A powerful propulsion system combined with a submerged hull design allows tugboats to move massive ships.
Tugboats are used to assist large vessels in navigating areas where they cannot maneuver on their own, such as canals or crowded docks.
Despite their relatively small size, tugboats possess immense power, capable of moving vessels weighing up to 1,000 times their own weight by either pulling or pushing them.
The power of a tugboat comes from diesel engines with a capacity of 34,000 horsepower, giving them a weight-to-power ratio of 9.5 compared to 1.2 for cargo ships. These engines can power three propellers simultaneously, generating enormous thrust for the smaller vessel.
In addition to the engines, another factor that enables tugboats to excel in moving vessels is their high maneuverability provided by the steering system and thrusters. Tugboats are designed with a hull shape that allows them to “sink” deeply into the water, creating more friction and resulting in greater bollard pull.
The power of tugboats comes from diesel engines with a capacity of 34,000 horsepower.
Depending on the size of the tugboat and the super vessel, tugboats can operate alone or in groups when moving large vessels through ports or canals.
Tugboats often use towing lines made from extremely durable materials to pull vessels to their destinations. However, this method has the drawback of lower directional control and precision.
Therefore, tugboats are commonly used to push rather than pull. In this scenario, the tugboat runs alongside the vessel and provides a push. However, this method is not feasible in rough seas as the tugboat and the vessel frequently collide.
Tugboats can be classified into harbor tugs and ocean tugs.
- Harbor tugs operate in relatively shallow waters.
- Ocean tugs are designed for work in deep-sea environments.
Additionally, scientists have identified another reason that allows tugboats to move large vessels. On land, towing vehicles need to be heavy enough to ensure that the friction between the wheels and the road prevents slipping when pulling heavy loads. However, underwater, the weight of the vehicle is no longer a critical factor. What matters is the thrust generated by the propellers, and this capability does not depend on the size of the tugboat but rather on the engine’s power. Tugboats essentially function as auxiliary engines for larger vessels, connected by ropes and operating at a certain distance.
This arrangement helps larger vessels with fixed rudders and propellers at the stern to be more agile when maneuvering in port areas. Tugboats enable larger vessels to make sharper turns without needing to adjust their primary rudder or propeller.
For this reason, a tugboat does not need to be larger than necessary. An oversized tugboat can reduce its maneuverability in confined areas, create more drag, consume more fuel, incur higher production costs, and take up more dock space when moored at the port.
Why do ships move steadily without capsizing on the water?
Battery-powered train can travel 1,000 km
Giant kite with an area of 500 square meters can pull a cargo ship 154 meters long
