Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) Vessel: The Comprehensive Guide by Novelli Boats

Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessels serve as specialized workhorses in the offshore industry, combining powerful towing and anchor-handling capabilities with the supply functions of a traditional OSV (Offshore Supply Vessel). Often operating around deepwater drilling rigs and production platforms, these multi-mission ships deploy, reposition, and retrieve anchors or mooring lines while also transporting essential equipment and supplies. Their robust build, high bollard pull, and advanced winch systems make them indispensable for setting up and maintaining complex offshore infrastructure in remote or challenging marine environments.

At Novelli Boats, we elevate the AHTS concept through 5083 aluminum hulls, foam-filled compartments, and AI-driven command and control—creating vessels that are not just powerful and durable, but also fuel-efficient, safe, and future-ready. In this detailed guide, we’ll delve into AHTS vessels’ operational importance, core features, and how Novelli’s forward-thinking approach is revolutionizing anchor handling and offshore towing. Whether you’re an offshore operator, maritime professional, or simply fascinated by specialized vessels, you’ll discover why AHTS ships remain a cornerstone for today’s offshore industries—and how Novelli pushes them to new performance frontiers.

Key Takeaways

Essential Offshore Role: AHTS vessels handle anchor placement, towing, and mooring support for drilling rigs, FPSOs, and other offshore platforms.
Novelli Innovations: Our 5083 aluminum construction, AI-enhanced operations, and foam-filled compartments improve safety, reduce downtime, and bolster fuel efficiency in challenging marine conditions.
High Bollard Pull: AHTS designs prioritize powerful engines, traction winches, and stable stern decks for secure anchor handling and heavy tows.
Supply Functions: With modular deck layouts and cargo tanks, many AHTS vessels also deliver essential supplies—fuel, water, drilling fluids—similarly to an OSV.
Future-Proof: From hybrid propulsion to AI-driven dynamic positioning (DP) systems, Novelli ensures our AHTS vessels remain adaptive and ready for evolving offshore demands.

The Core Mission of AHTS Vessels

AHTS ships form the backbone of mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs) and floating production systems, ensuring platforms remain securely moored or re-positioned as needed. They possess:

High Bollard Pull: Engines and thrusters produce massive pulling force to tow rigs or anchor lines in deep water.
Heavy-Duty Winches & Cable Handling: Specialized drum winches, fairleads, and stern rollers facilitate anchor deployment and retrieval.
Versatile Deck Space: A clear aft deck supports chain lockers, anchor stacks, and cargo loading, while also offering tie-down points for bulky offshore gear.
Stern Roller Systems: Enable safe and efficient anchor line handling without damaging the deck or lines.

In addition to these anchor-handling priorities, many AHTS vessels feature supply-oriented capabilities—allowing them to double as OSVs when anchor operations aren’t in progress. This fusion of towing strength and supply function reduces the overall vessel footprint needed in an offshore field and streamlines logistics.

Novelli Boats: Redefining AHTS Design

Traditional AHTS vessels rely on steel hulls and diesel engines with minimal automation. Novelli modernizes this concept by:

Marine-Grade 5083 Aluminum Hulls: Our lightweight yet robust hulls yield better fuel economy, faster transit times, and lower corrosion-related downtime.
Foam-Filled Compartments: Boosts buoyancy and safety—a vital asset if the hull is compromised amid heavy towing or extreme weather.
AI-Enhanced Controls: We employ predictive maintenance, dynamic positioning (DP) assistance, and automated route planning to minimize crew fatigue and cut operational costs.
Modular Deck & Winch Arrangements: Easily configure or upgrade towing gear, chain lockers, and cargo spaces based on mission requirements.

By merging these modern materials and intelligent systems, Novelli’s AHTS vessels offer unparalleled reliability, lower lifecycle costs, and superior anchor handling performance in demanding offshore conditions.

