Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS)
An Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessel is a powerful, versatile offshore workboat that combines several roles: towing and positioning drilling rigs and other offshore units, deploying and recovering their anchors and moorings, and carrying supplies like a platform supply vessel. It is distinguished by very high bollard pull (towing power), a large open stern deck with a heavy-duty winch and anchor-handling equipment, and stern rollers.
AHTS vessels are a specialised type of offshore supply vessel (OSV), essential to moving and mooring mobile drilling rigs and increasingly to offshore construction and (with modification) offshore wind. They typically have dynamic positioning for precise station-keeping and rig work. Anchor handling is a demanding, hazardous operation requiring skilled crews. AHTS vessels are among the most capable and powerful workboats in the offshore fleet, central to the mobility and mooring of offshore energy infrastructure.
Moving and mooring a drilling rig takes serious muscle and skill — the AHTS provides both, towing rigs, laying their anchors and supplying them, with the high bollard pull and winch gear to match. It is one of the most capable workboats offshore, central to the mobility of energy infrastructure and a demanding, specialised operation.
What does an AHTS vessel do?
Tows and positions offshore rigs, handles their anchors and moorings, and carries supplies — combining anchor-handling, towing and supply roles.
What makes AHTS vessels distinctive?
High bollard pull, a large stern deck with a heavy anchor-handling winch and stern rollers, and dynamic positioning.