Barge and Tugboat Services

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Guide to Barge and Tugboat Services

Tugboat companies and barge services can do the big jobs easier for your business
By Suzanne Levine

Barge and tugboat services are required for many different reasons. Most tug companies use this equipment to transport materials, rescue damaged vessels, fire fighting, etc. Tugboats come in two different types, inland and ocean going. The tugboat is designed to fit into a notch within the barge. This allows the tug to either push or pull the barge and transport materials along waterways. By using a tug and barge, a business owner can transport their supplies and equipment more efficiently.

If you need the services of a barge or tugboat, there are several different aspects of barge and tugboat services that you will want to think about, such as:

1. Barge service and tugboat charter can be used for occasional service;

2. Barge transportation and tugboat builders can construct a barge and tugboat system designed around your business needs; and

3. Tugboat companies and barges for sale either new or used. By purchasing a tug and barge your company has use of it whenever the need arises.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Charter barge companies and tugboat services from tug boat companies for occasional use River barge companies have found a great need in chartering their vessels. Tug and barge docking stations are situated up and down the river and it makes transporting your company's products convenient and cost effective.

I recommend:  Donjon Marine Co., Inc. charters barges, dredges, tugs etc. They have been in business since 1964 and they specialize in marine salvage, transportation, ocean engineering and related services. U.S. United Barge Line is a leader among river barge companies specializing in the Mississippi, Ohio and Illinois rivers.

Order from a tug and barge builder Many tug boat companies and barge services will craft a tugboat or barge to fit your business needs. These same barge and tugboat builders will also repair your existing vessels.

I recommend:  Progressive Industrial Inc. sells new tugboats that are built on site. They guarantee all of their products to be free of manufacturer defects for at least one year. Hall Associates has an extensive listing of used tugboats located all over the United States. They specialize in the sale of U. S. flag ocean tugboats. Bollinger Shipyards is a well established company and have been family owned and operated since 1946. They build barges and tugs to your specifications and they also offer tug and barge repair service.

Find barge companies that have new and used barges for sale Tugboat companies will design a tugboat and barge system that suits your business perfectly, including whatever specifications and features that you require. However, if you need to save on the high expense of purchasing a new tugboat or barge, you may want to consider purchasing a used model.

I recommend:  Poseidon Barge Corp. offers both new and used barges for sale. They will arrange barge transport to anywhere in the continental United States and assist with setup by qualified and trained personnel. Rodson Universal Inc. maintains a listing of tugboats, ocean barges and river barges for sale. When purchasing a used vessel it is a very good idea to check its history on BoatHistoryReport.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Even though barges are typically made to be powered by tugboats without their own propulsion system, there are some barge companies that will outfit a barge with an engine as a special order.