Comparison Table: Traditional AHTS vs. Novelli-Enhanced AHTS

Feature	Traditional AHTS	Novelli AHTS
Hull Material	Steel	5083 Aluminum (Marine-Grade)
Maintenance Cycle	Frequent checks for rust & wear	Reduced corrosion, simpler repairs
Bollard Pull & Efficiency	Strong towing but heavy hull & high fuel burn	High pulling power with improved fuel economy
Tech Integration	Conventional diesel engines, basic DP	Hybrid/diesel-electric options, AI-driven DP & monitoring
Winch & Deck Layout	Fixed arrangements	Modular, reconfigurable deck & towing gear
Resilience & Safety	Compartmented steel hull	Foam-filled compartments for added buoyancy

Key Missions and Capabilities of Modern AHTS

AHTS vessels excel at operations where heavy towing and anchor handling are vital. Some primary missions include:

Rig Towing & Positioning: Transporting mobile drilling rigs, barges, or floating platforms to new drill sites or production zones.
Anchor Deployment & Retrieval: Setting up anchor spreads for semi-submersible rigs or FPSOs, then relocating anchors as drilling fields develop.
Mooring Line Maintenance: Replacing worn lines, adjusting tension, or repairing anchor points to ensure stable platform operation.
Supply & Crew Transfer: Like OSVs, AHTS ships often have tanks for fuel and drilling fluids, plus deck space for equipment, spares, and personnel transit.
Emergency Response: Providing firefighting, rescue operations, or additional bollard pull to stabilize drifting assets during storms or equipment failures.

Given these diverse tasks, the versatility and reliability of AHTS vessels can make or break an offshore campaign’s success.

AI and Technological Advancements in AHTS Vessels

Because AHTS vessels operate in high-stress, precision-demanding roles—like securing floating rigs in deepwater—automation and AI are increasingly essential. Novelli incorporates:

Advanced DP Systems: AI-based dynamic positioning keeps the vessel aligned under heavy loads, even with waves, currents, or wind pushing against the rig or mooring lines.
Winch Load Monitoring & Automation: Real-time torque and tension analytics guide safe anchor handling, reducing crew strain and risk of snapping cables.
Predictive Maintenance: Sensors track engine performance, thruster components, and towing gear, scheduling proactive interventions to prevent breakdowns mid-operation.
Route Optimization & Weather Routing: Minimizes transit times, fuel usage, and weather-related delays when moving rigs or heading back to port.
Remote Diagnostics & Control: Shoreside teams can access system data and troubleshoot issues in real time, enhancing overall operational continuity.

By blending these AI-driven elements, Novelli’s AHTS designs boost efficiency, enhance crew safety, and cut operating costs—a trifecta for the modern offshore industry.

Graph: Operational Efficiency vs. AI Integration

Conceptual illustration displaying how deeper AI adoption elevates success rates in anchor deployment, towing operations, and risk reduction for AHTS vessels.

Basic Automation: Manual anchor handling with minimal sensor input, higher crew workload.
Intermediate AI: Automated tension control, partial DP, route suggestions.
Advanced AI (Novelli): Full DP integration, predictive load management, route/weather optimization, remote diagnostics.

Hull, Propulsion, and Performance

Anchor handling and towing demand extreme power, robust hulls, and precise maneuverability. Novelli meets these demands by:

Lightweight Aluminum Hull: Reduces overall displacement, providing higher top speeds and better fuel economy—especially beneficial when repositioning rigs across long distances.
Foam-Filled Compartments: Maintains buoyancy under heavy stress or damage, critical in deepwater towing where rescue assistance may be far away.
High-Bollard Pull Engines: Often featuring multiple diesel or diesel-electric combinations to generate the torque needed for anchor handling tasks.
Advanced Thrusters & Rudders: Azimuth thrusters or controllable-pitch propellers, supplemented by bow/stern thrusters, facilitate precise positioning.
Stabilization Systems: Fins or gyros to mitigate rolling while under tension or during adverse weather, protecting deck teams and cargo.

This fusion of powerful engines and low-weight hull design grants Novelli AHTS vessels excellent towing capacity without the typical fuel penalties associated with steel-hulled tugs.

Sample Table: AHTS Displacement vs. Propulsion & Bollard Pull

Vessel Displacement (Tons)	Propulsion Configuration	Typical Bollard Pull (Tons)	Range (Nautical Miles)
2,000 – 3,000	Twin Diesel Engines + Bow Thruster	80 – 100	4,000 – 5,000
3,000 – 4,000	Diesel-Electric + Azimuth Thrusters	100 – 120	5,000 – 6,000
4,000 – 6,000+	Hybrid Propulsion + DP2/DP3	120 – 200	6,000 – 8,000

Note: Figures vary by hull shape, engine brand, and mission profile. Novelli customizes propulsion systems to balance bollard pull, speed, and fuel economy.

