How many barges can a tugboat tow at once?
Barges have been around for a long time. How long? Since 2500 BC. That’s right. The earliest known barges were located in ancient Egypt.
However, the word “barge” is believed to have originated in Rome around 1300 AD, where the Romans used barges to expand their lines of commerce such as wine and olive oil.
These days, barges transport all types of stuff—and lots of it. Each barge is rather big, but more than one can be towed at once. How many barges can be part of a single tow? Let’s explore that right now…
Why Do Barges Need to Be Towed Everywhere?
The reason why barges need to be towed everywhere is quite simple: they don’t have any engines. Unlike ships and other vessels, a barge has no propulsion system. Therefore, they rely on tugs and similar vessels to help them get from one place to another. This can sometimes mean navigation through a canal or local waterway, but long trips across the ocean are very common as well.
Factors That Affect the Number of Barges in a Tow
The number of barges that can be in port at once is determined by multiple factors, including these:
- Size of the Barge — The first thing that must be considered to figure out how many barges can be in a single tow is the size of each barge. In the United States, the typical size of a barge is 195 ft by 35 ft.
- Type of Cargo — The type of cargo can be a factor when figuring out how many barges can be towed at once, but it’s more about the weight. A typical barge can carry up to 1500 tons of cargo, but this can be easily pulled across the water.
- Area of the Tow — The number of barges that can be towed at once will often come down to the area in which the tow is taking place. The more open space that’s available, the higher the number of barges that can be towed together.
How Many Barges Can Be Towed at Once?
Believe it or not, but this isn’t the easiest question to answer. The largest factor, as mentioned above, is the area where the barges are being towed. A large river may allow a few dozen barges to be towed together, whereas a narrower river or canal will max out the capacity at maybe 12 to 15 barges.
An ocean tow can be very large, and it can depend on the weight and size of each barge. When multiple barges need to be moved for a particular project, our team will determine how many can be towed and whether or not more than one tugboat will be required.
How Dann Ocean Towing Ensures Proper Towing
Dann Ocean Towing is always standing by to provide barge towing services. Here’s how we ensure that each towing project goes smoothly:
- High-Quality Fleet — With 17 tugboats in our fleet, we can engage in a variety of projects, big and small.
- Experienced Crew — Each person on our crew has been well-trained and is dedicated to exemplary service and safety.
- Advanced Technology — Our vessels are equipped with state-of-the-art technology for not only navigational services but also the safety of the vessel and crew.
- 24/7 Service Access — If you have emergency towing needs or would like a status report on an ongoing project, we’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Contact Dann Ocean Towing for Your Barge Towing Needs
Dann Ocean Towing provides ocean towing, marine construction support, barge towing, and other towing services. We operate along the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico, in addition to multiple areas around the world. If you have any questions or would like to schedule service, reach out to us at (813) 251-5100 today.
