About Tugs

Towing vessels - tugs

Tugs have been in use for almost as long as goods have been transported in ships, progressing from oars, through steam, to today's diesel-powered variants. The name 'Tug' was derived from the very first purpose built towing vessel employed to work on the Clyde, named 'Tug'. There are now over 9,600 tugs registered with Class Societies worldwide.

With a myriad uses for tugs, many different types have evolved to fit each particular niche, loosely defined as -

• Harbour (or ship assist) tug
• River tug
• Seagoing (coastal) tug
• Oceangoing tug
• Emergency towing vessels (ETV)
• Anchorhandling tug (AHT)
• Articulated tug and barge (ATB)

Some tugs are designed purely for one of the above roles, while others are 'multi-role', capable of working in two or more of the above categories. Many tugs are also used in the offshore construction industry.

Tugs are also defined by their method of propulsion. Further specific information can be found in the page relating to each respective propulsion type, the most significant types being :-