Vessel towing services

Tugboats are of unquestionable importance in the day-to-day of any port. Below, we discuss all the key factors that make them essential.

What is a harbour tug?

Tug boats are a type of vessel designed to assist any floating craft or ship to perform the necessary manoeuvres within a harbour. Their efficiency depends directly on their type of propulsion. It is usually azimuth thruster or cycloidal, as it provides greater speed, simplicity and safety for each task.

For a tug to be effective, its strengths must include manoeuvrability, size according with its engine power, adequate fixed-point drive, perfect stability and the best possible view from the bridge. This type of vessel carries fenders, bridge equipment and sanitary equipment, in addition to the contents specified in a later section.

Functions of port tugboats

In any port area, and always combining their work with that of the pilot, their sole objective is to certify the safety of each manoeuvre. They are also in charge of preventing ships from colliding with the port structure or the quay. In the case of shallows, they help vessels to find the best route to make the mooring as safe as possible.

• Continuous assistance to the vessel during berthing and unberthing.
• Assistance for a turning manoeuvre, especially in confined spaces.
• To counteract the effect of wind, waves or currents.
• Stop the vessel gradually.
• Towing, pushing or assisting a vessel with propulsion or steering failure.
• Towing floating devices within the port area.
• Escort hazardous cargo vessels through fire-risk areas.

Tugboat types

Harbour tug

Most common in port traffic. Engine power ranges from 400 to 3000 hp, with traction of 6 to 30 tonnes. Length: 20–30 meters. Draught: 3–4.5 meters. Speed: up to 13 knots.

Harbour and offshore tugboat

Assists large vessels, mooring supertankers, and towing offshore vessels. Length: 25–40 meters. Power: up to 5000 hp. Traction: 20–55 tonnes.

Deep-sea tug and salvage tug

Suitable for ocean towing and assisting distressed ships. Power: up to 20,000 hp. Traction: 55–180 tonnes. Speed: 16 knots. Equipped with fire-fighting and pollution prevention systems.

Towage licence

Most ports operate under direct agreements or local port authority regulations.

Port towage regulations began with the State Ports and Merchant Marine Law 27/1992. Later modified by Laws 62/1997, 48/2003, and 33/2010.

Previously, only Spanish-flagged vessels and national companies could operate tug services in Spain. Current regulations define all tug services and allow ports to set specific rules.

Parties involved in port towage

The ship’s captain contacts the harbour pilot or controller. If tugs are needed, the harbour master is informed. The pilot boards the ship and coordinates with tug masters, combining the captain’s ship knowledge with the pilot’s harbour expertise.

If you need a professional tugboat service, Suisca Group offers everything your vessel might need when calling at a specific port. With four decades of maritime experience, we are your reliable partner. We look forward to working with you.