MSC Anna struggles from Felixstowe as a 27knot squall passes. 2nd October 2017

Ultra large MSC Anna battles the brisk westerly winds from the tail end of ex hurricane Maria. Although we were not going to experience gale force winds but it was causing a little bit of a problem for the ships at Felixstowe.

 The pilot comes across from Harbour Master's Pound at Harwich with a pilot for Anna and a pilot for the Mathilde Maersk which had been in the deep water anchorage waiting for MSC Anna to depart.

Pilot boards the Anna, shortly after the gangway was lifted. Once on the bridge the pilots orders the tugs and mooring gang to assist with the departure. The pilot requested that both tugs to make fast aft. A few line began to drop so the Svitzer Deben could be made fast centre lead aft and the Svitzer Sky made fast starboard quarter. As the tugs were making fast Harwich VTS came on the radio to say there was a squall passing through the harbour with winds gusting up to 27 knots. The pilot said he would like a third tug made fast centre lead forward.

Svitzer Shotley starts up and leaves the tug pontoon to poodles up to the bow of MSC Anna. As she comes under the bow she gives a little toot on her horn but no hands were visable so the Shotley's captian radios the pilot to find out where the forward hands are. Shotly after the crew begin to prepare a heaving line to throw for the Shotley to connect their tow line up to the bollard on the Anna.

Shotley fast forward, all three tugs stretch their line ready for the pull off the berth as the last of the line were taken off the bollards.  The pilot begins with a straight pull off with all the tugs at 75% then increase to full power. The idea was to bring her away from the berth stern first so the Shotley decreases so she could use the tide and wind to their advantage. As the stern comes into the channel the pilot uses the bow thrusters to starboard while increasing the Shotley to 75% to straighten up in the channel.

Sky is released from the starboard quarter as the Anna comes ahead on the main engine. Shotley comes straight ahead then slackens their line to be released. The pilot wanted to do the usual proceedure with the tugs. Shotley came around the stern to position on the port quarter while the Deben still fast aft goes out on the starboard quarter for a full powered indirect to help MSC Anna turn to port around the 90deg Beach End out of the harbour.