Knowledge Base
ATB Research &
Technical Resources
A curated collection of peer-reviewed research, conference papers, and industry articles on Articulated Tug-Barge systems, coupling technology, and maritime engineering.
Peer-Reviewed Research
Academic papers published in indexed journals, subject to independent peer review.
Advances of Articulated Tug–Barge Transport in Enhancing Shipping Efficiency
Plamen Yanakiev, Yordan Garbatov, Petar Georgiev
Journal of Marine Science and Engineering (MDPI)
Articulated Tugs and Barges (ATBs) are increasingly recognised for their effectiveness in transporting chemicals, petroleum, bulk goods, and containers, primarily due to their exceptional flexibility and fuel efficiency. This study analyses current advancements in ATB technology and provides insights into the ATB fleet and the systems that connect tugboats and barges, with special emphasis on conceptual design parameters — including L/B, B/D, B/T, T/D ratios — and economic viability in terms of CAPEX and OPEX.
Environmental and Economic Impacts of an Articulated Barge Considering Crew Expertise and Operational Profile
Yordan Garbatov, Petar Georgiev, Plamen Yanakiev
Applied Sciences (MDPI)
Articulated Tug-Barge systems connect a tugboat and a barge via an articulated link, improving manoeuvrability and operational efficiency. This research introduces a method for evaluating barge efficiency using a structural reliability index and associated costs, accounting for environmental conditions, operational scenarios, and crew experience — providing a framework for optimised ATB design under real-world operating profiles.
Conference Papers
Presented at international maritime engineering conferences.
Analysis of Connection Forces in Articulated Tug-Barge Systems Across Various Operational Conditions
Yordan Garbatov, Petar Georgiev, Plamen Yanakiev
MARTECH 2026 – 8th International Conference on Maritime Technology and Engineering
An essential aspect of designing and ensuring the safety of articulated tug-barge systems is defining the connection forces between the tug and barge generated during operation under various environmental conditions. This study examines the long-term extreme values of the connection forces experienced during different operational conditions, employing the contour line method in conjunction with a frequency-domain approach for a specific operational route — results directly relevant to Articouple coupler dimensioning.
Industry Articles
Technical and historical articles from maritime trade publications.
The Enduring, Iconic U.S. Flag ATB Model
Joseph Keefe
MarineNews / marinelink.com
The articulated tug and barge (ATB) business has a long history, with its origins in the 1800s and significant development in the late 1960s. Early efforts by pioneers like Edwin Fletcher (ARTUBAR) and the Bludworth family focused on securely connecting tugs and barges to combine economic efficiency with enhanced safety and seakeeping. This article traces the evolution of the U.S. ATB fleet and the coupling systems that made it possible.
The ATB: A History of the State-of-the-Art (Part I)
Robert P. Hill
MarineNews
This two-part series discusses the history and evolution of the Articulated Tug Barge (ATB) in American coastwise shipping. It highlights the limitations of traditional tug and barge systems — weather delays, slow speeds, and control issues — and explores how the ATB addresses these challenges by offering improved reliability, speed, and manoeuvrability, making it a viable alternative to conventional shipping methods.
The ATB: A History of the State-of-the-Art (Part II)
Robert P. Hill
MarineNews / Ocean Tug and Barge Engineering
The Articulated Tug/Barge (ATB) unit combines the economic benefits of tugboat and barge operations with the speed and weather reliability of a ship. Unlike Integrated Tug/Barges, ATBs feature independent tug and barge vessels, allowing for greater operational flexibility and efficiency. This part explores steering improvements, reduced connection/disconnection times, and significant fuel savings compared to traditional towed barges.
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