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Role of tug boats

Ships are slow to turn and take a long time to stop. When using only their own power, ships risk damaging the dock and the ship. A ship will order one or more tug boats to help it dock at its berth. Tugs are necessary in smaller spaces and when the ship is close to a dock. Tugs are small but have powerful engines.

They can push a ship as well as use lines to pull it.

Most of the time, tugs will turn the ship around so that it  faces the way it will be leaving. The tugs will slowly nudge the ship towards the dock so that it can berth safely.

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