Most used 7 Types of Barges in Shipping
A barge is an ocean-going vessel used to carry and transport cargo, passengers, and goods across waterways.
There are many types of barges, but these cargo vessels are typically long and flat-bottomed. This shape allows them to carry large volumes of cargo without performance issues.
A barge cannot operate independently and usually requires a tugboat or tugboat to tow it. It does not have an engine or motor, but workers can safely pull the barge across lakes, canals, and seaports.
The terms “ship” and “barge” are used interchangeably, but there is a key difference. Ships are self-propelled, while barges are not. Additionally, barges cannot be used for transport across international waters, such as oceans or seas.
Different types of barges vary in size and cargo capacity. Some vessels can be up to 200 feet in length and have a cargo capacity of over 500 tons.
This guide discusses the different types of barges and their uses.
1. Inland Barges
Inland barges are designed for traveling in confined waters such as rivers, canals, lakes, and bays. It is considered the most cost-effective mode of transportation because it can carry bulky, high-density, or high-volume cargo.
Inland barges are often used as an alternative to truck and rail transportation. This applies to situations where the cargo cannot be transported by these methods alone.
2. Surface Barges
As the name suggests, surface barges carry cargo on the surface of the water. There are many types of surface barges, each with different structures and sizes.
Surface barges can carry a variety of cargo, such as construction equipment, manufacturing materials, rocks, platforms, and even live animals. It can also transport liquid cargo stored in sealed containers to avoid contamination and spills.
Since deck barges are also designed to support construction, they can also carry workers and various types of machinery. Some deck barges have raised decks and can be rated based on capacity, deadweight, and load markings.
3. Hopper barges
Hopper barges have a double-layer structure. Double hull means there are two layers or structures protecting the vessel from water. The extra protection allows the vessel to remain afloat.
Bottom barges can transport a wide variety of materials efficiently and in large quantities. Here are some examples:
- Aggregates
- Timber
- Coal
- Grain
- Sugar
- Ore
- Metals
Hopper barges are box-shaped and come in either double or single frames. Depending on the type of cargo, the packages may also be open or covered. The cover is weatherproof and can be retracted or stacked over the equipment.
4. Rock Drilling or Crane Barges
Positioning boats are usually tied or strung together with a bunch of planks or steel columns, hence the term “positioning boat.” The stern of this type of ship is box-shaped to allow for maximum buoyancy when performing lifting operations.
Due to their strong and durable construction, Spud boats and cranes can carry a variety of equipment, especially cranes. Additional rails, frames, or beams are added below the working surface to support the heavy loads.
Positioning boats are primarily used as working platforms. This function can be performed by a heavy working surface, providing stable ground and even distribution for different construction activities.
A positioning drillship can be placed anywhere offshore, including coastlines, rivers, or lakes. It is often used for:
- Crane engineering
- Offshore operations
- Demolition engineering
- Pipeline construction and repair
- Heavy equipment transportation
5. Liquid Mud barges
A mud barge has two water tanks on its deck to increase the ship’s hold capacity. It has onboard piping and pumping systems that are capable of handling and discharging liquids from remote plants.
These barges are primarily used at inland oil well drilling sites, but can also serve onshore facilities. Mud barges also provide additional storage and transportation of bulk cargo.
6. Oil Shale barges
Oil barges transport oil and other non-hazardous oilfield waste materials. The marine industry often refers to rock barges as deck barges or hopper barges. This includes mounting brackets in the cargo hold.
Offshore activities require the use of shale barges when workers cannot throw shale cuttings (from drilling activities) into the sea due to environmental concerns.
Instead, the processing company will dispose of the material in accordance with regulations.
7. Oceangoing Barges
Oceangoing barges or oceangoing barges are required for ships that cannot enter ports due to shallow waters. This type of barge helps transport cargo directly to land.
Like the other types of barges on this list, marine barges are designed to be rugged to protect your belongings. However, they are much heavier than other barges, making them more expensive to build, transport, and maintain.
Sea kayaks are suitable for large activities such as:
- Large-diameter pipeline transportation
- Heavy equipment transportation
- Prefabricated buildings for oil production
Marine barges must be designed specifically to take into account the potential hazards that can arise from these uses. Truck cranes, crawler cranes and other equipment are often used to handle the loading and unloading of heavy and large cargoes, ensuring that the loading and unloading operations are safe and efficient.
Conclusion
Since there are so many types of barges used in the marine industry, choosing the best sandal for your needs can be a challenge. You must ensure that the boat is strong enough to support the weight of different types of cargo and other equipment.
For example, if you want to move a construction crane, a crane vessel is the perfect choice. However, ocean-going tankers and shale tankers are better suited for oil drilling activities.
