EXCITED ship-spotters came from far and wide to see the spectacular sight of the Emma Maersk - the world's biggest container ship - as she sailed into Felixstowe port.

A VISIT to Felixstowe by the world's biggest container ship, the Emma Maersk, went “very smoothly” despite the vessel's enormous size.

The 398-metre long vessel was due to leave the Suffolk port today after its arrival on Saturday afternoon.

It docked in Felixstowe to deliver 45,000 tonnes of goods from China, largely Christmas items ranging from computers and books to toys and festive decorations.

Thousands of ship-spotters came from far and wide to see the spectacular sight of the ship, which can carry between 11,000 and 14,500 containers - considerably more than the next biggest ship.

With binoculars poised, the enthusiasts had waited patiently from early afternoon as the vessel approached Harwich Harbour from the North Sea after its across-the-world journey from Tanjong Pelapas in Malaysia.

Onlookers filled every available vantage point as the huge vessel came round Landguard Point, ready to be turned around in the harbour with the help of tugs and then berthed alongside the deep water quay at Trinity Terminal.

Earlier a pilot was sent out by launch to the ship when it was about 15 miles off the coast.

Paul Davey, of Felixstowe Port, said: “Everything went very smoothly with the visit. She arrived on time and we started work very soon afterwards.

“We had six cranes working on her and the unloading was carried out without any mishaps.”

The vessel, which is powered by the largest diesel engine in the world, is on its maiden voyage, laden with goods destined for High Street store shelves for the Christmas shopping season.

It was due to unload around 3,000 containers.

From Felixstowe, the Emma Maersk is heading to its next port-of-call in Rotterdam.

WEBLINK: www.portoffelixstowe.co.uk