Tugboats are usually powered by large diesel engines, which typically provide the ship with 750 - 3000 horsepower. Most tugboats are less than 40 metres long, but they can be as large as 70 metres.
Larger tug boats (used in deep waters) can have horsepower ratings up to 25,000 hp.
The hull of a tugboat is resilient, and is often padded with tyres to protect in from collision damage.
The powerful engine, and tough construction, make conversion into a type of ice breaker easy, (although this rarely is done).