Re: Next Generation

From: Brian
Location: Bflo.
email: wlbblw@aol.com
Remote Name: 205.188.116.74
Date: 11.29.06
Time: 04:39:38 PM

Comments

The PI is a rare bird. She is considered an ITB or Integrated Tug-barge since the tug locks firmly into the notch. An ATB, like say the Michigan-Great Lakes is an Articulated Tug Barge where the two are linked via an articulation system that allows them to move in pitch, but not yaw, or roll. The ITB's are mostly like a ship. The best case scenario with both types is to have the smaller crews, but also to have a large fleet, where tugs and barges can be swapped out with one another as deman requires. This makes for a flexible roster when factors such as ice breaking, yard periods, down time (loading/unloading/repair) are concerned. Some companies only build one or two units and are never able to capitalize on these other factors. Some build big fleets, and are able to switch tugs & barges to match the job requirments more efficiently. Some companies even run the older, wired in tugs & barges in the fleet style and have great success. East coast towing firms like Reinaure & Moran have large fleets of all types of tug-barges. They run tight systems for petroleum product delivery all over the place. They switch their boats around with different barges all the time. -B in B