Installation of the JAK®-Coupling

The JAK®-coupler unit is mounted by welding the housing to the hull structures of the pusher (SB- and PS-side), directly under deck, avoiding requirement of space on the deck.

The socket plates, including guide plates - the counterparts of the cylinders - are welded to the SB - and PS-sides of the notch of the barge.

The location of the couplers in the bow makes it necessary to construct a blister to level the coupler units and to fit the pusher into the notch. Being rather small, the casing will normally not increase the vessel's total breadth.

In case the pusher provided with a JAK-coupling system is used as a tug, the pins can be covered with fenders.

The coupler unit support steel structure will increase the lightweight of the pusher by typically 30 tons.

Modification of Existing Barges

To enable the connection existing barges need to be modified by adding a notch for the tug bow at the stern end of the barge.

No electrical installations on the barge are necessary nor any piping.

The barge will need to be re-classified, which will require some calculations.