First published in 1997, with a second edition in 2002 and a third in 2018, Tug Use in Port by Capt Henk Hensen is known as the ‘tug bible’ – the essential practical guide to port towage and escort operations. Since the publication of the second edition, developments in tug design and operation have continued to improve tug capabilities as well as effective and safe tug use. Sadly, there have still have been a number of accidents, often with dramatic consequences. Now, Capt Hensen has revised, updated and added to this invaluable textbook, with the third edition published this summer by The ABR Company, UK.

Some significant changes have been made in this third edition, including:

• The inclusion of several new tug designs, as well as terminal tugs, environmentally friendly tugs, Japanese style tugs, and tugs that operate in icy conditions.

• Tug assistance in ports, and ice-covered fairways, is further addressed, as is tug assistance in locks. Bow-to-bow operations are discussed in more detail.

• Stability has been further explained, along with recommendations for tug masters with respect to stability.

• Environmental limits for tug operations are discussed, and attention is paid to operating in fog conditions.

• The impact of crew reduction on board tugs, another important item, is addressed.

• Information on towing winches, towing hooks, towlines, towline friction and SWLs of ship’s deck equipment has all been updated, and the need to use proper heaving lines addressed.

• New aspects of training are included – such as training for LNG tugs, LNG locations, ice and wave conditions – as well as new developments in training tools, eg specific tug simulators, small training and miniature tugs.

• New technical developments, such as virtual and augmented reality, are discussed – along with use of simulators for human factor studies.

• The escort chapter has been thoroughly reviewed, including the reasons for escorting and an update on various escort regulations.

• The topic of autonomous ships is discussed, including the possible effects on tugs and tug operations.

• The important issues of risk assessment and safety management systems are newly included in this edition, along with commentary on the effects of the

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Captain Hensen: “This book which is recommended by IMO is specifically written with the needs of maritime professionals involved in the day-to-day practice and training of ship handling with tugs in mind, particularly pilots, tug masters and training instructors. It should also be of value to towing companies, shipmasters and mates of seagoing vessels and all other persons or organisations involved, one way or another, with tugs and ship handling. It is my earnest hope that this book will contribute to an improved knowledge of tugs and lead to increasing safety in tug and ship handling operations in ports, port approaches and offshore terminals around the world.”

Julian Parker, former Secretary The Nautical Institute: `This third edition of Tug Use in Port is one of the best guides I have read. To have embraced an international, highly technical and operationally critical industry with such clarity is a great achievement.’

The large-format hardback book is illustrated with a wealth of detailed diagrams, graphics and photographs.