OOCL Hong Kong sails from Felixstowe with two Svitzer tugs bound for Singapore 22nd February 2018

A very chilly afternoon, OOCL Hong Kong boomed up and ready to depart for Singapore.  The Harwich Haven pilot which was onboard the MSC Sarah had swung and berthed her alongside Trinity 4, transfered onto the OOCL Hong Kong. Once onboard the pilot gets the tugs to the configuration that he required. 

Svitzer Kent makes fast centre lead aft and the Svitzer Sky makes fast centre lead forward. Once fast they both push up as the wind was coming from the east. Kent increases power on the aft as the mooring gang had a little trouble releasing the lines.

Lines released, the tugs back away ready to work.  Kent was the first to increase power to pull the aft. Sky increases power to lift the bow away.  Kent soon increases to full power with Sky on a 25 pull.

Steadily edging into the stern first the pilot gives a kick astern. Sky builds up power to swing the bow out. Once in channel Sky slackens up and let's go from forward.

As the Hong Kong approaches the Fort Buoy, the pilot gets the Kent to move out onto the starboard side for a powered indirect. The Kent produces a 15 degree angle as she increase power and tension on their tow line.

 Safely around the Beach End turn, Kent eases up and retreives the towing gear then heads back into the harbour to the tug pontoon.