One of the most used vessels in port activity are harbour tugs, necessary to support the maneuverability of vessels and emergency cases. These specialized marine workhorses deliver exceptional pulling power despite their compact size, making them indispensable for maritime safety and efficiency.
What is a harbour tug?
A harbour tug is a type of vessel specially designed to offer the necessary support during the different maneuvers carried out by other vessels or floating devices within the port. Their remarkable strength comes from advanced propulsion systems—often featuring azimuth thrusters that rotate 360 degrees—and engines generating up to 90 tons of bollard pull. This combination allows them to control vessels weighing tens of thousands of tons with precision.
Functions of harbour tugs
In port areas, these tugboats, in collaboration with the pilot, have the main objective of guaranteeing maximum safety and avoiding possible accidents and collisions with structures, the mainland, shoals or other vessels. In a good number of countries, using a harbour tug during port entry and exit maneuvers is mandatory for large vessels. Specifically, the functions of a harbour tug are as follows:
- To assist the vessel in the docking and undocking maneuvers
- To assist the vessel in the turn in a limited space
- To offer the necessary support to counteract the force of the wind, waves or currents
- To help stop the vessel
- To tow, push or assist the vessel that has been left without means of propulsion or steering
- To transport floating artifacts from one place to another
- To offer escort, in anticipation of loss of government, to vessels with dangerous cargo in high-risk areas
The critical role of tugboats for large vessels
Cruise ships and container vessels rely heavily on tugboat assistance due to their limited maneuverability in confined port spaces. The massive superstructures of cruise ships act like sails, making them particularly vulnerable to crosswinds. Tugboats provide the precise control needed for safe navigation in these conditions.
The skilled crews operating these powerful vessels undergo specialized training in vessel handling and maritime coordination. Tugboat personnel work in shifts that can last for days, maintaining constant communication with ship captains, harbor pilots, and port authorities to ensure seamless operations.
SYM Naval harbour tugs, complete adaptation
To fulfill the functions previously described, harbour tugs must be designed complying with the fundamental characteristics of maneuverability, stability, and power. In this sense, at SYM Naval we offer a complete range of harbour tugs, positioning ourselves in the segment of the most efficient tugboats on the market and fully adapting to the needs and requirements of the shipowners, involving them from the beginning of the design through the digital model of the tugboat.
Our engineering team focuses on optimizing hull designs for maximum stability and incorporating the latest propulsion technologies for enhanced performance. This collaborative approach ensures each tugboat meets the specific operational challenges of its intended environment.
In addition, we make sure to offer the highest level of quality in all the materials and equipment used while strictly complying with the delivery deadlines agreed with the shipowner.
Harbour Tug, a multipurpose tugboat for port use
Harbour Tug models have been entirely designed and built by SYM Naval, trying to offer different size and motorization options for these port tugs. As main characteristics we can highlight that these are especially compact models, with high maneuverability and great power.
Our tugboats feature reinforced hulls, advanced winch systems, and ergonomic deck layouts to maximize operational efficiency. The bridge design provides 360-degree visibility, allowing captains to maintain visual contact with the assisted vessel at all times—a critical safety feature during complex maneuvers.
For more information about our harbour tug construction service or any other queries regarding shipbuilding, ship conversion or ship repair services, you can get in touch with SYM Naval through our contact form.
