One year on from the allision between the MV Solong and Stena Immaculate in the Humber, Robert Merrylees, Policy Director and Secretary of the British Tugowners Association (BTA) explores calls for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and UK Government to review and strengthen the UK’s emergency response capability. On Read more
We are pleased to announce that as a change of activity, the British Tugowners Association will be holding its inaugural Clay Pigeon Shooting Tuition and Competition on 6 May as the networking activity for this year’s Annual General Meeting, Conference & Dinner. The Clay Day, generously supported by UZMAR Shipyards, is an afternoon Read more
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 British Tugowners Association (BTA) has introduced a new Firefighting Emergency Action Card to support tug crews when called upon to assist in shipboard fire emergencies. This quick-reference card sets out essential steps and questions for crews before, during, and after an incident, ensuring interventions are carried out with safety Read more
The British Tugowners Association (BTA), UK Maritime Pilots’ Association (UKMPA) and the Workboat Association (WA) have jointly published “Gog Ropes: Industry Advice”, a new guidance document aimed at improving safety in conventional towage operations. This resource provides practical recommendations for the safe and effective use of gog ropes on conventional tugs, incorporating lessons 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
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
The 2023 BTA Annual Safety Seminar took place at The Insurance Hall in London on Thursday 16 November with a record attendance of over 100 registered attendees spanning across towage operators, pilots, port & harbour authorities, insurers, accident investigators and manufacturers. The report of proceedings goes through the event in Read more
In a series of interviews with members and associate members, we will be publishing information regarding the businesses and people that make up the BTA. Our first interview is with Wencke Boerrigter from Polestar Publishing. What is your professional background and how did you get into towage? I have worked Read more