Multi-functional powerhouse tug and barge (PTB) system employed in an articulated tug and barge system and associated use thereof

A powerhouse tug and barge (PTB) propulsion system for providing power from a tug to a barge, said PTB propulsion system comprising:

• a barge including
• a first drive, and
• a first electrical propulsion and maneuvering gear in communication with said first drive;
• a tug in electrical communication with said barge and being detachably coupled thereto, said tug including
• a first controller in operative communication with said first drive,
• a second controller,
• a fuel supply, and
• an electrical power generating source communicatively coupled to said fuel supply, said electrical power generating source being in operative communication with said second controller;
• and
• a connection physically and electrically coupling said tug to said barge such that said tug is pushed and maneuvered by said barge;
• wherein said electrical power generating source is configured to transfer power to said first drive thereby driving said first electrical propulsion and maneuvering gear such that said barge does not have an onboard power source for independently supplying power to said first drive.

A method for utilizing a powerhouse tug and barge (PTB) propulsion system for providing power from a tug to a barge, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a barge including a first drive, and a first electrical propulsion and maneuvering gear in communication with said first drive;
• providing a tug in electrical communication with said barge and being detachably coupled thereto, said tug including a first controller in operative communication with said first drive, a second controller, a fuel supply, and an electrical power generating source communicatively coupled to said fuel supply, said electrical power generating source being in operative communication with said second controller;
• providing a connection and thereby physically and electrically coupling said tug to said barge such that said tug is pushed and maneuvered by said barge;
• and
• said electrical power generating source transferring power to said first drive thereby driving said first electrical propulsion and maneuvering gear such that said barge does not have an onboard power source for independently supplying power to said first drive.