TOWAGE

The act or service of towing ships and vessels, usually by means of a small steamer called a “tug.” That which is given for towing ships in rivers. Towage is the drawing a ship or barge along the water by another ship or boat, fastened to her, or by men or horses, etc., on land. It is also money which is given by bargemen to the owner of ground next a river, where they tow a barge or other vessel. Jacob. Towage service. In admiralty law. A service rendered to a vessel, by towing, for the mere purpose of expediting her voyage, without reference to any circumstances of danger. It is confined to vessels that have received no injury or damage.