Deck Equipment, Winches, and Anchor Handling Gear

The hallmark of any AHTS is its anchor handling suite—massive, durable, and reliable. Novelli equips these vessels with:

High-Capacity Winches: Drum or waterfall winches with multiple drums for separate lines, offering controlled tension and easy spooling of chains or wires.
Anchor Skids & Rollers: Stern rollers, chain lockers, and anchor skids streamline the deployment/retrieval process and reduce deck damage.
Towing Pins & Shark Jaws: Hydraulic pins or jaws on the stern secure wires or chains under heavy tension, minimizing crew exposure to snapback zones.
Chain Lockers & Storage: Ample below-deck compartments for chain, wire rope, or mooring lines, accessible via deck hatches or trunkways.
Automated Load Monitoring: AI-driven sensors gauge line tension, spool speed, and winch torque, alerting operators to potential overloads or anomalies.

These specialized features ensure safe and efficient anchor handling, cutting down on accidents and maximizing operational throughput—especially important when every hour of rig downtime can incur enormous costs.

Safety and Damage Control

Because AHTS tasks involve heavy mechanical loads and direct interaction with massive anchors or mooring lines, robust safety systems are paramount. Novelli emphasizes:

Foam-Filled Hull Sections: Adds redundancy should the hull be compromised, supporting emergency buoyancy.
Automated Towing Control: Minimizes manual handling of lines or anchors, decreasing crew risk from snapbacks or cable swings.
High-Visibility Deck Layouts: Clear sightlines for crane or winch operators, augmented by cameras and sensor feeds in the wheelhouse.
Redundant Power & Steering: Dual or triplicate systems so that a single failure won’t leave the vessel powerless under tension.
Anti-Slip Surfaces & Rigging: Deck coatings and well-placed lashing points prevent slips or shifting equipment in turbulent seas.

By combining ergonomic deck design, automated gear handling, and a foam-filled safety net, Novelli’s AHTS vessels offer unmatched protection for crew, cargo, and offshore assets.

Multi-Role Adaptability

While anchor handling remains the primary focus, modern AHTS vessels frequently flex into other offshore roles:

Supply Support: Tanks and deck space for fluids or packaged goods, similar to an OSV, ensuring efficient logistics when anchor tasks aren’t in progress.
Emergency Response & Standby: Firefighting systems, rescue boats, and first-aid facilities ready for rig emergencies or environmental incidents.
Seismic or Survey Assistance: Hosting survey equipment or geophysical sensors in cargo spaces, or towing seismic arrays alongside anchor duties.
ROV & Diving Operations: Moonpools, deck cranes, and specialized cabins for subsea intervention in anchor inspection, pipeline repairs, or salvage work.
Drilling or Production Services: Modified tank layouts for drilling fluids or well-stimulation chemicals, bridging the gap between anchor tasks and daily rig needs.

Novelli’s modular deck setups, advanced power distribution, and AI-driven tools ensure each AHTS seamlessly transforms to handle these secondary roles—maximizing vessel ROI while reducing fleet redundancy.

Environmental & Operational Efficiency

Offshore operators face increasing regulatory scrutiny over emissions, spills, and habitat disruption. Our AHTS designs address these concerns by:

Hybrid or Diesel-Electric Propulsion: Lowers carbon footprint and allows optimal power usage during anchor handling or idle positioning.
Eco-Friendly Hull Coatings: Minimizes drag and marine growth without leaching harmful chemicals into the ocean.
Automated Fuel Management: AI balancing engine loads and route planning to minimize unnecessary consumption or idle times.
Closed-Loop Drainage & Waste Systems: Prevents oil or chemical discharge during anchor or cargo operations, meeting MARPOL standards.
Low-Noise, Low-Vibration Designs: More comfortable for crew and less disruptive to marine life, especially near sensitive ecological zones.

By combining fuel efficiency, cleaner propulsion, and intelligent systems, Novelli AHTS vessels help offshore operators comply with evolving environmental regulations while reducing operating costs.

Lifecycle, Maintenance, and Warranty

AHTS ships often endure heavy operational workloads—towing large structures, repeated anchor deployments, and constant station-keeping. Novelli’s approach upholds long service life and minimal downtime:

25-Year Hull Warranty: Demonstrating trust in 5083 aluminum’s corrosion resistance and the foam-filled hull’s resilience.
Predictive Maintenance & AI Diagnostics: Real-time analysis of winch loads, engine temps, and structural stresses, alerting owners before failures escalate.
Modular Upgrades: Electronics, deck machinery, and propulsion components can be replaced or enhanced without major hull rework.
Reduced Corrosion Overhauls: Aluminum withstands saltwater better than steel, trimming the frequency of repainting and steel plate replacement.
Global Parts & Services: Novelli’s worldwide support network ensures timely delivery of spares and expertise, no matter where the vessel is operating.

