Applications / Barge Positioning

Portable propulsion for barges and pontoons.

Add detachable battery-electric propulsion and positioning capability to barges, pontoons and work platforms — without permanent hull conversion or a fixed thruster room.

Asset Types

Which floating assets benefit most.

Towbot is particularly suited to assets that move infrequently, are repositioned by tugs, or require temporary propulsion for a specific project or season.

Inland Barges

Rivers and canals

Inland barges and pontoons operating on rivers, canals and sheltered waterways where a detachable unit can provide manoeuvring and positioning support.

Work Platforms

Coastal and nearshore

Work barges, crane barges and floating work platforms that require temporary propulsion capability without permanent engine-room modifications.

Transhippers

Cargo operations

Floating transhipment platforms that need precise positioning during cargo transfer operations, with the ability to reassign the unit between compatible assets.

Key Advantages

No permanent conversion required.

The unit can be reassigned between compatible assets, reducing the capital cost of adding propulsion to a fleet of non-propelled vessels.

Flexible Deployment

Reassignable

A Towbot unit can be moved between compatible assets in the fleet, so one unit can serve multiple barges at different times rather than requiring a permanent installation on each.

No Drydock

Waterborne fit

The temporary hull attachment system is designed to be fitted and removed without drydocking, reducing downtime and the cost of the conversion process.

Battery-Electric

Zero local emissions

Battery-electric operation at the point of use — no direct exhaust emissions from the Towbot unit during manoeuvring and positioning operations.

Start with Your Asset

Could Towbot position your barge or pontoon?

Share your asset type, dimensions, operating area and current positioning arrangement. We will assess the right Towbot configuration for your fleet.

Request an Assessment