Robert G Allan, the influential naval architect who transformed his family business into one of the world’s foremost tugboat design firms, has been honoured with the British Tugowners Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award at its 90th conference in Belfast. This recognition adds to Mr Allan’s distinguished career, which also saw him Read more…
Maritime and Coastguard Agency chief executive Virginia McVea has characterised tug operators as “critical national capability” while announcing the reinstatement of the specialist Eleven 02 survey service for larger tugs during her address at the British Tugowners Association Annual Conference in Belfast “The much-loved Eleven 02 survey service will be Read more…
The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency will fundamentally transform seafarer certification from September 2025, ending an outdated system that forced mariners to start over when switching vessel types while introducing digital assessments that replace memorisation with practical skills application “The roles of seafarers may not have changed in decades, but Read more…
Following the annual BTA Conference, Edwin Lampert from Riviera Maritime wrote an article on the launch of the BTA Guide – Use of Tugs in Firefighting. The BTA extends its gratitude to the speakers and Edwin for their expertise and professionalism, which contributed to the success of the conference. The British Tugowners Association Read more…
Following the annual BTA Conference, Edwin Lampert from Riviera Maritime wrote an article on the presentation by Belfast Harbour Commissioners CEO, Joe O’Neil. The BTA extends its gratitude to the speakers and Edwin for their expertise and professionalism, which contributed to the success of the conference Belfast Harbour is resurrecting its shipbuilding heritage Read more…
The British Tugowners Association (BTA) is delighted to announce that nominations for the 2026 Tug Trainee of the Year Award are now open. The BTA’s Tug Trainee of the Year Award, kindly sponsored for Sanmar Shipyards, is now live and open for nominations, and will award its the recipient at the Read more…
The British Tugowners Association (BTA) held its AGM and Annual Conference at the historic Belfast Harbour Commissioners, drawing over 80 delegates from the UK, European ’s towage and wider maritime community. This year’s conference brought into focus key themes including maritime decarbonisation, emergency response, future fuels, and industry resilience. The Read more…
As part of National Careers Week, industry and Government have welcomed funding approval for a new, key, maritime apprenticeship, that will provide opportunities for apprenticeships with the UK Small vessel sector. The new apprenticeship standard for Ship’s Master on vessels less than 500 gross tonnes, in near-coastal waters, builds upon Read more…
The British Tugowners Association (BTA) is proudly supporting TugTechnology ’25 – now in its 10th year! We are delighted to once again welcome The British Tugowners Association as a supporting organisation of the upcoming TUGTECHNOLOGY ’25, taking place in Antwerp. Renowned for its in-depth technical coverage, this event is the leading platform Read more…
The 2024 BTA Annual Safety Seminar was held on Thursday, 14 November, at The Leith Cruise Terminal in Edinburgh, kindly hosted by Forth Ports. The event welcomed over 100 attendees, including representatives from towage operators, pilots, port and harbour authorities, insurers, accident investigators, regulators, and manufacturers. The report of proceedings Read more…