Operators benefit from consistent high performance and lower total cost of ownership, ensuring each AHTS remains a reliable profit generator for offshore projects.

Chart: Typical Lifecycle Cost Breakdown for AHTS Vessels

Cost Element	Approx. % of Lifecycle Cost
Initial Construction	35%
Maintenance & Upgrades	25%
Fuel & Operational Expenses	25%
Crew & Training	10%
Disposal/End-of-Life	5%

Note: Aluminum hulls, AI-driven maintenance, and efficient propulsion can significantly lower both “Maintenance & Upgrades” and “Fuel & Operational Expenses” shares over the vessel’s lifespan.

Real-World Applications and Case Studies

From Arctic drilling rigs to tropical FPSOs, AHTS vessels play pivotal roles in:

Deepwater Rig Deployments: Towing and anchoring semi-submersibles or drillships in thousands of meters of water, ensuring stable drilling platforms.
Frontier Exploration: Positioning modular rigs in remote, high-current regions, or relocating them as exploration teams confirm new hydrocarbon reserves.
Hurricane or Typhoon Evasion: AHTS vessels mobilize quickly to move or secure rigs away from advancing storms, potentially saving millions in damage.
Wind Farm Expansion: Towing foundation barges, delivering anchor lines for floating turbines, or performing rescue duties if storms threaten wind installations.
Salvage & Wreck Removal: Large bollard pull and heavy deck gear enable AHTS vessels to assist in maritime salvage ops, raising sunken craft or clearing channel hazards.

In each scenario, steady power output, robust anchor handling systems, and safe deck operations are paramount—qualities that Novelli’s enhanced designs deliver day in, day out.

Why Novelli Boats is the Future of Boating

Across the entire maritime spectrum, Novelli stands apart for combining game-changing technologies with customer-centric design and a steadfast commitment to quality. Our Anchor Handling Tug Supply vessels reflect this ethos by offering:

Lightweight Durability: 5083 aluminum’s corrosion resistance and foam-filled buoyancy make for fewer repairs and longer service intervals.
Advanced AI & Automation: Intelligent DP systems, predictive maintenance, and automated load monitoring reduce manual errors and operational risks.
Configurable Deck Spaces: Modular layouts for anchor equipment, cargo decks, or specialized mission modules enhance vessel utility.
Sustainability & Cost Control: Eco-friendly coatings, hybrid engines, and route optimization meet regulatory demands and lower fuel bills.
Global Support & Longevity: From a 25-year hull warranty to an extensive parts network, Novelli ensures reliability in even the most remote offshore theaters.

In short, our AHTS vessels epitomize power, adaptability, and modern efficiency—the perfect trifecta for evolving offshore challenges.

Conclusion

Anchor Handling Tug Supply vessels are instrumental in establishing and maintaining offshore infrastructure—from towing colossal rigs to expertly deploying anchors in some of the harshest marine environments on Earth. Their combination of heavy-duty winches, high bollard pull, and utility-oriented features makes them a linchpin of any robust offshore fleet. Yet, traditional steel-hulled designs with basic automation often fall short of modern efficiency and safety benchmarks.

Novelli’s solution bridges this gap by pairing a 5083 aluminum hull and foam-filled compartments with AI-driven systems and flexible deck arrangements. The result? An AHTS vessel capable of handling the toughest anchor and towing missions while minimizing downtime, cutting operational costs, and extending service life. Whether repositioning rigs in deepwater fields or responding to unforeseen offshore contingencies, a Novelli AHTS delivers confidence, adaptability, and peak performance—empowering offshore operators to thrive in a competitive, ever-evolving marine industry.

For anchor handling tasks large or small, trust in a new generation of AHTS that’s forged in aluminum, powered by AI, and designed by Novelli to surpass traditional benchmarks. It’s how we’re shaping the future of marine workboats—one rugged, efficient, and reliable vessel at a time.

Ready to Learn More?

If you’re considering upgrading your AHTS fleet or commissioning a new vessel, reach out to our specialists at Novelli Boats. We’ll customize hull specifications, propulsion setups, and deck layouts to match your offshore anchor handling and supply requirements—ensuring you stay ahead in a demanding operational landscape.