THE largest container ship in the world was guided safely into port at Felixstowe by a skilled Harwich pilot on its first ever trip to the UK.

The OOCL Hong Kong, a vessel as long as four football pitches and weighing about 190,000 metric tonnes, arrived at its destination from the Far East on Wednesday evening.

To navigate its way through the narrow harbour between Harwich and the Port of Felixstowe, the crew relied on expert assistance from Harwich Haven Authority.

Prithvi Singh, a senior pilot for the authority, was delighted to be the man to ensure the safe passage of the hulking ship.

H Speaking before the ship’s arrival, he said: “It is always very exciting to be the one bringing these ships in.

“We have made a bit of a habit over the past few years of systematically bringing in the largest ships in the world - such as the Madrid Maersk a few years ago.

“This ship definitely trumps that one.

“It is absolutely massive in short.

“Only a handful of ports that can accommodate it, we are very proud of the fact we do this as a one pilot job.

“As a pilot I am called 70-80 miles out to sea.

“In a matter of minutes after boarding the ship I am helping to guide it in. “You very quickly have to integrate yourself, get familiar, and bring the ship in.”

He added: “There are 28 pilots working for Harwich Haven Authority.

“I am proud to say I am one of only 14 pilots in Harwich who can pilot this ship.

I am extremely excited and of course slightly nervous.

“There is good reason for a little nerves – these are the largest non-moving objects in the world and we are bringing them through a very narrow channel, often with little more than a paddling pool of depth beneath us.”

“These ships cost around £200,000,000, carry around $80,000 worth of fuel and more than 20,000 20ft containers.”

Harwich Haven Authority is a trust port responsible for preserving 150 square miles of the Haven, with 40 per cent of the country’s container traffic travelling through the area.

The Authority ensure the safety of everyone using the harbour through pilot and vessel traffic services.

Neil Glendinning, chief executive of the authority, said: “The OOCL Hong Kong represents the first of a new class of mega-sized vessels visiting Haven ports.”

“By working closely with partner organisations such as vessel operators, port facilities and tug operators we are able to ensure our pilots, and related teams at Harwich Haven Authority, are equipped to manage the challenges that each new development of these vessels presents.

“Preparation for the arrival of each new vessel class includes a detailed study, which is carried out at a ship simulation centre.

“These studies ensure that we are fully prepared for any challenges new vessels throw at us."