Container ship being helped out by tugs. by John Cooper

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28 06 2006	John Victor Cooper

This is rather strange. The ship is quite small compared to a ferry, there was no strong wind blowing. Why did it need help ?

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John Cooper		07-Mar-2007 17:26
Thanks Rob, for that explanation. I would like to withdraw my suspicions of a Super Dangerous cargo. I can use that again on something new.

Rob Brown		07-Mar-2007 16:45
Unlike the ferries the container vessel does not have stern or bow thrusters. To berth a vessel of her size (approx 140 metres in length)onto the DCT (Dover Cargo terminal)would be a very slow and difficult manoeuvre. The two tugs get their instructions from the Dover Pilot who is onboard the vessel to assist the Captain with local knowledge. The ferries generally do not require tug assistance for berthing unless the wind speed is in excess of 35 knots.

Ian Dalgliesh		25-Oct-2006 20:39
Is this the much talked about incident involving the two Irish tug boats,on loan to Dover harbour, in June of this year?Apparently,causing much confusion and consternation amongst container ferries, by their continued insistence of pushing both ends of vessels at one and the same time.Thus delaying docking times considerably.

John Cooper		30-Jun-2006 23:20
Dave, the two tugs very carefully pulled the ship out of the dock, lined it up with the exit and it then sailed away on its own. Being suspicious I think it had a super dangerous cargo and they did not trust the captain. I have never been on one of these ferrys, but the orange roofed areas look like they are for docking purposes.

Dave Beedon		30-Jun-2006 18:49
Could the ship's engine have been out of service?---I see no smoke coming from it. On the SeaFrance ship, are the orange-roofed areas pilot houses?

John Cooper		29-Jun-2006 21:35
They tried before, they lost before, they have not forgiven us yet.

1moremile		29-Jun-2006 21:30
Nice scene. Are the French invading England?

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