THE world's most famous cruise ship arrived in Brisbane yesterday and it was up to Ipswich's Captain Chris Gallagher to ensure the ship's safe arrival into port. Captain Gallagher of Karalee took control of the Queen Mary 2 at 3.30am yesterday as it floated off the coast at Mooloolaba.
He was one of two pilots guiding in the Queen Mary 2 for the final three hours of its trip before docking in the Brisbane River.
Despite its impressive size, Captain Gallagher said the Queen Mary 2 was easy to direct.
"The ship is very manoeuvrable. Despite its size it is very powerful and has an amazing propulsion system," he said.
"It's very much a team effort. It's not down to one person. There was a second commander who is like the captain and 10 other people on the bridge."
Preparations for the ship's arrival began over a year ago, and included a trip to Sydney for Captain Gallagher to meet the ship's crew.
"We actually spent a bit of time on a ship simulator at the Brisbane Airport and had a number of scenarios. We put in high winds and currents before the ship arrives so we know how it will perform once we get on board."
It was a happy moment once the ship had docked safely.
"It was exhausting. Once we got along side the dock there was a lot of relief. A high profile ship like that we don't want to it to go wrong."
He described taking control of the ship as one of his career highlights.
"It has to be. She's a very special ship and it would have to be up there when I look back on my career."
In 2009 Captain Gallagher piloted his first international vessel, the USS Ronald Reagan down the Brisbane River and into port.
Royal arrival
The Queen Mary 2 cost $1 billion to construct and is three times the size of the Titanic.
It is 345m long, 41m wide and travels at a top speed of 30 knots.
The ship has over 300 original art works, valued at over $5 million.
