The OOCL Japan alongside Felixstowe Berth 8 waits patiently for the tide to flood as she had a draught of 15.2 metres which made her tide restricted.
Just after 10AM, a Harwich Haven pilot boards to assist the captain with the departure of the mammoth vessel. Two tugs were ordered for the departure. Ideally, one of the Damen built 3212 tug with a bollard rating of 80 tonnes is preferred to take the centre lead aft as they have a more powerful engine and can assist better the the tricky corner at the entrance of the harbour.
As the pilot prepares to get the tugs fast, ahead of the OOCL Japan, MSC Oliver lets go from Berth 9 with two tugs and exits the harbour. Svitzer Sky leaves the pontoon and slowly makes their way to the bow of Japan while keeping clear of the MSC Oliver. Once the Svitzer Deben had cleared the gap inbetween the two monsters, Sky shoots in the gap to make fast while the Oliver singles up. After making fast on the centre lead forward they back away and out of the way of the tugs working ahead of them.
Svitzer Kent leaves the tug pontoon and closes up to the transom to make fast centre lead aft. Both tugs fast, they back away and wait for instructions from the pilot. As springs were released the pilot gets both tugs to pull straight off the quay at 50% before increasing the power further..
As she came off the berth into the channel, the Kent aft reduced power so the bow could swing better into the channel with the Sky. Once in the channel the pilot runs the engine ahead. Headway increasing, Kent drops in astern while the Sky stops towing and slackens the line to move right ahead ready to let go from forward.
Sky released, they charge astern before swinging off onto the Felixstowe to position on aft tug marker on the port quarter. The pilot radios Harwich VTS to say he will be a middle of the channel transit of the deep water channel to the Sunk.
Approaching the Fort Buoy, the pilot gets Kent to build up to full line load on the starboard side while the Sky pushes up at a 45° angle on the port quarter and builds up power to assist with steering around the 90° Beach End turn out of the harbour.
Safely out the harbour, both tugs are stood down and head back in the harbour to the pontoon to wait for their next work.
