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If you're going to stop awhile and take a look around your local harbour, you might be more inclined to know more about the different types of water vessels you'll see there. With boats being constructed in all shapes and sizes, it can be quite interesting to know that different designs are built specifically for different uses. Are you curious to know more about the different kinds of boats? Then here's a short article that might help you understand what barges really are. The Different Types of Barges
Barges are basically flat bed boats that are used to transport heavy goods on a river or canal. Since some barges have no means to propel themselves, the assistance of tugboats and towboats are needed in order to propel them in the right direction. Barges are commonly used to haul low value items as costs for this service is considered to be quite low. barges can carry just about anything from coal, to lumber and even heavy duty construction equipment as most models are designed to carry up to 1500 tons worth of weight. Barges are considered to play an important role today's water transportation system, for without these unassuming vessels, trade and transportation of heavy goods, would be impossible.
Deck barges Deck barges are generally designed to transport vehicles and heavy equipment from one area to another. These barges are also used to carry general cargo, especially those that are just too big to fit in ships. And since the deck barge can carry quite an impressive load, some people use them as floating work platforms at construction sites on the water. You can find deck barges that can be fitted with a shed like structure to protect precious cargo against the weather. Deck barges are considered to be the all around work barge because of its functional work surface. It can be used in all sorts of jobs, from supporting a derrick, to using it as a service platform.
Hopper barges Hopper barges on the other hand are generally those that carry materials that will be dumped into an ocean or lake. These barges can carry all sorts of materials from sand, to rocks, as long as it's considered to be dry bulky commodities. What sets the hopper barge apart from all the other types of barges is the fact that it's built with several compartments that can house the materials being transported. The hopper barge is also fitted with a door or a series of doors that open when it's time to dump. You can choose between the raked hopper and the box hopper barge depending on how fast you want the cargo to get to its destination.
Tank barges Last but not the least, there's the tank barge. Tank barges are designed to carry liquids around which is why you'll commonly see them being used by oil companies to transport petroleum and other oil based products. Tank barges are specially made to handle significant amounts of hazardous cargo such as chemicals and even liquefied gases. This is the only type of barge that relies its stability on the specialized sectionalized compartments built in the hull. All cargo must be evenly distributed or else there's the chance that cargo might shift once on open waters. So there you have it. Now that you have a bit more knowledge on barges and the different kinds, you'll be able to choose more appropriately, if ever you find yourself needing one for whatever occasion. Looking for barges for sale or barges for charter?
Sources: http://www.entrec.com/services/heavy-haul-platform-trailers/ http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Different-Types-of-Barges&id=5917946
