Strong SW winds batter Felixstowe as the OOCL United Kingdom departs with 3 tugs. 22nd November 2017

As another Atlantic storm begins to batter Britain, the World's Largest Container Ship OOCL United Kingdom prepares to departs Felixstowe Berth 9.

The Met Office had issued a yellow weather warning for a 24 hours period for high winds which covered much of England and Wales. With the sun glittering on the choppy water, you could feel a noticeable presence of a storm brewing in the harbour. The South Westerly wind had been steadily increasing over the morning to a brisk 25-28 knots with stronger winds expected.

The Harwich Haven pilot had ordered three tugs for departure with a fourth on standby just incase the British weather throws an unexpected punch. The 3 tugs leave the pontoon and head to Berth 9 where they find out where to make fast. 3212 tug Svitzer Kent slips between the bow of the Magleby Maersk and the stern of the OOCL United Kingdom to make fast centre lead aft. 2411 tug Svitzer Sky makes fast starboard quarter and the 3212 tug Svitzer Deben goes under the bow to pick up the heaving line for the centre lead forward.

The first of the 10 lines each end were slackened and winched back onboard leaving springs still tensioned on the bollards. The last of the lines were slackened and bought back onboard. Steadily the tugs increase their power to pull the OOCL United Kingdom away from the berth into the channel.

Once inside the channel Sky and Deben were released as the United Kingdom comes ahead on the main engine. Deben peels off onto the Harwich side and positions off the port quarter. Approaching the 90 degree Beach End turn out of the harbour, Svitzer Kent goes out for a powered indirect to help the OOCL around the corner.