The Director class was a class of diesel-electric paddle tugboats ordered by the British Admiralty's Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service and constructed in 1957–1958. Each paddle wheel was driven by an individual electric motor, giving outstanding manoeuvrability. Paddle tugs were able to more easily make use of the inherent advantage of side wheel paddle propulsion, having the option to disconnect the clutches that connected the paddle drive shafts as one. This enabled them to turn one paddle ahead and one astern to turn and manoeuvre quickly.
The class was principally designed to assist the Royal Navy's aircraft carriers when manoeuvring in port. The masts were designed to fold to allow the tugs to operate under the overhang of the flight deck. They were also equipped for fire fighting and salvage as well as combatting oil spills.
List of ships Name Pennant No. Station In service Withdrawn Fate Builder Dexterous A93 Gibraltar 1957 Yarrow Shipbuilders Director A94 Malta 1957 1980 Scrapped in Spain Yarrow Shipbuilders Faithful A85 Devonport 1957 Yarrow Shipbuilders Favourite A87 Devonport 1959 Ferguson Bros Forceful A86 Portsmouth 1957 Yarrow Shipbuilders Grinder A92 Portsmouth 1958 William Simons and Co Griper A89 Portsmouth 1958 William Simons and Co
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