Sofie Maersk and Maersk Launcher
At the beginning of March, Maersk Line’s Post Panamax container ship Sofie Maersk was on her way from Lázaro Cárdenas, Mexico to Qingdao, China when she suffered engine failure. She was adrift in the North Pacific until aided by Resolve Pioneer* and, subsequently, towed by Maersk Launcher to Hawai‘i.
Sofie Maersk and Maersk Launcher visible on the horizon off the south coast of O‘ahu. 25 March 2018.
Repairs made offshore allowed the ship to approach Honolulu Harbor under her own power, while Maersk Launcher remained in the general vicinity.
Sofie Maersk offshore. 26 March 2018.
The pilot responsible for guiding the ship safely into the harbor was Captain Rich Demuth (Pilot 19). He was assisted by Captain Tom Collins (Pilot 20).
Captains Demuth (at left) and Collins of the Hawaii Pilots Association stand by to go aboard Sofie Maersk as pilot boat Honolulu approaches the pilot ladder on the starboard side of the ship. 26 March 2018.
Foss Maritime’s tug Pi‘ilani sends her line aboard the ship at the stern. 26 March 2018.
Sause Bros. tug Tira Lani working on the starboard side of the ship with Pi‘ilani in the distance. 26 March 2018.
Approaching the channel. Maersk Launcher is a blip on the horizon to the left. 26 March 2018.
Foss Maritime’s tug Mikioi on the port side of the ship. 26 March 2018.
Sofie Maersk passes Sand Island on her way to Pier 2. 26 March 2018.
Tira Lani and Pi‘ilani shift their positions to the port side of the ship in order to help push her toward the pier. Once the ship is alongside the pier, the tugs hold her against it until her mooring lines are secured on shore by local longshoremen. 26 March 2018.
Crew member with mooring lines. 26 March 2018.
Tied up at Pier 2, as seen from Aloha Tower. 26 March 2018.
At a length of 1,138 feet, Sofie Maersk is the largest container ship to enter Honolulu Harbor to date.
Maersk Launcher arrived in the harbor about an hour later and tied up at Pier 2 just aft of Sofie Maersk. Operated by Maersk Supply Service, she is what is known as an Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessel.
Maersk Launcher approaching the harbor. 26 March 2018.
Mahalo nui loa to Captain Rich Demuth and Captain Tom Collins of the Hawaii Pilots Association. Special thanks to Captain Patrick Tom.
*According to various reports online.
