Towing & Ship-Assist · Ship-Assist — Tractor Tug
A tractor tug (with azimuthing or cycloidal propulsion located forward) is valued in ship-assist work because it:
- ACan only push, never pull
- BHas no steering ability
- CCan apply thrust in any direction and work in the indirect mode with reduced girting risk✓ Correct
- DIs restricted to rivers
Explanation
Tractor tugs (Voith-Schneider or azimuth-drive forward) vector thrust through 360°, giving precise control. Working the towline from the stern in the indirect mode, they use hull lift and are inherently less prone to girting than a conventional screw tug pulling from a point forward of the stern.
Authority: Ship-handling / ship-assist references
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