Baltic (tug)

A Baltic is a type of tugboat typically designed for icebreaking duties in the Baltic Sea and other icy waters. These tugs are characterized by robust construction, powerful engines, and specialized hull forms optimized for navigating and breaking ice. Their primary function is to assist ships in navigating through frozen waters, ensuring the continued flow of maritime traffic during winter months. Specific design features often include reinforced hulls, ice knives or ice horns, and specialized propulsion systems capable of generating high thrust. They also serve as general harbor tugs during ice-free seasons. The term "Baltic tug" often denotes a general class of icebreaking tugs rather than a specific vessel class, and designs may vary based on operational requirements and geographical location.