Towing convoy (delivery)

A towing convoy delivery moves a newbuild or a non-self-propelled hull to its destination under tow rather than on its own power, as a wet tow (the hull floats and is towed) or a dry tow (the hull rides on a heavy-lift or semi-submersible carrier). A convoy adds escort or multiple tugs and a defined route, weather window, and tow plan, used when the hull is unfinished, has no working propulsion, or must cross open water it was not designed to transit. The tow is engineered: bollard pull against towed resistance, towline and bridle strength, and a marine warranty surveyor’s approval of the rig and the weather routing. Loss of the tow in heavy weather is the controlling risk.