Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessels are mainly built to handle anchors for oil rigs, tow

them to location, anchor them up and, in a few cases, serve as an Emergency Response and
Rescue Vessel (ERRV). They are also used to transport supplies to and from offshore drilling rigs.

Many of these vessels are designed to meet the harsh conditions of the North Sea, and can
undertake supply duties there between land bases and drilling sites. [1][2] They also provide towing
assistance during tanker loading, deepwater anchor handling, and towing of threatening objects.

AHTS vessels differ from Platform supply vessels (PSVs) in being fitted with winches for towing and
anchor handling, having an open stern to allow the decking of anchors, and having more power to
increase the bollard pull. The machinery is specifically designed for anchor handling operations.
They also have arrangements for quick anchor release, which is operable from the bridge or other
normally manned location in direct communication with the bridge. The reference load used in the
design and testing of the towing winch is twice the static bollard pull.

Even if AHTS-vessels are customized for anchor-handling and towing, they can also undertake, for
example, ROV (remotely operated underwater vehicle) services, safety/rescue services, and supply
duties between mainland and offshore installations.[3]