What Is a Barge, Its Functions, Types, and Benefits

In the shipping and sea freight industries, several vessels are used for goods distribution, including barges. Then, what is a barge? A barge commonly travels through canals and rivers, carrying dry or wet bulk, such as sand or chemicals. To learn more about barges, read this article to the end!

What Is a Barge?

A barge is designed to carry heavy bulk, such as coal, sand, or oil. A barge must be towed by a tugboat or another towing ship. The characteristics of a barge are its vast body and sharp front. It also has special ropes that can be connected to another boat to propel it.

Rather than the sea, a barge often carries goods through rivers and canals that are difficult for big vessels (like container ships) to reach.

It is essential to know that a barge is slightly different from a common ship. A barge has a flat base, is square-shaped, and is specifically used for transporting goods. Therefore, it cannot carry passengers and goods at the same time.

Moreover, it does not prioritize speed because it must bring heavy loads. That’s why it is not suitable for ocean transport in rough seas.

Functions of Barges

A barge has various functions, from carrying general loads to offshore structures. Typically, barges have functions as follows:

1. Providing Efficient Transportation

A barge facilitates massive bulk transportation. In addition, it can deliver goods to the remote areas in Indonesia via large rivers, making goods transportation more efficient.

2. Large Capacity

Barges have hulls that are almost entirely box-shaped. These hulls are then filled with bulk goods, such as wheat, sand, coal, or liquid chemicals. As a result, these ships can transport goods more optimally in a single trip, thereby completing distribution more quickly.

Types of Barges

A barge is categorized by its function and the goods it carries. Here are some types of barges you must know:

1. Inland Barge

An inland barge operates in the inland rivers. Therefore, it is used to deliver bulk across the country. Its capacity and load are also adjustable.

2. Crane Barge

A crane barge is used for offshore and other heavy loading activities. Unlike typical barges, this type of ship generally has propellers and an independent propulsion system, allowing it to travel on the ocean without a tugboat. It is usually used to install offshore infrastructure, for dredging activities, and for sea rescue.

3. Deck Barge

A deck barge has an open deck to carry cargo directly on the ship without cover. It is the most common type of barge and is usually used to bring heavy machinery and essential platforms.

4. Shale Barge

A shale barge is used to transport offshore oil-drilling waste, whether in solid or liquid form. It will transport the drilling waste to land-based safe management facilities.

5. Hopper Barge

A hopper barge is designed to carry bulk materials, such as coal, minerals, or grains. It usually has two hulls, but several kinds of hoppers have split hulls. Typically, it has a cover to protect the goods.

6. Ocean Barge

An ocean barge is designed for transoceanic or coastal voyages and can transport large quantities of cargo. Because it operates at sea, its structure is undoubtedly different from that of ordinary barges.

These barges are slower than typical ocean-going vessels and are more robust in harsh sea conditions than regular barges. They are used to reach ports with shallow depths that are inaccessible to large ocean-going vessels.

7. Liquid Mud Barge

This barge is specially designed to carry sludge from offshore oil drilling. The ship is equipped with a pump and pipe system to transport and distribute sludge easily. Typically, these ships have several compartments to carry sludge safely.

8. Car-float Barge

Did you know? A barge can also carry land vehicles in huge numbers. A car-float barge has a flat base for cars and trucks. However, it only operates inland and serves interregional shipping.

9. Spud Barge

A spud barge is equipped with spuds that are driven into the seabed to provide greater stability during operation. These vessels are typically used for loading cargo by crane, which requires a high degree of stability. An example of the use of these barges is for the installation of marine infrastructure.

10. Oil Barge

An oil barge transports petroleum or its processed product from the drilling well to the facilities in the harbor. It has a pumping system and a quality control system.

11. Wood Barge

A wood barge can carry many types of wood and is equipped with a strong floating system. Generally, it operates in rivers or creeks.

Advantages of Barges

Barges have some advantages in the distribution process, including:

Good maneuverability: Barges are smaller than ocean-going vessels, making them easier to maneuver, especially when navigating narrow rivers.
Flexible: Barges can transport a wide range of products, including those of different sizes and types. You can ship vehicles, timber, coal, and other products depending on the type of ship. These ships can also navigate various waterways, such as rivers and lakes.
More cost-effective: Barges do not require special equipment to ship goods.

That concludes the information you can learn about barges. A barge is crucial for the distribution of inland goods. It can transport minerals to chemicals.

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