# Towage Dues

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> Towage dues cover the mechanical muscle that large vessels need when navigating confined harbour waters: one or more tugboats push and pull the ship during berthing, unberthing, or turning manoeuvres that the vessel cannot safely execute under its own power.

Towage dues cover the mechanical muscle that large vessels need when navigating confined harbour waters: one or more tugboats push and pull the ship during berthing, unberthing, or turning manoeuvres that the vessel cannot safely execute under its own power. Shipowners settle these charges with the tugboat operator, usually through the ship's agent, with fees calculated by number of tugs, vessel size, and duration of the operation. Towage is a purely physical service and must not be confused with pilotage: the pilot makes navigational decisions, the tugs carry them out. Both costs can arise on the same port call but appear as separate line items in the disbursement account. Mandatory tug requirements vary widely – some ports enforce minimum tug numbers above a certain gross tonnage; others leave it to the master's or pilot's discretion.

**Source:** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Towage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Towage)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Towage Dues |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 135 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Towage |

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