TE MATUA

This is the only tug I have seen with her funnel forward of the bridge ,Dose any one know the reason behind this ? regards Paul.

Paul, she is a Voith Schnieder tug. The propelling units are approximately under the wheelhouse and aft she would have a large skeg. These tugs are omnidirectional and when they have a towline up on a ship the master stands with his back to the foreward end of the tug looking over the stern at the tow line and the tow. Voith tugs were consistently built with the funnels aft of the wheelhouse, right in the line of sight of the tugmaster as the naval architects thought they knew best and I have been master of a couple so I know how frustrating it is. The Port of Tauranga got it right when they had Te Matua designed. Hope this helps.
Chris

I suspect they wanted the tug master to have a clearer view of the towing deck and as this type of tug spends most of it's working day tucked in close to it's charges the master does most of his or hers work looking aft. Once underway there is ample visibility ahead to allow for safe navigation and by the looks of this photo the master seems to prefer to drive the tug stern first anyway - I guess it would be a case of when in doubt come about ! - but I agree the tug looks a bit odd.
Regards
Emmanuel

Thanks Lads makes sence when explaned like that,Regards Paul

Well at least they have found another place to dispose of worn out vehicle tyres. Beats dumping them in landfills.