A tugboat is a powerful, small to medium-sized vessel designed primarily to tow or push larger ships, barges, and other vessels. Tugboats are essential in various maritime operations, particularly in harbor and port areas, where their strength and maneuverability help guide and move ships in confined or shallow waters.

Key Functions of a Tugboat:

1. Towing: Tugboats tow large ships or barges, often assisting in navigation through difficult waters, such as narrow channels or harbors.
2. Pushing: Instead of towing, some tugboats push vessels, often pushing barges or large ships alongside them, helping them move into dock or around tight areas.
3. Maneuvering: Tugboats are frequently used to assist large vessels in maneuvering in crowded or constrained spaces, such as when docking or undocking from piers.
4. Escort Services: Tugboats also provide escort services to ensure the safety of vessels through hazardous waters or when navigating challenging conditions like storms or ice.

Key Characteristics of a Tugboat:

1. Powerful Engines: Tugboats have robust engines that give them the power to move much larger vessels.
2. Compact Size: Despite their strength, tugboats are relatively small and agile compared to the vessels they tow or push.
3. Highly Maneuverable: Tugboats are designed to be highly maneuverable, often using a variety of propulsion systems such as a propeller, or even azimuth thrusters that allow them to move in any direction with great precision.

Types of Hull: Steel

Gross Tonnage: 100 – 300