With a little puff amidships, the towboat pushed THETIS the final metres towards the quay.
At 09:00 the gangway was in place, but before this could be done the ship had to sail trough Odense Canal.

The helmsman converts commands  into action.   Photo: Martin Pedersen, RDN

Three hours earlier pilot Steen Finsen climbed up the ladder on the ships side. It is quite difficult to navigate a 112 meter long ship into the harbour, so he is a welcome guest on board.

Steen Finsen, who has been a pilot in these waters for 26 years, was confident that everything would be fine:
- Usually it goes according to protocol; he said when he got on board.

While the crew on the bridge steers the ship routinely towards coffee and freshly baked bread mixes whit the sound of junior ratings discussing their plans for the coming weekend.

Normally the ship has 60 crewmembers, but because THETIS is the command ship of Danish Task Group, a staff of 22 is on board as well.

Commodore Palle Cortes watches  from the bridge as HDMS THETIS is  berthed.  Photo: Martin Pedersen, RDN

Back inside the cafeteria junior rating Martin Jensen is having a cup of coffee. He has been on watch in the control room, and now he wants to relax before the parade this afternoon.

- Today we have to participate in the official change of command but when we get off duty afterwards, we are going to have a little party, he said.

Suddenly something happens. From the speakers the command: “manøvrerulle” sounds, and quickly THETIS are filled with sailors on their way to their different stations.

Commanding officer, Commander s.g. Henrik Ryberg is standing next to the pilot on the bridge. The commands are clear, and with an insignificant delay, the helmsman repeats.

SVITZER MARS pushes HDMS THETIS.  Photo: Martin Pedersen, RDN

THETIS is getting closer to land and assisted by the towboat the ship turns 180 degrees in order to steer the stern into place a couple of meters in front of the environmental protection vessel GUNNAR THORSON.

With one last push THETIS is in place, and the gangway is lowered. Danish Task Group has now arrived in Odense.