Where does the word “tug” come from?
Answer 1: First recorded in 1225, from a weak grade of Old English, derived from the word teohan “to pull, drag”. The meaning “small steamer used to tow other vessels” is recorded from 1817. Question 2: Is harbour towing mandatory? Answer 2: Unlike pilot services on the Saint Lawrence, harbour towing is not mandatory. However, it contributes to protect the environment, to ensure the safety of marine operations and to preserve the integrity of the port infrastructures. Question 3: What are the advantages of “Z-Drive” engines? Answer 3: This propulsion system is made up of two propellers, embedded in two nozzles which can rotate 360 independently from each other. This type of vessel does not require a rudder or a transmission, which eliminates possible breakdowns of this equipment. Unlike tugs with fixed propellers, the bollard pull of a “Z-Drive” engine maintains constant nominal power regardless of the angle used to carry out the operations. The Z-Drive engine allows the tug to back up
