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  Move along, nothing to see here!
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Tuesday 9th of August 2022 and Agent called me at the breakfast, Karen Maersk had started to move from the anchorahe and he would come to pick me up at 8 thirty. I packed my bags and I was ready to get on board, finally, a long wait to join the ship.
 My luggage are ready
Seems like it was false alarm. Agent called me at 8 o'clock and Karen was still anchored so I will spend a few extra hours in my room waiting. I had time to call my friend to get the latest updates regarding the Ganesh. If he had been in contact with any temples. But he was busy colouring his hair and I asked him to send a video. The Agent came to pick me up quarter past 9 and we went to pick up the other 4 on signers. We arrived to the jetty and we had to wait for them while they rigged the gangway as they had just arrived. We were onboard around 11 o'clock and I went to my temporary room next to the Chief Officer's room. He will go home tomorrow. The office was full of people doing cargo documents with the Chief Officer so I did not want to disturb. They started discharging around 13 thirty and we were soon having time to take a tour on deck. And she looked to be OK on deck.  Karen Maersk is coming alongside
Click HERE for bigger picture
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Thursday 11th of August 2022 and we left Chittagong, Pilot on board just after 8 and we left for Singapore. We had all the drills in the afternoon, well, enclosed space rescue remaining for later in the month
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Sunday 14th of August 2022 and we passed Phuket in the afternoon. I have not been able to log in to my internet or the computer-based maintenance program since I joined the ship. But today I managed to log in and I could send pictures to my friend.
Message from my brother, he had passed us in the evening when we left Chittagong and I had been looking for them on the anchorage when we left Chittagong.  Beautiful evening south of Phuket
 Beautiful evening south of Phuket
 Sun is setting west of Phuket
 The watch is soon coming to an end
 The watch is soon coming to an end
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Tuesday 16th of August 2022 and we dropped anchor in Singapore at 16:24 and the bunker barge arrived an hour or so later. Pilot will board around midnight to take us along the Chevron terminal to load 7500 MT VLSFO (Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil)
 Coming to Singapore anchorage
After loading in Singapore we dropped anchor at Tanjung Pelepas waiting to load from another ship before leaving for Indonesia  Tanjung Pelepas STS area
We might be delayed in Indonesia as there is a bulk carrier arriving to Cigading and if she arrives before us we might have to wait for a week. Takes a week to discharge her cargo and we will have to wait for her as she is using the same jetty. Well, I don't mind as we have plenty to do on deck.  Anyway, we got a bonus day on the anchorage in Tanjung Pelepas so we had a drill with the emergency hydraulic pump for the cargo valves. Should be tested according to the computer-based maintenance program and we can as well train the crew.  Testing the pump for the valves
 Testing the pump for the valves
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Sunday 21st of August 2022 and we had left Singapore Strait behind when I came on the bridge at 6 o'clock in the morning. I have received questions from the crew on Bongkot FSU on our future program.
They want us to come back, asking if the food is good so I took some pictures of our Cook and sent via LINE. I told him that the Cook is very good, same Cook that had been on Rita Maersk so they know him already.  Our Cook in lunch action
 Our Cook in lunch action
 Our Cook in lunch action
 Now he is welcome on board
 Now he is welcome on board
 Preparing the CCR for upcoming adventures
The problem in the CCR is that there is no space for a white board, but I had an idea. A 30 year ++ old idea from a Chief Officer when I was an AB on board m/t Tärnsun. Hang it from the ceiling to be used during the cargo transfer. Then it is just to hang it with a hook under the ceiling when not in use and no one will be bothered So, we removed an old white board from outside the CCR and we found an area where we could put it. Easily readable from the cargo control and I was quite happy when we were ready.  Preparing the CCR for upcoming adventures
 Preparing the CCR for upcoming adventures
 Preparing the CCR for upcoming adventures
 Preparing the CCR for upcoming adventures
 Preparing the CCR for upcoming adventures
 Preparing the CCR for upcoming adventures
 ACTION mode
 STAND-BY mode
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Monday 22nd of August 2022 and we drop anchor at Cigading just after 9 o'clock in the evening. Located in Sunda Strait and there was plenty ferries between Sumatra and Java when I entered the area at the end of my watch. But no traffic passing through the Sunda Strait.
