The possibility to transport big capacities by interlinking barges is also used in combination with self-propelled motor vessels of same or similar size. In this case the merits of the self-propelled motor vessel are combined with those of the pushed tow system.

Based on the towage technique486, the pushing unit is formed by a variable number of non-motorized barges interlinked with a tug. Depending on the waterway prospects, different formations are possible.