Articulated Tug Barges (ATBs)

We offer a wealth of bulk petroleum transportation solutions through our U.S.-flagged, state-of-the-art articulated tug barge (ATB) fleet, advanced vessels that bring a new level of safety and efficiency to the industry.

Our ATBs are the result of years of research, testing and partnering with customers, all of which has helped design and build vessels that provide an innovative, environmentally friendly solution to the world’s petroleum transportation needs.

ATB Details

What is an ATB?

Articulated tug barges (ATBs) consist of a tank vessel (barge) and a large, powerful tug that is positioned in a notch in the stern of the barge, which enables the tug to propel and maneuver the barge. Unlike an ITB (Integrated Tug/Barge), where the tug and barge are locked together in a rigid connection and become for practical purposes one unit, the ATB has an articulated or "hinged" connection system between the tug and barge, which allows movement in one axis, or plane, in the critical area of fore and aft pitch. No such movement is possible with an ITB unit. Our ATBs make use of the Intercon Coupler System to mate the tug with the barge.

How the Intercon Connection System Works

The Intercon System consists of a pair of port and starboard rams, which are installed in a structural support module on the tug. Each ram has a toothed “helmet” at the outboard end that engages a continuous rack of teeth on the barge notch wall, thus establishing a transverse, fixed horizontal axis about which the tug can pitch independently of the barge.

Onboard the barge, each side of the notch wall/skeg has a series of toothed castings vertically arrayed over a span representing the range of possible connection points between the tug and barge. The tooth pattern on the notch matches the tooth pattern on the tug, allowing for unlimited choices of draft on either vessel. The photo shows the starboard side rack installed in the notch of the barge 550-1.

Intercon Advantages

Permits pushing in a wide range of sea conditions.
Increases speeds 35-40% over towed units.
Fuel savings enhanced by wheel and rudder efficiencies.
Fully eliminates hull contact between tug and barge.
Fail-safe mechanical connection with force monitoring.
Crowley Intercon Units are fitted with a hydraulic power back-up connected into the emergency generator circuit for added safety.
Engagement allowed regardless of draft or trim.
A mechanical drive with engagement safeguards is not vulnerable to hydraulic or pneumatic system failures.
Engagement and disengagement can take place without the crew on deck.
Eliminates expense and hazards of hawsers, headlines and cables.
A more comfortable ride reduces crew fatigue.
Unmatched maneuverability at sea and in port.
USCG approved for Dual Mode under NAVIC 2-81.
Worldwide product support from Intercon’s service facilities.

Designed and manufactured in America by one of the leading names in marine equipment.

Advantages of ATBs

Improved reliability and safety over towed barges.
Improved operating efficiency as compared to towed barges and tankers.
Decreased capital cost when compared to new tankers.
ATBs can be delivered in a fraction of the time that it takes to build and deliver new conventional tankers.