We expect the port authorities to come on board at the anchorage and then we came come alongside to start discharging. +++++++++++++++
Tuesday 23rd of August 2022 and they call me at 6 o'clock in the morning. Pilot have come on board and we were on the way to the jetty. The whole port is for bulk carriers and there was a lot of bulk carriers both in port and on the anchorage.
We had all fast at jetty D 14 at 07:36 and it was a bulk jetty so they had to pull out a cargo hose for us to use discharging the oil.  Preparing lunch
 Mess man always busy
 Waiting to start discharging
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Wednesday 24th of August 2022 and we completed discharging of the first parcel at 06:54. Blowing the lines and we could resume the discharging when the next Loading Master came on board. They change shift at 7 o'clock but the next Loading Master did not arrive until 8 o'clock when we could start again.
 So I had time for breakfast, my daily omelette. And of course, a cup of tea.
 Same breakfast every day
OK, Sundays and I ask for the added excitement “cheese and bacon”
 Time to leave Cigading
 Time to leave Cigading
Pilot booked for 21 hundred but he was 20 minutes early and we left 12 minutes after 21 hundred bound for Thailand.  Steaming north in Indonesian waters
 AB busy putting canvas on the ropes
 Lunch with the Engineers
27 August 2022 at 19:00 and we pass
Bumi A-field and FSO Putericakerawala  Passing East of the Bumi A-field
 Passing East of the Bumi A-field
 Passing East of the Bumi A-field
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Sunday 28th of August 2022 and I decide to send ashore the Ganesh I bought in Chittagong when we come to Siracha. My friend we come to pick them up at Singha Marin's office. And he will leave 6 kg of flaxseed that I gave him before I joined the ship.
I transferred the packaged from my room to the CCR and I will send them ashore with the provision boat that will come with provision and Pepsi MAX on the 31st of August.  Ganesh is coming ashore again
I sent pictures of my boxes to my friend so he know what they look like. I also sent to the driver and they will make a road trip out of it. The driver was already at my friend's house as he had picked up his หลวงปู่เฒ่ายิ้ม amulet that he had bought from the Venerable Monk หลวงพ่อทองคำ at Wat Nong Prachum (วัดหนองประชุม) Same temple and monk we visited back in May to make the whale teeth amulets. He had covered the amulet (พระเครื่อง) at the gold shop we use at Big-C in Sanut Prakan. So, he had had company of my friend and now he was at his house to pick up my flaxseeds. And of course, to look at amulets and to have a cappuccino. LINE is fantastic
 LINE is fantastic
 My flaxseeds
Looking at amulets
Looking at amulets
 Flaxseeds on the way to Karen Maersk
 Flaxseeds on the way to Karen Maersk
 The DREAM TEAM - Click picture for full size
 The DREAM TEAM - Click picture for full size
 The DREAM TEAM - Click picture for full size
 2nd Officer on the way to the top mast
We will get provision on the 31st and they will go to SiRacha (ศรีราชา) on the 1st of September to pick up the Ganesh and to deliver the flaxseeds. We had a safety meeting in the afternoon and I took the opportunity to have a picture of the whole crew. I went to the bridge to make tea and to enjoy my evening watch. And I could see that Maersk Kara was coming south on the ECDIS. She is bound for Bongkot where she will load condensate tomorrow morning. I had a few pictures when she passed us.  Maersk Kara on the way south to Bongkot Gas field to load condensate
 Maersk Kara on the way south to Bongkot Gas field to load condensate
 Maersk Kara on the way south to Bongkot Gas field to load condensate
 Maersk Kara on the way south to Bongkot Gas field to load condensate
 Maersk Kara on the way south to Bongkot Gas field to load condensate
 Beautiful evening
 Beautiful evening
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Monday 29th of August 2022 and we drop anchor in SiRacha (ศรีราชา) late afternoon. The first barge will come tomorrow morning at 6 o'clock. Surveyors and Loading Master will board us at 8 o'clock tonight. And I knew one of the Surveyors from when we discharge here in SiRacha (ศรีราชา) with Roy Maersk. And of course, he knew our Time Keeper from Roy Maersk.
 Surveyor with one of the Ganesh
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Wednesday 31st of August 2022 and we finish loading from the 2nd barge at 11:30 and we had now about 10.000 MT on board. The barges deliver about 5000 MT each. We finished the barge and our Ship chandler came on board at about the same time.
