Configured newbuild
The established CRT-L or a smaller purpose-built CRT can be configured around the required vessel control, duty cycle and local conditions.
Patented Innovation
Put Thrust
in Nature
The CARROUSEL RAVE TUG gives ports and towage operators greater control over large vessels. Its patented freely rotating towing point means the tug cannot capsize under transverse towline load.
- Static Bollard Pull in calm water
- 70 tons
- Measured Multratug 32 Dynamic Pull
- 180 tons
- Total Engine Power, 2× ABC 12VDZC
- 5,300 kW
- Maximum Free-running Speed
- 14.1 kn
- Length Overall
- 31.9 m
Swipe for more specifications
Port operating pressure
Five forces are making vessel control harder
Larger vessels, tighter schedules and constrained infrastructure increase the value of dependable control in confined waters.
360°
Rotating tow ring
The Innovation
Carrousel
Rave Tug
The Carrousel Towing System features a freely rotating steel ring around the tugboat's hull. This patented design means the tug cannot capsize under transverse towline load, addressing a failure mode that has caused many tug losses.
Combined with Voith Schneider propulsion, the hull generates hydrodynamic lift for braking and steering large vessels — using minimal engine power while maximizing control. As mega-vessels continue to grow (now 15× larger than in 1968), the need for advanced tug control has never been greater.
-
Enhanced SafetyCannot capsize under transverse towline load
-
Maximum Control360° towing capability
-
Fuel EfficiencyLess power, more thrust
The Operational Advantage
Dynamic Control
for Larger Vessels
The CRT turns towage into a more active form of vessel control. Instead of relying only on engine thrust, it uses towline force, hull lift, and 360-degree positioning to help brake, steer, and stabilize large ships while they still have momentum.
This matters because many ports now receive vessels beyond the scale they were originally designed around. More effective towage can extend useful port capacity by addressing the control problem directly, not only the depth problem.
The alternative to dredging: Dredging can deepen a channel, but it does not make a large vessel easier to stop or turn. The CRT acts as floating infrastructure, adding control where fixed infrastructure cannot.
-
Dynamic Bollard PullEffective force in real conditions
-
Hydrodynamic BrakingHull lift supports stopping power
-
Infrastructure LeverageMore control without fixed works
-
Lower Power DemandEfficiency depends on operation
180 t
Dynamic line force reached by Multratug 32
See It In Action
How to Handle Giant Ships
The CARROUSEL RAVE TUG significantly improves overall shipping and logistics industry performance by providing enhanced control over large cargo ships.
What Novatug Provides
A purpose-built CRT, configured for your operation
Novatug coordinates the development and deployment of complete CRT newbuilds. The vessel, commercial structure and training programme are shaped around the port, assisted vessels and operating profile.
Long-term deployment
Novatug works with financing partners to structure multi-year leasing for suitable projects, with technical support and training included as required.
Validated before operation
Operators can visit the two CRTs in service and test vessel, port and weather scenarios in the full-mission simulator.
Battery-electric development. A fully electric CRT can be developed jointly. Lower operating power demand means less battery capacity may be needed, while the final battery and propulsion configuration is determined by the vessel's round-the-clock operating profile.
Discuss a CRT deploymentOperational Experience
Voices from CRT operations
Perspectives from tug masters and operators, originally published in Novatug's June 2019 whitepaper.
“For me as a captain, this means that the work is easier because the tug offers more possibilities through its maneuverability. It brings more rest because the risk of capsizing due to towline forces is no longer present.”
“The actual measured difference over the charter period was an average of 260 litres per hour on the port's own tugs and 160 litres per hour for the CRT.”
Our Journey
The Novatug Timeline
From a visionary design contest entry to operating CRTs, advanced training and full-mission simulation.
Swipe or use the arrow controls to explore the timeline.
1997
The idea is born
Dr. M. van der Laan enters the design contest 'Tug of the Future' with the revolutionary Carrousel towing concept.
