Types of Tug Boats

Tug boats are workboats used for towing other boats. They can be used to move boats that are powerless and also to maneuver large boats around the harbor. They move barges, floating work platforms, narrowboats, and even larger ships around ports, harbors, and marinas.

There are three main types of tug boats, and their names indicate what they are used for: seagoing, harbor, and river tug boats.

The seagoing tugs are tough because they are designed to cope with the turbulent nature of the sea. They are subdivided into three types: the standard seagoing tug that tows other boats using a heavy cable called a hawser; the notch tug which tows other boats by fitting into the notches at their rear; and the integral unit tug, which is a tug and barge designed to function together by firmly locking in place and traveling more like a single vessel.

The harbor tug boats work in harbors to move other boats and for proper management of the harbor. They assist ships in docking maneuvers and also in departing the shore for the open sea.

The river tug works on rivers and other inland waterways. It does not have a hawser like the seagoing tug but possesses a flat front end specially designed to push other boats around.

A tug boat charter is ideal for those interested in using one. Using the service of a reputable broker will make the process a lot easier and give you the advantage of getting your job done fast. Contact Ocean Marine or browse our tug boat listings today.