The BSM is an assistant push-boat with a length of 22.86m, a beam of 10.6m and draft of 2.44m. Two Caterpillar engines of 950kW each drive a pair of size 21 GII/150 Voith propulsion units mounted beneath the bow of the vessel.

Control of the vessel can be by means of a control stand onboard or by remote radio controls aboard the parent pusher tug.

When in use the BSM is secured at the forward end of the barge train to provide steering forces that result in the pivot point of the entire tow being moved forward. At sharp river bends this enables the tow to be manoeuvred more accurately and with less inconvenience to other traffic. Less power is required by the parent pusher tug and waiting times at difficult bends or narrow waterway sections is reduced.

A BSM prototype has been employed in continuous daily service in the lower reaches of the Mississippi, resulting in savings in turn-round time of approximately 30 percent and the possibility of handling larger tows. The vessel can also be used to handle individual and small groups of barges on route, saving time and the need for an additional pusher to add and remove barges from the tow.

Economic analyses show that the BSM, including annual running costs, can be amortised during the first year of operation.

It is possible to make additional trips due to higher speeds or to integrate more barges into the tow.