The only difference in the two packages is on the main 50 ton waterfall type double-drum anchor handling and towing winch. On the first winch the clutches were engaged remotely by manual hydraulic control, which requires either CCTV or a local operative to ensure correct dog alignment. The latest tug will engage the clutches automatically by means of sensors on the winch and a remote electronic panel mounted in the wheelhouse.

The final prototype of this design has been completed and is ready for testing on the winch. As well as being installed on new winch builds, a kit form conversion will also be available for retro-fitting to winches already in service

Another notable development is the use of wireless remote controls on winches. As well as driving forward the call to have remote clutches on winches, efficiency, health and safety concerns are also leading to efforts to incorporate radio remote controls on both electric and hydraulic winches. This obviates the need for piping and potentially dangerous cabling.

North Sea Winches is currently engaged in contracts where such control is specified. The company designs and builds largely in-house, meaning that winches and systems can be supplied to exact customer specification.