The Many Uses of Workboats

A workboat is just that: a boat that’s used for work. It may be for transporting freight or for commercial fishing; as long as it’s not for leisure or naval service, it is considered a workboat. Among the most widely used of these hardworking vessels is the tugboat.

Tugboats are mainly used to tow larger ships and help them dock in harbors. They are comparatively smaller than ocean-going vessels and yet are able to move efficiently. These small workboats operate on heavy duty machinery which gives them enough power to carry on their tasks. 

Tugboats are usually built in three categories: seagoing tugs, escort tugs, and harbor tugs. Seagoing tugboats are primarily used for pulling structures for relocation like oil rigs and similarly huge objects. Escort tugs, on the other hand, are used to escort bigger vessels navigate canals, while harbor tugs are used to assist ships in and out of ports safely and securely.

These workboats are also used for rescuing disabled ships and towing them to the nearest harbor where they can be repaired. Hence, tugboats are a must in all of the world’s oceans, rivers, lakes and many other water basins. Without these ubiquitous small seacrafts, many bigger ships may not be able to navigate or reach their destination safely. Indeed, workboats like tugs do work hard for whatever purpose they are used.