Articulated Tug Barges (ATBs)

Atlas Shipping has proven itself as an innovator and leader in petroleum and chemical transportation through the development of an unrivaled articulated tug-barge (ATB) fleet which includes the newest and most sophisticated U.S.-flagged ATBs.
Atlas Shipping's innovative and industry leading ATBs are the result of years of research, testing and partnering with customers, all of which have helped design and build vessels that provide an innovative, environmentally friendly solution to the world's petroleum transportation needs.

Our vessels differ from many competitors' in that they are designed to operate and perform at service speeds of up to 12 knots (550 and 650 class) – performance not seen in ATBs prior to Atlas Shipping.
Additionally, Atlas Shipping's ATBs consist of hydrodynamically efficient tank barges coupled with high-horsepower tugs, allowing for improved maneuverability and sea-keeping. Vessel cargo systems are designed to provide maximum flexibility and cargo integrity while also allowing for transfer rates of up to 20,000 to 30,000 barrels per hour, depending on vessel class.

As of 2013, Atlas Shipping will own and operate 17 ATBs, which include 155,000-barrel, 178,000-barrel and 327,000-barrel capacity tank vessels at 96%, with each vessel having been chartered to leading companies in the petroleum and chemical industries. Additionally, Atlas Shipping operates a number of Jones Act tankers on behalf of other owners which trade both domestically and internationally.