JRC & Alphatron Introduces Pushboat Bridge Concept

JRC and Alphatron Marine are pleased to introduce an unique pushboat bridge concept dedicated for the American river and inland waterways. Harnessing 25 years of European inland waterways experience a careful balance is struck between the latest technological advancements and the unique operating requirements for some of the world’s largest rivers.

In Europe typically inland shipping can move a maximum 6 barges at a time while the significant size of the rivers in the United States allows for transport of up to 36 barges at the same time. Today we have gained experience from close to 400 modular bridge solutions delivered to the European market and based on this we developed the pushboat variant.

Our principle is that technology should make bridge operation easier. The bridge comprises of two ergonomic and dynamically designed consoles with a central captain’s chair mounted on rails. The majority of controls and instruments necessary to operate the pushboat are all within easy reach.

Besides controlling the vessel from a single chair, the captains can now actually feel the power of the main and flanking rudders while holding the joystick. This remarkable way of operation, designed together with Dutch hydraulic steering specialist van der Velden Marine Systems really lets them feel control of the vessel.

The console includes our semi-retractable screens for navigation and other operational data which can be “pushed away” when not needed, for example the moment the barges are being connected to the pushboat. We have lowered the overhead between the two consoles so that the operator can have a clear view of the instruments while looking on the forward deck.