The Swedish coast guard came to the aid of a drifting cargoship south of Marstrand overnight.
The unnamed vessel had lost power in rough seas and winds of 23 metres per second.
Two coast guard ships were sent to the scene, the coast guard said.
It proved difficult to anchor the vessel and so it was decided to tow it to Gothenburg, where it is currently anchored.
The ship is carrying fertiliser, plus 86 tonnes of bunkers and about 27 tons of diesel.
