Tugboat

A tugboat is a small but powerful vessel used in port operations to assist large ships with berthing, unberthing, shifting, turning, or towing. In foreign trade and shipping, tugboat services are usually provided by port tug companies, and the fee is called the tugboat fee, which is an important part of port charges. Use cases include: assisting ships in entering and leaving ports and docking/undocking, assisting large vessels in narrow channels or congested ports, and towing unpowered vessels or large barges at sea. Notes: Tugboat use usually requires advance application to port authorities or agents; fees are charged based on tug horsepower, usage time, and number of operations, and may be affected by weather and tides; different ports have different rules on mandatory tug use. Difference from 'Pilot': a pilot is responsible for ship handling guidance, while a tugboat provides actual power assistance; difference from 'Barge': a barge is mainly used to transport cargo, while a tugboat is used for towing or pushing. Foreign trade practitioners need to clarify in the charter party or bill of lading who bears the tugboat fee to avoid extra cost disputes.