Tuglines

Tuglines are lines used by tugboats to connect to other vessels or objects for towing, maneuvering, or assisting in ship handling. The term appears in various maritime regions and industries, with towline being the more common term in many manuals. A typical tow operation involves attaching a line to the bow of the vessel to be moved or to a designated towing point on the tug, and controlling the load from the tug’s winch or towing drum. In heavier salvage or offshore work, multiple lines or bridles may be used to distribute load and maintain control.

Towlines are constructed from steel wire rope or synthetic fibers such as HMPE or polyester. Steel lines offer high strength and abrasion resistance but are heavier and harder to handle, while synthetic lines are lighter and more elastic but require protection from UV exposure and abrasion. Towlines are often fitted with protective sleeves or chafe guards, wear indicators, and appropriate connectors such as shackles or fairleads. A messenger line may be used to pass the main towline to the receiving vessel.

Configurations vary with operation. A single end tow attaches the line to the bow and pulls along the line’s length; a butt tow uses lines to both the bow and stern areas to improve control; a bridle arrangement distributes load across two or more lines anchored to a central point on the towed vessel. In harbor maneuvers, towing lines may be routed through fairleads to reduce chafe and to control line direction.

Safety and procedures are central to tugline operations. Pre-tow checks cover line condition, connections, and equipment readiness; clear communication between the tug and towed vessel is essential; gradual acceleration and careful tension management help prevent line snapback or overload. Regulations and company procedures guide standard practices in different jurisdictions.