Tugboat Masters Guide Ships Through Major Australian Port

NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 30: A crewman onboard the 'Oriental Treasure' bulk carrier ship passes a 'messager rope' to Tugboat Master John Duncan's tugboat as it assists the ship from Kooragang Island Coal Terminal through Newcastle Port on July 30, 2015 in Newcastle, Australia. Newcastle Port is the largest bulk shipping port on the east coast of Australia and the world's largest coal export port by volume handling 4,600 ship movements a year transporting coal, general cargo, dry bulk, bulk liquids and project cargo. The majority of ships are carrying coal exports to the rest of the world and the port is a vital part of Australia's coal industry. Tugboat Master Duncan and his crew are responsible for controlling one of the 13 tugboats that operate in the port. The tugboats are critical to the safe passage of large ships travelling through the harbour and also arriving in port they provide assistance, and manoeuvrability to vessels. The modern tugboats have powerful 5600hp engines and compact stable designs capable of towing fully loaded ships much larger and heavier. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)