I have known our Ship chandler for many years now so he had updated me via LINE so I know that he was on the way, and I was looking forward to it, a ship full of MAX.  A ship full of MAX
 Pepsi in my office
I was soon able to enjoy a MAX in the CCR from a new wine glass. Our Steward had searched high and low for wine glasses on board but he had come up with nothing so I asked our Ship chandler to bring me two glasses. Our Ship chandler will bring back my Ganesh and my friends will come to bring them back home tomorrow. My friend have been to a place for “GOOD LUCK” in the morning and he updated me with pictures. Our plan was to go to Wat Khao Chorakhe (วัดเขาจรเข้) to get some magic power in to the Ganesh which means good luck for us.  Magic woman
 Magic woman
 Magic woman
 My friend go to get GOOD LUCK
 My friend go to get GOOD LUCK
 My friend go to get GOOD LUCK
 My friend go to get GOOD LUCK
 My friend go to get GOOD LUCK
So, we decided to go see the magic woman to see if we like it, then we might do it there instead of going to Wat Khao Chorakhe (วัดเขาจรเข้) in Lopburi. So, this is something that I look forward to, well, the sitting in the chair while they pour water over you is something I might skip. And as my thermos went to pieces when I joined the ship my friends are looking for a new one to bring to Siracha. But they were not lucky in Bangkok so I suggested that they should try Robinson in Siracha tomorrow. No thermos means no herb. Looking for thermos
Looking for thermos
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Thursday 1st of September 2022 and I went to bed at 7 or so in the morning as I had been up since late yesterday evening loading our 3rd barge that completed 5 o'clock in the morning. And as the next barge is coming tomorrow morning I just went to bed for 2 hours as I need to be tired tonight so I can sleep.
There was a message on my LINE app and my friends had left Bangkok bound for Siracha Leaving to pick up our friend in Samut Prakan
They stop for cappuccino
They give the thermos a new try at Robinson in Siracha but they come up with nothing. Well, I have MAX now so I can survive without the herb for a while. We will hopefully be back here soon so I can order from the Ship chandler. They gave it a try and that is appreciated and nothing to do. And it is not all that fun running around shopping malls looking for a thermos. No thermos in Siracha
They left my parcel at Singha Marine's Office and someone will pick it up when they will come to Karen Maersk to pick up the Surveyors that stay on board during our 5 days of loading. So, I will get 6 kg of flaxseeds and this will be good for my diet. But the most important was to get the Ganesh off the ship. They left the stuff for me in the office and they drove back to Bangkok and I will see them in January. I was supposed to go home in October but I have asked for extension until January/ February so I can finally get away on my bird watching trip to USA and Canada that I booked almost 3 years ago.  My pack at Singha Marine's Office
My souvenirs
Leave a message that they go back to Bangkok
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Monday 5th of September 2022 and we left SiRacha (ศรีราชา) around 4 in the morning and we expect to arrive to Tanjung Pelepas early morning on the 8th of September. We got an e-mail from the Agent and he have some side business. First time for me I see something like this.
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Thursday 8th of September 2022 and we dropped anchor in Tanjung Pelepas at 05:42 so they were ready just in time when I came on the bridge at 6 o'clock in the morning. But we will have two days anchored at Tanjung Pelepas and we will  hopefully get a little maintenance done on deck.
But there will be no painting as it is gloom and grey for long as I can see. This time of the year in SE Asia and nothing else are expected. Rain in Bangkok
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Tuesday 12th of September 2022 and dropping anchor in Singapore after discharging and we had a Port State Control, but we got 0 remarks so it was OK. My friend is busy with my snus back in Bangkok. My first parcel have arrived and my friend have to go all the way to Lak Si.
I never heard of this before, maybe because I usually send it to Sukhumvit, but it seems like they don't have any Thai Postal Custom Division in Samut Prakan, so he is in for a treat driving all the way to Lak Si. Well, I did not know about this when I ordered my snus. And of course, he is updating me every second.  At the Thai Postal Custom Division
 At the Thai Postal Custom Division
 At the Thai Postal Custom Division
He manage to pay the import tax for my snus and he is soon on the way back to Samut Prakan. And of course, boring to sit in the car so he keep him self busy complaining making videos. No end to it
No end to it
No end to it
No end to it
No end to it
Almost back home
The second parcel arriving was sent to my friend's house so he did not have to get out on the highway to pick up my snus. This was good news, no wasted money on tax. And my friend was very  happy, no need to spend hours on the roads to get to the Thai Postal Custom Division Laksi. So, let’s hope that it will work like this in the future as I have plenty more snus coming this way all the way from Sweden.  2 packs at my friend's house
And more is on the way
My snus in my friend's house
Busy like no one else
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Sunday 18th of September 2022 and my LINE app was full of videos from my friend. My friend is very busy today and as always, he don't allow anyone to forget that. I spoke with him yesterday  and he told me that he was invited to the “Mama God” today.
