Tugs play a critical role in maintaining control of large vessels during bad weather, when wind, swell, and tidal forces quickly overwhelm a ship’s own manoeuvring ability. High-sided vessels such as container ships, RoRos and cruise ships present huge windage areas, causing the bow or stern to fall off rapidly in crosswinds. At low speeds, rudders and bow thrusters lose effectiveness, leaving pilots with limited means to counter drift, yaw or surge. In these conditions, tugs provide the cont...
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Tugs play a critical role in maintaining control of large vessels during bad weather, when wind, swell, and tidal forces quickly overwhelm a ship’s own manoeuvring ability. High-sided vessels such as container ships, RoRos and cruise ships present huge windage areas, causing the bow or stern to fall off rapidly in crosswinds. At low speeds, rudders and bow thrusters lose effectiveness, leaving pilots with limited means to counter drift, yaw or surge. In these conditions, tugs provide the cont...
Heavy weather significantly disrupts maritime operations, increasing risks, costs, and delays for both ships and ports. Vessels face higher fuel consumption, mechanical strain, and potential hull or cargo damage, while ports often suspend pilotage and cargo handling due to unsafe conditions, leading to congestion and demurrage. These disruptions raise insurance claims, reduce schedule reliability, and inflate operational expenses. For shipowners and port operators alike, severe weather amplif...
The Maritime Education Podcast
Tugs play a critical role in maintaining control of large vessels during bad weather, when wind, swell, and tidal forces quickly overwhelm a ship’s own manoeuvring ability. High-sided vessels such as container ships, RoRos and cruise ships present huge windage areas, causing the bow or stern to fall off rapidly in crosswinds. At low speeds, rudders and bow thrusters lose effectiveness, leaving pilots with limited means to counter drift, yaw or surge. In these conditions, tugs provide the cont...
