The industry’s response to recent challenges has fostered a spirit of reflection, collaboration, and unity. Following the report’s release, industry representatives engaged quietly to formulate a strategic plan, highlighting the need for leadership within their organizations.
Creating best practice guidelines, however, has proven complex. The lack of a unified approach in conventional towage, which has developed variably across regions, has made consensus on safe design and operational methods elusive.
By March 2025, new technical guidelines for gob rope and towline testing were published, while the British Tugowners Association introduced a standardized communication framework for the Ports and Marine Facilities Safety Code. Additionally, Mr. Forster announced an upcoming publication on gob rope best practices and the development of simulator training software for conventional tugs.
Despite these advancements, significant work remains. The absence of a unified training standard for conventional tug operations presents challenges. The industry’s ongoing campaign seeks to establish standardized procedures for designing, testing, and using gob ropes, while enhancing overall training and awareness in conventional tug operations.
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