The Power Of Towboats: Pushing Barges Upstream

A push boat, also known as a pusher or push boat, is a type of boat designed to push large vessels like barges and oil rigs. Unlike tug boats, which can both push and pull, push boats are designed only to push. They are typically used in inland areas but can also be used in ocean areas. Push boats are characterised by a square bow, a shallow draft, and large plates, called knees, mounted to the bow to aid in pushing barges of various heights.

Push boats are designed for pushing barges

Push boats, also known as pusher craft, pusher boats, pusher tugs, or towboats, are specifically designed for pushing barges or car floats. They are characterised by a square bow and a shallow draft, allowing them to operate effectively in shallow waters.

A distinctive feature of push boats is the presence of "knees" or "push knees", which are large, upright, padded plates or beams mounted to the bow. These "knees" enable the push boat to push barges of varying heights. By utilising these "knees", the push boat can securely connect to the barge, allowing the two vessels to act as one unit during towing. This design is particularly useful for navigating tight quarters or shallow waters, providing control, power and manoeuvrability.

Push boats are commonly used on rivers and inland waterways, including the Mississippi River, and have become synonymous with the "Mississippi Style" of towing. They are also prevalent on the Inland Waterways, ports, lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, and other bodies of water in the United States and internationally.

The engine outputs of these vessels vary, ranging from less than 600 horsepower to over 11,000 horsepower. Their lengths typically span from 35 to 200 feet, with widths ranging from 21 to 56 feet. Smaller push boats are often utilised in harbors, fleeting areas, and around locks, while larger vessels are employed in "line-haul" operations, traversing long distances between major ports.

Tugboats can also push barges

Push boats, on the other hand, are specifically designed to push other vessels and are not suited for pulling. Their hull design is not ideal for towing, especially in rough waters. Push boats are also known as "push tugs" or "push boats" and are characterised by a squared-off bow and a flat-bottomed hull, allowing them to operate in shallow waters. They also have "push knees"—upright, padded beams that land against the barge or ship being pushed.

Tugboats are more suitable for moving barges over long distances and in turbulent ocean waters. They are larger and more powerful than push boats, with higher horsepower, and are designed to handle the challenges of the open sea. Their deep, sea-kindly hull form, with a model bow design, enables them to efficiently navigate waves and swells.

While there are distinct differences between tugboats and push boats, advancements in naval architecture have led to some crossover in capabilities, and versatile vessels can perform both pushing and towing functions.

Towboats are used for shallow waters

Towboats are specifically designed for pushing barges in shallow waters. They are characterised by their squared-off bow and flat-bottomed hull, which make them ideal for manoeuvring in tight quarters and shallow waters. This design provides control, power and manoeuvrability, allowing towboats to push large and resistant objects.

The unique features of towboats set them apart from tugboats, which are typically used for pulling objects and navigating rough waters. Towboats, on the other hand, are well-suited for pushing barges in shallow waters such as inland waterways, lakes, reservoirs, rivers, ports, harbours and estuaries.

The history of towboats dates back to the 1850s, when they were employed to move barges on the navigable waters of the Western Rivers in the United States. Over time, towboats became a distinct type of vessel, with improvements in propulsion methods and engine technology.

Today, towboats continue to be an important component of the transportation system, especially for pushing barges and moving cargo. Their flat-bottomed hulls and squared-off bows make them highly effective for navigating shallow waters and pushing large objects with precision and control.

In conclusion, towboats are specifically designed and well-equipped for pushing barges in shallow waters. Their unique features and functionality make them a vital part of the maritime industry, particularly in scenarios where control and manoeuvrability are essential.

Ocean-going tugboats are better for long hauls

Ocean-going tugboats are a better option for long-distance towing of barges due to their sturdy design and powerful performance. They are built to withstand the challenges of open waters and can efficiently tow large vessels over long distances. Their higher horsepower and larger size make them more capable of handling the demands of ocean towing.

Push boats, on the other hand, are typically used for inland towing and are less common for ocean hauls. They are characterised by a square bow, shallow draft, and large plates (knees) mounted to their bow to aid in pushing. While they are highly manoeuvrable and powerful, their use is generally limited to rivers, canals, and other inland waterways.

Long-haul voyages require vessels that can endure the rigours of the open sea and efficiently tow heavy loads over vast distances. Ocean-going tugboats are purpose-built for such endeavours, making them the preferred choice for long-haul barge transportation. Their deep, sea-kindly hull form and model bow design allow them to pierce waves and swells effectively.

Moreover, ocean-going tugboats offer greater versatility in terms of towing methods. They can utilise wire cables, synthetic rope hawsers, or mechanical means such as the "notch tug" or "articulated tug and barge" (ATB) systems. This adaptability ensures they can handle a variety of towing scenarios and conditions encountered during long hauls.

Push boats are sometimes called push tugs

Push tugs are commonly used on inland waterways, such as rivers, ports, lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, and canals. They are ideal for navigating shallow waters and tight spaces. The barges they push are lashed together with steel cables and the whole tow can be over 1,200 feet long and 200 feet wide.

Push tugs are different from tugboats, which can both push and pull vessels. Tugboats are more suited to moving vessels in rough waters, near-coastal areas, or across oceans. They have a deep, sea-kindly hull form, with a "model bow" design that allows them to pierce waves and swells.

However, the capabilities of push tugs and tugboats have evolved with naval architecture, and there is now some crossover between the two types of vessels. For example, some push tugs are used in offshore construction to move barges over limited distances, and some tugboats are used for harbour operations.

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