The largest boat ever to come into West India Dock has today arrived for the London Games.

The 175m long cruise ship MS Deutschland, which will be used by the German Olympic Committee, only fitted into the lock in the Docklands with inches to spare.

Teams from the Canal & River Trust who owns the dock worked with the Thames’ Port of London Authority, to bring the vessel in safely to her berth in South Quay at 04.30am on Tuesday.

The trust’s harbour and waterspace manager, Gareth Stephens, said: “During the Olympics, West India Dock is going to be at its busiest since its days as a trading port.

“The docks are truly coming back to life and by tomorrow (July 27) you’ll see cruise ships, super yachts and large sailing ships here.

“We believe this summer will showcase London’s docks as a great location for visiting vessels in the future.”