Abstract
The technical and economic feasibility of using ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) tugs for transporting icebergs through tropical waters is given brief but quantitative consideration. A concept of an OTEC tug, based upon the OTEC plant ship design of the Applied Physics Laboratory of The Johns Hopkins University is presented. Power to thrust ratios and costs for OTEC and diesel tugs are calculated and compared for a hypothetical iceberg tow. Although OTEC tugs are not without their drawbacks, the concept appears to merit serious consideration.