“Mama God” will have a “HOLY SESSION” today and he had asked my friend for help. Good, he will have plenty experience when it is time for the “Mama God” to put some holiness in to our Ganesh. And we need plenty power so we can win lottery. He is really busy like no one else
 Nice to see the videos from Mama God's house, people are coming for some holy session and my friend are invited to help Mama God. My friend is really some kind of expert on Thai Buddha amulets, (พระเครื่อง) When I was working with him people brought their amulets so my friend had to see if they were real. Some of the people coming on board brought boxes with their most valuable amulets for my friend to have a look. They also bought amulets from my friend Well, I look forward to bring all my Ganesh to Mama God when I come back home. People arriving to “Mama God” house
The holy session will soon start
My friend helping “Mama God” preparing
Holy cloth (ผ้ายัน)
 Holy cloth (ผ้ายัน)
Session is about to start
Now it starts
 Holy things going on
 Holy things going on
Session in full swing
Session in full swing
Session in full swing
A lot of magic stuff
Good luck water
Good luck water
They have moved out on the street
They have moved out on the street
OK, now you have a picture of what my Ganesh and I have to go through when I am back home.  It will be fun and my Ganesh will hopefully be full of magic power after all that!
And then the JACK POT is not far away! +++++++++++++++
Wednesday 21st of September 2022 and my friend sent me LINE messages from SiRacha (ศรีราชา) as he is going on board Maersk Kara that will discharge at two places. He brought my snus to the speed boat office and I will get it when we arrive at the end of the month.
 My snus in SiRacha, ศรีราชา
 My friend waiting to go to Maersk Kara
 My at Singha Marine's office in SiRacha, ศรีราชา
In the boat going to Maersk Kara
 Surveyor on board Maersk Kara
On board Maersk Kara
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Friday 23rd of September 2022 and we are steaming north towards Map Ta Put. We sent the pictures to the Agent and they were happy. Good, we are welcome to Map Ta Put
 Preparing for Map Ta Put
 Preparing for Map Ta Put
 Preparing for Map Ta Put
 Preparing for Map Ta Put
 Preparing for Map Ta Put
 Preparing for Map Ta Put
 Preparing for Map Ta Put
 Preparing for Map Ta Put
 Preparing for Map Ta Put
 Preparing for Map Ta Put
 Preparing for Map Ta Put
 Preparing for Map Ta Put
 Preparing for Map Ta Put
 Preparing for Map Ta Put
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Sunday 25th of September 2022 and we have poor visibility because of heavy rain when I come to the bridge just before 6 o'clock in the morning. We approach Map Ta Put and we are expecting the pilot to board us at 6 o'clock.
Pilot boarded us at 06:24 and we had all fast at TTT 2B at seven thirty.  Arriving to Map Ta Put
 Arriving to Map Ta Put
 Our hero
I made a cup of tea first thing when I came down to the CCR. And our Cook got started with my morning omelette. I had no time for tea in the morning so I was looking forward to a quick breakfast in the CCR before the Surveyors would come on board.  My omelette is on the way
 My omelette is on the way
 Here we go
The Surveyor and Loading Master came on board at 08:12 and we did paper work while they started to take samples and to measure the tanks. We started to discharge at 10:24. And we expect to be ready around 6 o'clock in the morning. My friend have left Maersk Kara, but he is now back on another ship in Siracha. Discharging crude oil and he updated me with pictures via the LINE app.  My friend on board a crude tanker in SiRacha (ศรีราชา)
 My friend on board a crude tanker in SiRacha (ศรีราชา)
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Friday 30th of September 2022 and the barge was late, strange, anchored just next to us and they are 90 minutes late. The Surveyors boarded the barge to measure the tanks before we could start loading. Our tanks were inspected and we were ready to start.
 2nd Officer and Loading Master when we start loading
 2nd Officer and Loading Master when we start loading
 2nd Officer keeping track of things
This is the last for September 2022, just click HERE to get to the month of October 2022     
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