Barges are essential for keeping inland waterways flowing smoothly, and you might be shocked to learn that there are several different varieties of these incredible vessels in use around the world. A barge is a marine vessel that is primarily used to transport freight, according to the official definition. Barges do not have a motor or an engine, and they do not move on their own. Instead, they use a towboat or a tugboat to get about. They have a flat bottom and can be found on lakes, canals, seaports, and, of course, inland waterways.

So, what distinguishes barges from ships? Barges are technically a sort of ship. The most significant distinction is that barges have a flat bottom and are not self-propelled. As a result, barges are far more difficult to maneuver. Barges are also primarily used for cargo transportation and rarely travel over international waters (such as seas or oceans), whereas ships can transport both cargo and people.

Barges are classified according to how they're utilized and how much cargo they can carry. They come in a variety of sizes and cargo capacities, with the largest spanning 200 feet long and carrying approximately 3,000 tons of cargo. They're also made to fit the body of water they're most likely to go on. Barges utilized at seaports, for example, may be larger than those used on a regular basis on narrow inland waterways with little docking space.

Here’s our guide to the different types of barges most commonly used.

Inland Barges

Interior barges account for the vast majority of barges utilized on inland waterways. They're built to operate on smaller bodies of water and are the most cost-effective mode of transportation for huge quantities of freight or oversized things that can't be transported by truck or train.

Deck Barges

Deck barges, which are made out of a platform that looks like a deck, transport cargo such as construction equipment, natural rock and stone, massive metal pipes for infrastructure expansion, and even livestock such as horses and cattle. Deck barges can also be docked for longer periods of time, acting as "dry land" for employees and machinery that require additional space along the rivers.

Crane Barges

These vessels, sometimes known as spud barges, have a squared-off or boxed stern that keeps them afloat even when loaded with cranes. The bulkhead and deck frame construction provide extra stability, and the barge's deck is equipped with specialized crane mats for traction. They're utilized to hoist goods while docked or while working offshore.

Take a look at the Damen Crane Barge.

Hopper Barges

Hopper barges are used to transport vast amounts of cargo such as sugar, steel, grain, coal, and ore, among other things. They have a double-hull design for optimal buoyancy and can be open or covered, with the latter helping to protect goods from the elements during extended excursions on the rivers.

Shale Barges

In the oil and gas business, cargo from drilling sites is transported aboard these barges, which are built like deck barges with cargo bins or hoppers. For this reason, the waste must be processed by an approved business that has the necessary approvals and skills before it can be disposed of properly. The US Coast Guard strictly regulates shale barges to ensure their safety.

Ocean Barges

Ships that cannot dock due to their size or shallow water use ocean barges to transport cargo directly to land. Ocean barges are heavier than other types of barges because they are designed and built to withstand natural elements. As a result, they are more expensive to build and maintain, as well as more difficult to tow.

While these are the most common types of barges on inland waterways, there is a long list of other types of barges: Power barges are mobile power plants, barracks barges can be used for residential purposes, and royal barges are used to transport and celebrate leaders and members of loyalty.

Van der Leun China has worked on multiple crane barge projects for clients such as Damen – here are just a few examples which offer electrical engineering, automation systems, main switchboards, systems integration and more:

Damen Crane Barge (Cba 8025)

Damen Crane Barge (Cba 6324)

Damen Crane Barge 7532

Take a look at our barge projects and get in touch to find out more!