Towing Pin Systems
Fixed and retractable towing pins for tugboats and workboats. Hydraulic operation. ABS/BV/CCS/DNV certified.
SharkJaw towing pins guide and restrain the towing wire during harbour, coastal, and ocean towing operations. Positioned at the tow point on the aft deck, the pin prevents the wire from sweeping athwartships under load, protecting both the vessel’s deck equipment and the crew working in the vicinity of the towline. The pin must be strong enough to withstand the full transverse load component of the towing wire and stiff enough to remain functional after years of cyclic loading in a marine environment.
Our range of fixed vertical, retractable hydraulic, and inclined towing pins spans 50 MT to 500 MT SWL and covers the full spectrum of tugboat applications from harbour assist to deep-sea ocean towing. All models are manufactured from normalised structural steel with machined load-bearing surfaces, protected with a marine epoxy paint system, and supplied with a class-witnessed proof load test certificate. Retractable and inclined models include a hydraulic actuator, limit switches for position feedback, and a dual-station control system (local deck panel and remote wheelhouse panel) as standard.
Pin diameter — ranging from 150 mm on the TP-100 to 250 mm on the TP-500 — is sized to the wire rope or chain link dimensions typical for each SWL bracket, ensuring the wire seats correctly under load and does not jam or slip over the pin head. Wear bushings are replaceable without removing the pin from deck, keeping maintenance downtime to a minimum.
Technical Specifications
| Model | Holding Capacity (MT) | Jaw Opening | Weight | Power (KW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TP-100 | 100 | 150 mm | ~800 kg | 11 |
| TP-200 | 200 | 180 mm | ~1,200 kg | 15 |
| TP-300 | 300 | 200 mm | ~1,800 kg | 18.5 |
| TP-400 | 400 | 220 mm | ~2,500 kg | 22 |
| TP-500 | 500 | 250 mm | ~3,200 kg | 30 |
All specifications subject to final engineering review. Custom SWL configurations available on request.
Available Types
Fixed Vertical
Retractable Hydraulic
Inclined Type
Classification Society Approvals
Type approval documentation available from all major classification societies. Contact us to confirm approval status for your specific project.
Type approval available for all major classification societies
Towing Pin Systems — FAQ
What is the difference between a fixed and retractable towing pin?
A fixed vertical towing pin is permanently above deck level. It is the simpler and more economical option, well suited to vessels where the aft deck is dedicated to towing operations and unobstructed deck passage is not required. A retractable hydraulic towing pin retracts flush with or below the deck when not in use, allowing crew and equipment to move freely across the working deck. Retractable pins are preferred on vessels with multipurpose aft decks, or where the towing pin sits in a high-traffic passageway. The hydraulic retraction also allows the pin to be raised and lowered remotely from the wheelhouse.
When should I specify an inclined type towing pin?
The inclined type is specified when the towing load is expected to come from a consistently elevated angle — for example, on tugboats with a low freeboard pulling a high-sided barge, or on escort tugs where the towline angle relative to the deck can exceed 15°. A vertical pin under a persistent off-axis load concentrates stress at the base; the inclined geometry pre-aligns the pin with the expected load direction, improving fatigue life and reducing bending moment on the deck structure. Our application engineers can calculate the optimal inclination angle based on your vessel's freeboard, tow height, and typical operational profile.
Are SharkJaw towing pins compatible with other manufacturers' hydraulic power units?
Yes, provided the HPU delivers the correct working pressure and flow rate. Our towing pins operate at 21–25 MPa and require hydraulic flow rates between 25 and 80 L/min depending on model. We supply interface drawings with port sizes and pressure ratings so your hydraulic engineer can verify compatibility. For new builds, we recommend using a matched SharkJaw HPU to simplify class documentation and warranty coverage.
Ready to Specify Towing Pin Systems?
Provide your vessel type, required SWL, and classification society — we'll respond within 24 hours with a tailored technical proposal.