Towage

Towage refers to the act of towing a vessel or object through water, or the payment made for such a service. This involves a tugboat or other powered vessel pulling another, typically larger or unpowered, vessel or object. The towage process is essential for transporting cargo, assisting ships in and out of harbors, salvage operations, and moving objects too large or unwieldy to move under their own power. The fees for towage services depend on factors such as distance, size and type of the vessel, and the difficulty of the maneuver.

Towage meaning with examples

• The massive cargo ship, unable to maneuver in the narrow harbor channel due to strong winds, required emergency towage. A powerful tugboat was quickly dispatched to guide the vessel safely to its berth, ensuring a smooth docking process for both ships, allowing them to avoid any danger or damage.
• The oil rig, under construction offshore, relied on heavy towage for its transportation. Several specialized tugboats, each with immense power and sophisticated navigation equipment, worked in tandem to move the massive structure to its designated location on the ocean floor, ensuring a secure foundation.
• Following the storm, the damaged sailboat requested towage to the nearest port. Despite the harsh weather conditions and the boat's damaged state, the tugboat carefully and expertly maneuvered it safely across the rough seas to the protection of the harbor, minimizing any risk.
• The salvage crew negotiated towage for the wrecked ship, their immediate actions in helping to save lives and recover valuable cargo, while reducing the risk of pollution from the damaged vessel, ensured a successful recovery operation in the aftermath of the incident.