TECHNICAL AND ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY OF MULTIBARGE OPERATIONS IN OPEN WATER

This report is the result of a preliminary study of the economic prospects and technical limitations of various multibarge systems potentially suitable for operation in unprotected waters. Particular emphasis has been placed on coastal, short-sea, and feeder applications of these systems, where a high degree of flexibility and intermodality is desirable. The systems considered include well-known hardware, such as the LASH concept, a LASH-compatible feeder vessel (FLASH), as well as conjectural systems of various types. These include multibarge flotillas with articulated or flexible coupling devices, modular vessels, and rigid-frame barge integrators. A qualitative discussion of generalized service patterns, terminal operations, cargoes, and cost-assignment decisions especially applicable to multibarge systems is included, together with specific technical information pertaining to each distinct type of system. An economic comparison and sensitivities to certain design parameters are presented for a sample complex route. