The MAIB has this week published a safety warning video addressing the tragic capsize of the conventional tug Biter in February 2023, an incident that tragically resulted in the loss of two lives. The video, issued within the MAIB Safety Bulletin 1/2026, highlights critical lessons regarding towage planning, the impact Read more
Insight, Leadership and Collaboration Across the Towage Industry. The BTA invites its members, and all those with an interest in towage, to a two‑day gathering that brings the towage community together to connect, share expertise and engage with leaders shaping the future of UK towage. The programme opens with an Read more
The 2025 BTA Annual Safety Seminar was held on Thursday 6 November, at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in Southampton, kindly sponsored by Sanmar, Boluda Towage and Damen. The event welcomed over 90 attendees including tug masters, pilots, marine superintendents, P&I clubs, members of the MCA MAIB, lawyers, workboat crew, harbour Read more
Please Save the Date and Register Now to ensure you and your crew are able to join us for the Annual Safety Seminar 2025. The all day seminar, on 6 November 2025 will start at 0900, being held at the Leonardo Royal Hotel Southampton Grand Harbour, SO15 1AG with lunch Read more
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UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency will fundamentally transform seafarer certification from September 2025, ending an outdated system that forced mariners to start over when switching vessel types while introducing digital assessments that replace memorisation with practical skills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 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 BTA’s Read more