Nautical Term: Integrated tow
Definition of Integrated tow
An integrated tow refers to a formation of box-ended barges that function as a single cohesive unit. The bow of the lead barge is raked for efficient water flow, while the intermediate connections and the stern of the trailing barges are all boxed for added stability. This configuration allows for optimal usage of waterways, as the barges move as one, reducing drag and increasing overall efficiency.
For example, imagine a towboat named Sea Hauler is transporting a line of box-ended barges from one harbor to another on a major waterway. These barges are all connected as an integrated tow, which maximizes the waterway usage and overall transportation efficiency for Sea Hauler and its cargo of box-ended barges.
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