Because they come up with the second highest tide in the world which is very powerful and if they turned “right” straight into the entrance they would be smashed into the north jetty by the power of the tide. Instead they turn around just north of the north pier which they then typically use as a pivot to creep into the entrance safely. I hope the gates to the tidal basin were open for the ship on this occasion.
Last time I saw a ship doing that it was one of Caledonian MacBrayne's "streakers" taking their berth at Gourock; rounded the pierhead at 14knots ahead and slowed to 1knot 225 degrees relative to her bow in twice her own length. Of course, they were designed for that move, with 4 (four) Voight-Schneider thrusters rather than conventional propellers.
Helmsman's got skills.
Why do they do that
Because they come up with the second highest tide in the world which is very powerful and if they turned “right” straight into the entrance they would be smashed into the north jetty by the power of the tide. Instead they turn around just north of the north pier which they then typically use as a pivot to creep into the entrance safely. I hope the gates to the tidal basin were open for the ship on this occasion.
She has bow thruster.why not?
Last time I saw a ship doing that it was one of Caledonian MacBrayne's "streakers" taking their berth at Gourock; rounded the pierhead at 14knots ahead and slowed to 1knot 225 degrees relative to her bow in twice her own length. Of course, they were designed for that move, with 4 (four) Voight-Schneider thrusters rather than conventional propellers.