Barge Towing Services

A Leading Barge Towing Company for Gulf Coast Marine Logistics

McDonough Marine Services is the proven leader in the Marine Transportation and Logistics industry for both inland and offshore barge towing services.

Our Versatile Barge Towboat Fleet

As a dedicated barge towing company, we own and operate a specialized fleet designed to handle diverse marine logistics challenges:

  • Inland Push Boats: 7 vessels ranging from 600 HP to 2200 HP.
  • High-Visibility Operations: Strategic designs with visibility up to 54'7" to safely move oversized cargoes.
  • Custom Chartering: Open market vessel chartering of additional inland and ocean tugs to fulfill virtually any requirement.

Barges, on which cargoes are shipped, are usually non-self-propelled and therefore dependent on a tug for propulsion; where the tug is the prime mover for the barge towing operation, connected to the barge using a towline. Distance between both can reach 200 meters and more.

Our most common towing configurations include:

  • Single Tow: One tug towing one barge for streamlined transport.
  • Tandem Tow (Double Tow): One tug towing two barges, managed with expert precision to mitigate higher risks.
  • Tandem and Breasted Tugs: Utilizing two tugs to pull one tow unit, categorized by the specific positioning of the tugs for maximum control.

Commitment To Safety And Project Cargo Transport

McDonough Marine Service, a leading marine tugboat company, is committed to performing each marine logistics project in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner. Our participation in the American Waterways Operators Responsible Carrier Program, combined with our unparalleled knowledge and experience in project cargo transportation and Gulf Coast marine logistics enables us to develop one of the safest and most economical boat and barge packages in the industry.

Our company possesses the skills and equipment to successfully facilitate the ever-changing needs of our clients. To learn more about our barge towing services contact us now.


Frequently Asked Questions About Barge Towing Services

Can your barge towboats handle oversized or "super-load" project cargo?

Yes. Our high-horsepower barge towboats (up to 2200 HP) are specifically designed for project cargo transport. With bridge heights providing visibility up to 54'7", our captains can safely navigate and monitor oversized loads that require precision handling in tight channels.

Do you provide turn-key marine logistics for complex tows?

Absolutely. We don't just provide the pull; we manage the entire barge towing configuration. Whether your project requires a tandem tow for efficiency or a breasted tug arrangement for maximum control in high-traffic areas, our team handles the technical planning and execution.

How does McDonough ensure safety during a barge towing operation?

Safety is our baseline. As a leading barge towing company, we strictly adhere to the American Waterways Operators Responsible Carrier Program. This ensures every barge towing operation meets the highest industry standards for environmental protection and crew safety.

Are your vessels available for short-term or long-term charter?

We offer flexible various options for both spot-market tows and long-term dedicated contracts. Our open-market chartering capabilities allow us to scale our fleet to meet the specific duration and capacity needs of your marine logistics project.



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