AHTS (Anchor Handling Tug Supply)

An anchor handling tug supply vessel is an offshore support ship that tows and positions the anchors of drilling rigs and floating units, tows the units themselves, and carries deck cargo and bulk supplies to offshore installations. It combines very high bollard pull, a powerful aft winch, a sterndeck with a shark-jaw and towing pins, and dynamic positioning for precise work near a rig. The deep low stern that suits anchor handling also makes the type vulnerable to girting and downflooding if a tow load comes on the quarter, a recognized stability hazard.