tugboats in SF [ e ]

Well, one of the piers in San Francisco has a bunch of tugboats tied up, so I suppose they're still used. Last summer I was on a bay cruise in Seattle and I think our guide mentioned something about tugs, and I saw one there, too. So I guess the unofficial word is: tugboats are still useful, but I have no idea if they're being phased out or what.

posted by hummbabySeptember 10, 2002 at 15:50

THER ARE ARE STILL TUGBOATS [ e ]

CROWLEY MARINE SERVICE ARE HAVING TUGBOATS BUILT ALL THE TIME AT THE RATE OF ABOUT ONE EVERY 2 MONTHS. THERE FROM 6000 H.P. TO 10,000 H.P. TO USE FOR TANKER ESCORT FROM SEA TOTHE DOCK. THIS IS IN PUGET SOUND AND SEATTLE WA.
  RETIRED CHIEF ENGINEER

posted by anon_LOTSOFTUGSSeptember 23, 2002 at 12:10

Yes tugboats are still around [ e ]

I currently work on tugs and they are still around and still very usefull. In alot of the foreign ports they have move room to move around, so they really don't need them all the time, but tugs do alot more then push ships around anyway. They move srap metal, stone, sand, fuel and alot of other stuff. Take a look in New York harbor some time and you will see tugs running up and down the harbor all day long. So NO they are not getting rid of tugs and even with the GPS and computer on ship they can maneuver in tight places because the big ship need between 5 and 10 knot just to be able to use there rudders.

posted by pittsnipeNovember 7, 2002 at 5:08

What would we do without tug boats?? [ e ]

It is a commonly known fact that Tugboats are used here very often in Tasmania,Australia. If u do visit a port here i'm sure you'll see tugs either taking out ships, pulling in ships or simply waiting for the ships word for help. My father currently works on the tugboats in Tasmania and if there were no more use for them he would surely be out of a job. Tugboats are a big part of the shipping business and without them i'm sure they would be terribly lost.

posted by anon_KirbellDecember 30, 2002 at 4:51

What would we do without tugboats? [ e ]

It is a commonly know fact that here in Tasmania, Australia tugboats are still used.If you look at any port in the state you will most probably find  a tugboat taking out a ship,bringing in a ship, or simply waiting for the ships word for help. My father currently works on the tugboats in Tasmania helping with ships nearly everyday of the week. Even in this new age of technology they are still needed. If tugboats weren't used he shipping business would be terribly lost without them. Many of the people working on/with the tugs are on call 24 hours a day. So give them a little respect by knowing that tugboats are still used even though many people think they're not.

posted by anon_Kirbell32December 30, 2002 at 5:03

Plenty of tugboats in Kobe, Japan [ e ]

Yes, yes ... they are used extensively in Kobe, Japan, a major shipping port in Japan.  And they come in all shapes, colors, and sizes.

posted by DoctorSSHApril 24, 2005 at 22:47

[ e ]

welll of corurse there are tug boats i own 10 of them ini a prt so i know.

posted by starichaerMay 4, 2006 at 13:41

Uh Huh! [ e ]

If tugs no longer existed, I would be dreaming that I am still employed on the water that sustains me.  Gentle on the throttle, cause speed kills.  Mind the rudder, for rocks and shoals are no place for a mariner to go.  Watch that landlubber on his little speed boat, Darwin will teach him the eveloution of species.

Yes, Tug Boats do still exist and move more cargo, dry bulk, liquid and containerized than any 18-wheeler could comprehend.

That is why... I'm CapnCraigAgain

posted by capncraigAugust 17, 2007 at 12:42