Tug
A tug (or tugboat) is a small but powerful vessel designed to manoeuvre larger ships and barges, primarily in harbours, rivers, and canals. They play a critical role in maritime operations, offering assistance where precision and control are required.
Key Features:
• Powerful Engines: Equipped with engines capable of generating substantial torque, allowing them to tow or push vessels many times their size.
• Compact Design: Small and highly manoeuvrable, ideal for operating in confined waterways.
• Specialized Equipment: Includes towing winches, heavy-duty cleats, and sometimes firefighting apparatus for emergency situations.
Functions:
• Towing: Pulling ships, barges, or disabled vessels through waterways.
• Docking Assistance: Guiding large vessels into tight spaces, such as harbours or locks.
• Salvage Operations: Assisting in the recovery of stranded or sunken vessels.
• Icebreaking: Some tugs are equipped to clear ice, particularly in the Great Lakes region.