200725 VTS-assisted near-miss

We were a loaded VLCC, eastbound along a narrow and busy sea lane. We were navigating in the appropriate traffic lane, following the designated deep-water route at a speed of about 12 knots, displaying deep draft signals. Visibility was very good and sea condition slight. At about 02.15 hrs local time, we reached a routine waypoint when we executed a planned course alteration and steadied on a new heading. Until this time, the heavy westbound traffic was apparently passing clear as could be determined visually and from the Arpa.
Once on the new course, we observed a large westbound vessel, bearing a few degrees to port, showing a fine green light and apparently crossing from port to starboard. Our Arpa tracked her at a range of three miles and a speed of 21 knots. On her present heading, the westbound ship stood the risk of crossing the very narrow traffic separation zone and navigating not only in a contraflow direction in the eastbound lane, but also in the designated deep-water route, in violation of regulations.

With the distance rapidly closing, it was also noted that the westbound ship was overtaking a tug and tow on her own starboard side, and this was preventing her from making a timely alteration to starboard to the required westerly heading. It was also observed that she had switched off her automatic identification system (AIS), and so could not be identified.

We unsuccessfully tried to communicate with the westbound ship but we overheard a container ship on the VHF advising the VTS of her intention to pass 'an eastbound VLCC green to green'. The VTS then 'requested' us to pass the westbound container vessel in this manner. Having no time to ponder over the situation, we immediately made an emergency manouvre by putting our engine to slow ahead and making an alteration to port. This caused us to suddenly make a northerly heading on an eastbound traffic lane for some moments, creating further anxiety on two other westbound vessels in the vicinity.

When the 'rogue' vessel passed us (green-to-green) at a distance of 150 metres, she was seen to be a large container vessel, but her identity could not be readily established as her AIS was still switched off. Thereafter, a contrite VTS instructed the errant container ship to return to the westbound lane.

We protested strongly to the VTS, and requested them to identify her and inform her owners. We also sent a near-miss incident report to our company in the hope that further pressure could be brought to bear through her flag administration.

Editor's note: This nightmarish incident clearly calls for port authorities and governments of coastal states to seriously consider imposing speed limits and 'no overtaking' zones in restricted waters.