Product Description
Many sections of the UK’s rivers and canals are extremely shallow, making them inaccessible to conventional vessels. The Shallow Drafted Pusher Tug is purpose-built for these environments. It’s ideal for confined canals, low-depth rivers, and inland waterways where manoeuvrability is key and draft limitations are non-negotiable.
KEY FEATURES
Length: 14ft
Beam: 6ft
Draft: 18" empty
Mobilised via Hiab lorry
Optional welfare unit and tool storage available
INFORMATION SHEETS
At just 14ft long and 6ft wide, it’s one of the most compact vessels in our fleet. It offers reliable propulsion and position support anywhere space and depth are limited, including isolated lock cuts, restoration sites, and heritage areas under conservation restrictions.
Despite its small size, this vessel is a practical workhorse. It can assist with towing, crew movements, survey support, or on-site logistics. Optional welfare and tool storage configurations are also available, offering a surprising level of flexibility for a tug of this size.
The boat can carry small quantities of materials, such as tools or equipment, within its 18” draft. However, it’s primarily designed to push or tow other vessels; including barges, material pontoons, or welfare units, through the tightest and shallowest sections of a navigation.
Its lightweight footprint makes it particularly suited to reactive works, emergency response, or light maintenance in remote areas where larger tugs cannot be deployed. Whether working solo or as part of a wider fleet, it delivers stable, dependable service in locations where precision and low impact are essential.
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Frequently hired together
The Rothen Group provide a high quality, work boat rental service supplying an array of large and small work boats for narrow beam & wide beam waterways.
“The Rothen Group’s knowledge has ensured that potential issues were highlighted early, meaning projects run smoothly and on programme. They have a large fleet of plant and operators too, which reassures that the work will be completed safely and with due care.”
Martin Dean
JN Bentley
“The Rothen Group have worked with us and supplied marine, piling and fencing plant for many years. The team have excellent working knowledge of the UK canal system.”
Jim Walton
CPC Civils
“The works were completed to a high standard of quality both ahead of programme and in a safe manner. All parties were really pleased with how smooth the construction phase went.”
Andrew Smith
Mott MacDonald Bentley
“Your crew worked seamlessly to deliver both the headwall and gabion basket lifts safely and efficiently. Their approach to safety, teamwork, and communication made a real difference and helped keep everything on track.”
Adam De'Ath
Canal & River Trust
"The professionalism, communication and quality of the works delivered by The Rothen Group has been exceptional! From the project initiation phase to delivering the hard work on the ground they have been an outstanding contractor to work with."
Charles Hughes
Canal & River Trust
