RFA Proteus (K60) & Tug VB Phoenix Through Alfred Dock and Tower Road Bridge

In this video, we witness the Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel RFA Proteus (K60) making a temporary move into the West Float, Birkenhead. With the dock gates at Cammell Laird undergoing changes, Proteus could no longer remain there. Assisted by the tug VB Phoenix, she crosses Alfred Dock and passes through Tower Road Bridge on her way to the East Float, a fascinating maneuver captured on camera.
Watch as this impressive vessel is expertly guided through one of Birkenhead's iconic waterways, showcasing the precision and coordination required for such operations.
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[@stanjenkinson4520]

Excellent

[@merseyshipping4494]

Thanks 👍

[@fp30e]

Hello Mersey Shipping. This is an excellent Video. What I don't understand, is why she reversed into the dock. On the River she went right over to the Liverpool side and then must have turned to port to do a U turn to line up for Alfred Lock. But that would have meant her coming into the lock bow first, which she did not do. Seeing that one has to maneuver against the flow of the tide,. She must have done the U turn on the River, approached Alfred Lock and done another turn to get her stern aligned with the Dock Gates, all the time the tide would have been pushing her sideways regardless of the flow of the tide. The fact that she went over to the Liverpool side to do a U turn sort of says the tide was coming in. I am very confused. But what do I know. The pilot and the Captain must have had their reasons. It just looks odd. Thank you again for an excellent video. All the best Spoolbox

[@merseyshipping4494]

Thanks. Yeah not sure why she went in stern first, same with the lock. Must be a reason. 👍

[@ColinMacdougall-rc1ng]

I can't guarantee it for this situation but I know in general a lot of offshore style ships find it easier manoeuvring in harbour going astern as you get a better vision and can see the whole ship, more like a conventional ship layout. And with 360 degree azimuth propellers and multiple bow thrusters it's no problem at all. Am guessing that's why they did it that way.

[@fp30e]

@@ColinMacdougall-rc1ng Hello Colin, I never thought of that. Looking at the ship again, I can now see what you are saying. Thank you. I can now rest easy tonight😃😃😃

[@marksmith334]

Maybe because Merseyside looks backwards and not forwards

[@DaveSCameron]

I thought she looked like one of at Lairds 👍

[@merseyshipping4494]

Yeah this is her 👍