What Is a Tugboat?

Vessels known as tugboats (alternatively known as "tugs") are vital to offshore operations. These smaller boats are used to either push or tow larger vessels that cannot or should not move themselves. Tugs are used when large rigs need to move through narrow canals, or when platforms, disabled ships, or barges need to be moved to a different location. 

In maritime commerce, marine salvage, and offshore oil and gas operations, the tug is an invaluable vessel. There are three types of tugs primarily used today:

• Seagoing Tugboats: These are strong enough to tow vessels into open waters and make long trips unassisted. The four categories of seagoing tugs include the standard seagoing tugboat, notch tug, integral unit, and articulated tug.
• Harbor Tugboats: These are generally smaller than seagoing tugboats and are designed to work within harbors. In smaller harbors, they have earned the nickname "lunch bucket boats" because they are manned only when necessary.
• River Tugboats: These are aptly named as their use is limited to inland rivers; their hull design would make them dangerous to operate in the open ocean. Commonly known as towboats or pushboats, river tugs are only used to push barges from behind. The name "towboat" originated in the canal age when barges were pulled by draft animals.

The Role of the Tugboat in Maritime History

The origin of the tugboat can be traced to the early days of sailing when large ships often found it difficult to maneuver in confined spaces or against strong tides. Their evolution was influenced by the Industrial Revolution and the invention of the steam engine. In the early 19th century, steam-powered tugs began appearing in European waters. These were a game-changer. Unlike sail-powered tugs, which depended on winds, steam tugs could operate reliably in a variety of conditions. The famous Charlotte Dundas, believed to be the world's first practical steamboat, demonstrated the viability of steam propulsion for towing in 1802 on the Forth and Clyde Canal in Scotland.

In the United States, the advent of tugboats can be linked to the intricate waterways, bustling harbors, and the rise of major port cities. The early 19th century saw the debut of steam-powered tugboats in U.S. waters, with the first American-built steam tug, the R. L. Stevens, operating in New York Harbor by 1817.

The expansion and commercial development of U.S. ports, coupled with the increasing size and draft of seagoing vessels, led to a greater dependency on tugboats. They played a pivotal role in the American maritime industry, assisting in harbor operations, coastal tows, and canal transits, especially with the opening of significant waterways like the Erie Canal.

The industry saw further innovation with the introduction of diesel engines in the early 20th century, providing more power and efficiency. Modern tugboats, equipped with advanced navigation, propulsion, and safety systems, are a far cry from their steam-powered ancestors but still serve the same essential purpose: guiding and assisting larger vessels.

How Much Can a Tugboat Pull or Push?

The force a tugboat can exert, often referred to as "bollard pull," can vary widely based on the tug's size, design, and engine power. Bollard pull is the measure of a tug’s power and is typically measured in tons or kilonewtons. Small harbor or docking tugs might have a bollard pull of 15 to 20 tons, while large ocean-going salvage tugs can have a bollard pull exceeding 200 tons. The most powerful tugboats, equipped with high-capacity engines and designed for challenging conditions such as deep-sea salvage or assisting massive supertankers, can exert forces well beyond this range.

Common Accidents on Tugs

Due to their high horsepower and the use of heavy equipment, work on a tugboat can be particularly dangerous, leaving maritime workers seriously injured. These injuries can stem from common offshore accidents (such as falling on a slippery deck) or from incidents specific to tug operations (such as injury by the winches, cables, or lines).

Common causes of tugboat accidents include the following:

• Frayed/weak lines
• Tow lines sweeping the deck
• Inclement weather
• Capsizing of the tugboat
• Malfunction or unspooling of winches
• Allisions or collisions with a dock or other vessel

If you have questions about tugboats or were injured while working on a tug, do not hesitate to contact our firm today. Your consultation is free!