UASC's A13 class, Jebel Ali sails from Felixstowe with two Svitzer tugs. 7th November 2017

UASC's A13 class, Jebel Ali sets sail from Felixstowe Berth 6 with the assistance of two Svitzer tugs. The Jebel Ali is the first big UASC ship since the alliance shake up in April earlier this year which saw the A15's and A19's change ports to DP World's Southampton and London Gateway.

As the Jebel Ali was finishing cargo, the pilot went across from Harwich on the pilot launch to Felixstowe tug pontoon. Soon after he boards the ship and radios Hawich VTS to say they were ready to depart, 13.6 metre draught for Southampton and would like the 2 tugs which was ordered.  Svitzer Deben and Svitzer Shotley leave the tug pontoon to paddle up Trinity quay assist with the departure. Svitzer Deen is made fast centre lead aft and Svitzer Shotley made fast on the starboard shoulder.

The Jebel Ali begins to single up down to springs. The pilot radios Harwich VTS to say they were about to break away from the berth and working with the tugs on channel 12. Springs released, the pilot begins with a straight pull off with both tugs at 50% increasing to full shortly after.

As the Jebel Ali comes in to the channel, the pilot runs the main engine ahead then releases the Shotley from the starboard shoulder. The pilot holds onto the Deben till the Beach end just incase they needed a bit of help turning to port around the 90 degree Beach End.