The Strong/American is a unique multi-purpose general
cargo Integrated Tug and Barge (ITB) type of vessel. The tug is named the "Strong," while
the barge is named the "American." Unlike
most U.S. flagged vessels providing ocean cargo service, the Strong/American can service
virtually any port and is capable of carrying combinations of breakbulk, roll-on, roll-off
and containerized cargo. Most of the existing
capacity in the commercial fleet is foreign flagged. In addition, these vessels are
dependent on large deep draft ports and require special cargo handling equipment to
unload. The Strong/American in contrast has the ability to utilize shallow draft and
multiple discharge capabilities to service virtually any port direct and is totally
self-sufficient for loading and unloading operations.
Capabilities
Shallow Draft: The Strong/American when
locked together is capable of calling most docks with a minimum draft of twenty feet. When
the tug is separated from the barge, the draft can be as little as ten feet (contingent on
cargo capacity).
Beach Landings: When the discharge area
and environmental conditions allow, the Strong/American is beach landing capable through
use of its bow ramp. In this scenario, the vessel is capable of discharge with water depth
as low as ten feet within forty to fifty feet from shore with a constant taper of twenty
to twenty-five feet, five hundred feet away from the shore.
Self-Loading and Unloading: As as result
of the Strong/American's unique network of internal, bow and side ramps and a sixty ton
onboard crane in addition to the internal elevator, the vessel is fully self-contained for
loading and/or unloading at almost any dock as well as over the beach.
High, Wide and Heavy: Below deck, the
Strong/American can accommodate single heavy roll-on/roll-off pieces as large as 380 feet
long, 15 feet wide. In addition, the vessel can accommodate single roll-on/roll-off pieces
of 40 feet long, 24 feet wide and 20 feet high. On
the upper deck, the Strong/American can accommodate lift-on/lift-off single pieces to 350
feet long, 80 feet wide with height limitations determined by stability limits.
Refrigerated/Temperature Controlled Cargo:
The Strong/American has generators to accommodate refrigerated/temperature controlled
containers.
Cargo Variety: The Strong/American is
configured to handle a combination of containers, heavy lift, breakbulk, temperature
controlled, roll-on/roll-off, and oversized cargo simultaneously.
Conclusion
The Strong/American is versatile enough to deliver a
variety of cargo types to diverse ports of call without regard to infrastructure
limitations at those ports with relative ease. The Strong/American is well suited to be
utilized in either direct or sub-service to meet the general or specialized transportation
needs of shippers and/or transportation service providers.
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