In starship classification, a tug, tow ship, or towing vessel was a starship specialized for towing other starships or similarly large objects with tractor beams. (DS9: "A Time to Stand")

Following the discovery of the USS Stargazer in 2364, the USS Enterprise received a communique from Starfleet Command informing them that a tug will rendezvous with them so as to tow the Stargazer back to Xendi Starbase 9. (TNG: "The Battle")

When the Enterprise-D experienced a series of engine problems in 2370, leaving the vessel adrift and potentially thwarting Captain Picard's arrival at Starbase 84 for the Admirals' Banquet, Vice Admiral Nakamura inquired if they were going have have the problem fixed soon, or if he had to send a tow ship to bring the Enterprise in. Picard declined the offer for a tow, stating that he had the utmost confidence in his engineers to getting the problem fixed. (TNG: "Phantasms")

After acquiring a vessel, later named Alice, from a Haakonian trader, Abaddon tried to turn the ship into a towing vessel. At first the ship cooperated, but later began to require constant repairs. (VOY: "Alice")

Tugs by raceEdit

• Federation tug
  • Ptolemy-class

Starship types

attack cruiser • attack fighter • battle cruiser • battleship • bird-of-prey • cruiser • destroyer • dreadnought • escort vessel • explorer ship • flagship • freighter • frigate • garbage scow • heavy cruiser • hospital ship • interceptor • light cruiser • luxury liner • patrol ship • prison ship • raider • runabout • science vessel • scout ship • star cruiser • starliner • supply ship • survey ship • tanker • timeship • training vessel • transport ship • tug • warbird • warship