Abstract: Thrust transmittal means for push tug and barge comprises, on the barge, a rearwardly projecting thrust receiving member having a hemispheric convex rear surface and, on the tub, a concave hemispheric thrust exerting surface. Preferably, a plurality of such thrust exerting members are disposed at vertically spaced points along the bow of the tug. An articulated joint to permit relative pitching of tug and barge is thus provided with no coupling device other than the normal chains, cables or lines, suspended in tension between the tug and barge to prevent separation thereof. Preferably, such chains, cables or lines include a hook and eye link with releasable retainer to facilitate unhooking of same, even under emergency conditions. At the rear of the barge, a deep notch with sidewalls is provided to receive the bow of the tug with fenders between these sidewalls and the adjacent tug sides to prevent relative roll between tug and barge.

Abstract: Thrust transmittal means for push tug and barge comprises, on the tug, a forwardly projecting member with a hemispheric convex frontal surface and, on the barge, a concave hemispheric thrust receiving surface. Preferably, several (or at least two) such receiving members are mounted at vertically spaced points on the rear of the barge. An articulated joint (to permit relative pitching of tug and barge) is thus provided with no coupling device other than the normal chains, cables or lines, suspended in tension between the tug and barge to prevent separation thereof. Preferably, such chains, cables or lines include a hook and eye link with a releasable retainer to facilitate unhooking of same, even under emergency conditions. At the rear of the barge, a deep notch with sidewalls is provided to receive the bow of the tug with fenders between these sidewalls and the adjacent tug sides to prevent relative roll between tug and barge.