Our lead photo shows the 228m-long Viking Star passing
through the Thames Barrier
en-route to becoming the biggest-ever ship to use our
Greenwich Ship Tier moorings.

The 47,800-tonne cruise ship’s visit proved that London’s river can now accommodate bigger ships – with expert help from the PLA. Viking Star’s moorings were especially lengthened to 270 metres after joint work by our marine services team,
harbour masters, pilots and
hydrographers. Our team then
checked the stopping point, making sure the ship tier was ready for her arrival.

PLA pilots had several days’ worth of trial runs on the authority’s ship bridge simulator, which gave them the chance
to become better acquainted with Viking Star. The high tech kit at our Gravesend base lets pilots get to grips with new ship types as port trade develops. And it means they can gain

experience of everything from a cruise ship to a naval
destroyer.

PLA deputy harbour master
upper, Ryan Hall, said: “Viking
Star was the longest ship we
have ever moored at our Greenwich ship tier and it was a pleasure to welcome her. On average, 170 metres is as long as our visiting ships get. We hope to be able to accept more cruise ships of Viking Star’s size, as having more vessels at our central London berth gives tourists excellent access to the city.”

Director of marine operations, Peter Steen, said PLA pilots had shown great skill in guiding the Star to her berth.
He added: “Viking Star’s call
shows just how well-equipped we are to accommodate cruise ships in central London. It was an excellent team effort and leaves us well set to welcome more like her in the future.”

Viking Star’s visit continues a trend of larger ships calling on the Thames. Earlier this year, the longest ever container ship on the river, the 399m-long Munkebo Maersk, was guided to her berth at DP World London Gateway by PLA pilots.