Towboat: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

Towboat pushing barges through the ice on the upper Mississippi above Alton IL

A towboat is a boat designed for pushing barges. Towboats are characterized by a square bow with steel knees for pushing and powerful engines. They are most often seen on inland waterways where they can push up to fifteen large barges lashed together into a tow. Towboats that travel long distances include living quarters for the crew.

Towboat and mixed cargo barges on the Chang Jiang (Yangtze) river.

Not to be confused with the historic boat type with the same name, also called horse-drawn boat.