How Tugboats Keep Ports Running Smoothly

Currently, several means of transport are undergoing an accelerated development towards automation and automated movements. This development will also impact future ship handling with tugs. A glimpse into the future of tug boat operation.

Accelerated icebreaking operation of Pier 28 in the Estuary sector, involving Ocean Group's tugs.

Bulk Carrier "Jasmine A" leaving Gladstone lock stern-first with 3 tugs

A look into the future of the ship's bridge with new technologies.

Bergstraum inbound to Regent Quay in Aberdeen Harbour with the tug Kittywake assisting.

The Federal New York and the M.S. Westcott Sliding through the Detroit River in May 2026, the Federal New York towered over the tiny but legendary M.S. Westcott, a perfect Great Lakes contrast of scale and tradition. Built in 2024 for Fednav, Canada’s largest dry-bulk shipping company, the Federal New York stretches nearly 656 feet long, carries roughly 34,700 deadweight tons, and was designed specifically for efficient St. Lawrence Seaway and Great Lakes service. Alongside her, the M.S....

Trabajo que realiza el Sr, Práctico en Atraque y Desatraque de naves Mercantes a Puerto , Monoboya Quintero . Multiboyas y Pilotaje en los canales del Sur de Chile hasta Punta Arenas.
Work done by the Pilot.on board in mooring and undocking of Merchant ships to port. Monoboya Quintero .Multibuy and pilotage in the channels of the South of Chile to Punta Arenas.

The PLA welcomes Sathar Sulaiman and James Kitney as they join as Trainee Marine Pilots.

I have had the privilege of being at quite a number of meetings, conferences and seminars, sometimes representing The Netherlands, but mostly representing the Netherlands pilots. I have had many discussions about the role of pilots and pilot organisations, which lead me to write an article “What is the added value of pilotage?”, published in the February 2020 issue of Seaways.