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What are Tug Boats – Different Types And Uses
By
Zahra Ahmed
April 24, 2022
Types of Ships
A tug, or more commonly a tugboat, is a secondary boat which helps in the mooring or berthing operation of a ship by either towing or pushing a vessel towards the port.
A tug is a special class of boat without which mega-ships cannot get into a port. Along with the primary purpose of towing the vessel towards the harbour, tug boats can be engaged to provide essentials, such as water, air, etc., to the vessel.
Tug boat eases the manoeuvring operation of vessels by forcing or tugging them towards the port. Mega vessels can never be manoeuvred on their own. Also, with the increased boat size, they need tug boats to carry some of their domains and tow them through narrow water channels.
Their propulsion system is the main reason behind their enormous strength. Some secondary functions of a tug boat, along with easing mooring operation, are listed below:
They can work as salvage boats and icebreakers.
These can also have fire fighting accessories to provide fire fighting assistance in port or barges.
These are the most critical marine element, as they act as saviours to the boat in hard times, such as in narrow canals and lousy weather, but on the contrary, the most neglected ones in the maritime industry.
The name Tug Boats gives a fair idea about the size and task of the vessel being discussed. These are relatively smaller but very powerful for their size.
These are primarily used to tug or pull vessels that cannot move by themselves, like disabled ships, oil platforms and barges or those that should not move like a big or loaded ship in a narrow canal or a crowded harbour.
In addition to these, tug boats are also used as ice breakers or salvage boats, and as they are built with fire fighting guns and monitors, they assist in the fire fighting duties, especially at harbours and, when required, even at sea.
With the developments in the shipping industry, the ships began to grow larger than they ever were in history. It is easy to manoeuvre them at sea. Still, it becomes exceedingly difficult in narrow sea strips and harbours because they can move forward and backwards with ease but usually have problems with sideways movement.
This was when the need for tug boats was felt, and thus these vessels were introduced to help the larger ships navigate the narrow waters. This came to be known as tug assist and hence the name of the boats.
Most of these boats can also venture out into the ocean, but some are not that strong, like the river tugs. The river tugs are towboats designed to help out in the rivers and canals. They have varied hull types that make it dangerous for these boats to venture into the open Ocean.
Renowned tug boat builders include Ranger Tugs, Florida Bay, American Tug, Nordic tug and Tugboat. They make ones with inboard, outboard, outboard-4S and other diesel and gas fuel systems propulsion systems.
Table of Contents
Why are tug boats popular?
Applications Of A Tug
Classification Of Tugs based on Purpose:
1. Conventional Tug:
Configuration of propeller used:
2. Tractor Tug:
3. Azimuthal Stern Drive (ASD) Tugs :
Other Miscellaneous Types Of Tugs
1. Tractor Tugs With Cycloidal Propellers
2. The Carousel Tug
3. Reverse Tractor Tugs
4. Combi-Tugs
5. Z-PELLER
6. Giano Tug
7. Eco-Tugs
8. Ice Tugs
The Most Powerful Tug in the world
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are tug boats so powerful?
2. What are tugs used for?
3. How fast can a tugboat go?
4. Why do tug boats push and not pull?
5. Do cruise ships require tugboats?
Why are tug boats popular?
Tug boats are known for their moderate draft and broader beam, which make them suitable for an array of commercial and recreational boating activities in coastal, inshore and offshore locations. Tugboats can carry about 6 to 8 passengers or guests.
Applications Of A Tug
The usage and functions of tugs vary from port to port as different ports have different requirements and intakes. The common in all is pushing or towing mega boats or barges. Their usage depends on the following factors:
Port traffic volume,
Types of ships to be served by that tug,
Navigational obstacles to be catered to,
Conditions of environmental protection,
Local laws and
Domains to be carried by a tug
The tug boats were one of the first to have a steam propulsion engine, which the diesel engine has replaced today.
These are incredibly high ratios, especially considering the ratio of the cargo ships or generalships that varies between 0.35-1.20. Such boats usually have engines quite similar to those used in railway locomotives. Still, with a notable difference: they mechanically drive the propeller instead of converting the output to an electric motor supply.
