Common Types of Barges and Their Use

A barge is a flat-bottomed vessel used primarily for the transportation of goods, vehicles or cargo. Most barges are not self-propelled and require the assistance of a tug or towing vessel. Each barge is designed to maximize available space for cargo and provide stability during transportation.

An Overview of the Primary Types of Barges

Among the most common types of barges in use in the United States and abroad include:

• Dry bulk cargo barges – Designed to transport large quantities of dry cargo, such as steel, scrap metal, coal, gravel, sand and grain. A dry bulk cargo barge may be outfitted with a cover in cases where cargo cannot come into contact with water. Such covers are designed to lift or roll away easily to allow for the loading and unloading of materials. These vessels are common on the Mississippi River and on the United States’ east and west coasts, as well as outside of the United States. Barge unloading and loading requires great care to prevent cargo spillage. When such a spill occurs, workers must take care to prevent the occurrence of pollution or waste.
• Liquid cargo barges – Designed to transport large quantities of liquid goods, such as chemicals, fertilizers and other liquid cargo. Such vessels may hold and transport potentially dangerous materials, such as methanol and benzene.
• Car-float barges – Designed to transport railway cars. These barges were crucial in the early 20th century, and while their use has dropped off in the United States, they still can be found in operation in some parts of the country.
• Power barge – Also known as a powership, a power barge has one or more mounted power plants. These vessels’ primary purpose is as an energy source, rather than a transportation provider. Most power barges remain in a mooring for several or more years. The use of power barges has declined in recent years.
• Barracks barge – Designed to be used as living quarters. They’ve been used to house sailors, including servicemembers. Houseboats are smaller versions of the larger barracks barges that have been used to house large groups of people.
• Crane barge (floating crane) – Designed to lift and transport particularly heavy cargo loads. These vessels typically are used in the course of off-shore construction. Like land-based cranes, use of a crane barge requires consideration of stabilization, wind direction/force and other safety concerns.

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