The Strong/American A Jore International Company

Introduction to the Integrated Tug and Barge (ITB)

At first glance, Integrated Tug and Barge (ITB) units appear and perform much like standard cargo ships.  Take a closer look and you will notice that the stern (the tug) is a separate vessel and capable of detaching from the main cargo hull (the barge) as needs arise.

Unlike conventional tug and barge operations in which the tug tows the barge in the ocean on a tow wire, the ITB unit is operated with the tug locked into a notch in the stern of the barge. As a result, the barge is pushed rather than towed. This action results in operations mirroring the efficiency of a ship at sea and the flexibility of a shallow draft barge in port.

ITB vessels have enjoyed decades of design changes, upgrades and refinements from marine engineers and naval architects utilizing computer simulations and dynamic tank testings. The U.S. Coast Guard has approved the ITB as a Dual/Mode Tug/Barge unit as defined by USCG NAVIC 2-81.

Maritime personnel who have sailed on both types of configurations are impressed with the control handling features of the ITB, which can make bar crossings in adverse weather conditions, are not required to hide in the lee or hold while making way in heavy seas, allow excellent barge control in crowded port situations and in most port entries the ITB units do not disconnect from one another, resulting in reduced port entry time in contrast to conventional tug and barges. The ITB units now feature bow thrusters for even greater maneuverability and easier handling.

The following list of advantages provided by an ITB unit highlight the economies of pushing, operational flexibility's, improved speed capabilities, increased ability to maintain schedule predictability and an overall higher degree of safety in comparison to traditional tug and barge operations.

• Increase speeds 35-40% over towed tug and barge units.
• Immediate navigational control for quick maneuverability.
• With multiple ITB units, there is fleet interchangeability due to standardized design.
• Allows utilization of pushing operations in a wide range of sea conditions.
• Reduces the number of casualties from standard tug and barge operations resulting from tow line parting occurrences which are not incurred in ITB operations.
• Enhanced fuel efficiencies created by the wheel and rudder configurations.
• Eliminates hull contact between tug and barge.
• Engage and disengage unit without crew members on deck.
• Eliminates expense and hazards of hawsers and related towing gear.
• Safe and easy access to and from the cargo while the vessel is underway.
• Vessel crews experience a more comfortable ride resulting in less crew fatigue.