Arrangement and method for manoeuvring a vessel that is towing a load. The vessel has a block at the aft end, over which at least one tow line extends. The block is moveable transverse to the longitudinal axis or longitudinally of the vessel. The position of the moveable block defines a point of attack for a tension force from the tow line. An autopilot is coupled to an actuator moving said block, in order to change the moment of force about a rotation point of the vessel. The autopilot has a calculation unit, which detects the tension force (W1, W2) and calculates the moment of force on the vessel. The autopilot can thus use a change in said moment of force to manoeuvre the vessel.

A tugboat for assisting cargo vessels has the following features: at least one propelling unit and a tow line for establishing a pulling connection between the cargo vessel and the tugboat. A measuring device measures the bollard pull and a central processing unit records the measurement result and forms a control command relating to the propelling force and/or the propelling direction for propelling purposes.