth, I brought our precision navigation equipment with me, which would proof very useful during the voyage.
Two tugs, the VB PANTHER and SVITZER MALLAIG joined us inside the breakwaters, the MALLAIG securing a rope on the SB shoulder of the LOCH RANNOCH.
During the approach to the berth, winds started to pick up dramatically, with gusts up to 25 m/sec. (BF9). With the resources at hand, two tugs with a total BP of 170 tonnes, two thrusters, and a very professional team of ship’s crew, tugs masters , linesmen and loading master, we were able to complete this operation in a controlled manner. Needless to say, without the precision navigation equipment we use, this would not have been possible.
As soon a the ship was alongside and in position , the winds became even worse, with peaks reaching 10 beaufort. In these conditions the Rotterdam Boatmen proved their skills in safely attaching the steel mooring wires to the designated dolphins, resulting in a safe mooring for the LOCH RANNOCH.
A huge compliment to all parties concerned who made this exceptional team effort possible!
APL TEMASEK (400m) to Rotterdam World Gateway
Timelapse Youtube Video : The 400 m long APL TEMASEK was inbound this morning to RWG (Rotterdam World Gateway ) terminals at Maasvlakte-2 in Port of Rotterdam. We were assisted by 2 Boluda tugs and the KRVE boatmen.
CMA CGM BENJAMIN FRANKLIN – A touch of Fog
With technology and sensors located all around Port of Rotterdam, we can still be surprised by deteriorating weather conditions. In this case the visibility deteriorated on departure of the 400 m long ULCS CMA CGM BENJAMIN FRANKLIN. It was decided to carry on, in close communication with other pilots, VTS and an excellent bridge team.
ULCS THALASSA AXIA inbound to Europoort
The 368m long THALASSA AXIA was incoming to Amazonehaven ECT DDE berth at 14,8 m draft. We were assisted by the tugs PANTHER and SCHELDE and the KRVE Boatmen.
A summer night shift
Tropical temperatures are finally here and that turns sailing into cruising in Port of Rotterdam. Shifting the feeder CALISTO at 9 pm, just before sunset provides the right summernight mood.
Bye bye MS ROTTERDAM
Today at sunrise, MS ROTTERDAM entered Port of Rotterdam for the last time. She has been sold to Fred Olsen and will be renamed. This ships was the sixth Holland America Lines ship to have the name ROTTERDAM.
Incoming Cobelfret Ferry to Brittaniëhaven
A good end of a night shift is an inbound Cobelfret car ferry to the Brittaniëhaven , Cobelfret Terminal. In this case the PALATINE arrived at Maascenter pilot station just before 06:00 . Just before arrival at her berth she passed the Calandbridge, which is a vital traffic link in the A15 highway to the Europoort area.
Click on the pictures below for a large format photo
Underwater Construction Operations in the Maaschannel
In order to facilitate the landing of a power cable from the Northsea wind farms to the Port of Rotterdam, today the MV MPI ADVENTURE is doing underwater operations just outside the breakwaters.
ULCS ONE EAGLE underway to Europoort at deep draft
The 366 m long ULCS ONE EAGLE entered Europoort at deep draft. She backed into the Amazonehaven underway to ECT DDE terminal .