Just arrived in Sunderland this morning 08.07.09. a/s on Corporation Quay. She was assisted a/s by tug Phoenix Cross, do Naval vessels always require tugs? Mersey is fitted with a bow thruster, I thought she would be able to moor unaided?
Well Pat, having watched a certain HMS Inverness ricochet ( and thats really the only word I can use which is near to what happened ) into the Albert Dock system, some years ago, I would suggest that tugs would certainly be required.
I thought this type of vessel would have frequent port visits so a lot of 'Hands on' driving? Taken from what you have said maybe the Admiralty insist upon tugs?
Tug never actually laid a fender on her Pat. Just stood by. What time were you there. I watched her in at 0800hrs and never left the area til after 0900.
Regards Derrick
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