The Mississippi River and other inland rivers of the United States are home to several thousand towboats. They are vital carriers of goods and materials, and an important element within the country's overall transportation system. Current and future environmental restrictions on emissions are creating the need for a new “greener” design for these vessels. Wärtsilä and Ship Architects, Inc., USA, are cooperating to develop a new environmentally sound towboat concept. Ship Architects, Inc. is a company that specializes in providing shipyards and owners with technical solutions in conceptual and detailed vessel design, project management, and other associated services.