About URS URS (Unie van Redding en Sleepdiensten) was founded by Henri Gerling in 1870. Throughout its long history, URS has maintained its position as the leading towage operator on the Scheldt. End 2007 Smit Internationale required 100% of de shares in URS. Following the merger of the European harbour towage services of KOTUG and SMIT in April 2016, URS Belgie NV and URS Nederland BV are a part of the KOTUG SMIT organisation. About KOTUG SMIT TOWAGE KOTUG SMIT TOWAGE was founded on 7 April 2016, following the merger of the European harbour towage services of KOTUG and SMIT. We are a leading provider of harbour towage services in north-western Europe, operating with 850 people and 64 tugs in 11 ports in Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands and The United Kingdom. Our high quality services meet all the required operational and safety standards in the maritime industry, enabling us to achieve a leading position in the European ports. Meet us at kotugsmit.eu