push tow

barge

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July 13, 2026

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A "push tow" refers to an assembly of barges lashed together and propelled by a power unit, known as a push tug. This method is particularly advantageous on natural rivers and has been developed to move large tonnages efficiently. In North America, these assemblies can consist of many barges, with a powerful push tug managing the entire tow. This system allows for around-the-clock operation and is facilitated by modern engineering that enlarges channels and locks to accommodate these large units. Push tows are crucial for transporting commodities like minerals, timber, and agricultural products where speed is less critical than capacity.123

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Mississippi River
Modern commercial activity
…world record for size of tow. Its raft of 60 coal barges weighed 67,307 tons and covered an area of 6.5 acres (2.6 hectares).
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…world record for size of tow. Its raft of 60 coal barges weighed 67,307 tons and covered an area of 6.5 acres (2.6 hectares).
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canals and inland waterways
Inland waterway craft
…are known, somewhat illogically, as push tows, and the power unit as a push tug. While these assemblies operate most advantageously on natural rivers, their development has justified heavy capital expenditure for enlarging lock chambers on some canalized rivers to avoid delays and increased operational costs arising from multiple lockage.…
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…are known, somewhat illogically, as push tows, and the power unit as a push tug. While these assemblies operate most advantageously on natural rivers, their development has justified heavy capital expenditure for enlarging lock chambers on some canalized rivers to avoid delays and increased operational costs arising from multiple lockage.…
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