1999
Muller family shows first interest
The Muller family, owners of Multraship, recognizes the potential of the Carrousel towing system.
2000
Patent granted
Patent granted to Dr. Van der Laan's company, IMC BV, for the Carrousel towing concept.
2002
Novatug launched
Novatug is founded to develop the Carrousel towing system. An existing tug is retrofitted with Carrousel technology as proof of concept.
2003
Dutch Maritime Innovation Award
Carrousel tug concept wins the prestigious Dutch Maritime Innovation Award. Novatug invests in R&D, business modelling and partnerships.
2013
Robert Allan Ltd. commissioned for first CRT design
Novatug partners with the world-renowned naval architecture firm to bring the CRT concept to reality.
2014
Bureau Veritas involved as classification society
Classification and regulatory approval process begins for the CRT design.
2015
Construction begins
Van der Velden Barkemeyer GmbH starts building CRT's. Theodor Buschmann GmbH starts building bodies. Novatug commissions Damen Shipyards Group BV. Official signing at Europort Fair Rotterdam.
2017
Customer Multraship starts operating first CRT's
The world's first CARROUSEL RAVE TUGS begin commercial operations.
2018
Novatug wins Maritime KVNR Shipping Award
Recognition for outstanding innovation in the maritime towage industry.
2019
Two brand new CRT's were named
Multraship held the christening ceremony for Multratug 32 and Multratug 33 at Rotterdam.
2021
First 1,000 jobs completed
Multratug 32 and Multratug 33 reach a combined total of 1,000 jobs across Antwerp, Vlissingen and Terneuzen.
2021
Remote-controlled towage trial
Multraship, Novatug, Voith and MacGregor remotely control Multratug 32 from a shore station during full-scale trials, including assisted-vessel handling, dynamic positioning and remote transfer-line handling.
Watch the trial2024
2,500 jobs completed
Multratug 32 and Multratug 33 reach a combined total of 2,500 jobs across Antwerp, Vlissingen and Terneuzen.
2026
Full-mission CRT simulator launched
Novatug and Multraship launch an advanced Wärtsilä-based training centre in Terneuzen, including a high-fidelity digital CRT model for complex towage and vessel-handling scenarios.
Explore training & simulationFrequently Asked Questions
What is the Carrousel Rave Tug?
The Carrousel Rave Tug (CRT) is a patented tugboat design developed by Novatug B.V. Its freely rotating towing ring means the tug cannot capsize under transverse towline load. Combined with Voith Schneider propulsion, the CRT generates hydrodynamic lift for braking and steering large vessels. Multratug 32 is rated at 70 tonnes static bollard pull and has reached up to 180 tonnes of dynamic line force in operation.
Who makes the Carrousel Rave Tug?
The Carrousel Rave Tug is developed by Novatug B.V., based in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands. The concept was invented by Dr. M. van der Laan and patented in 2000. The first commercial CRTs entered commercial operation with Multraship in 2017.
What is dynamic bollard pull and why does it matter?
Dynamic bollard pull is the actual pulling force a tugboat can deliver in operating conditions, accounting for wind, current and wave forces. Unlike static bollard pull, dynamic bollard pull reflects what a tug can deliver while assisting a vessel. Multratug 32, the CRT-L reference vessel, is rated at 180 tonnes dynamic bollard pull and 70 tonnes static bollard pull.
Can the Carrousel Rave Tug capsize?
The CRT cannot capsize under transverse towline load. The freely rotating towing ring around the hull keeps the towing point aligned with the towline instead of allowing a transverse load to create a capsizing moment.
Is the Carrousel Rave Tug commercially available?
Yes. The first Carrousel Rave Tugs entered commercial operation with Multraship in 2017. Contact Novatug B.V. at info@novatug.nl or +31 (0) 172 533 705 to discuss long-term deployment, leasing, or joint development.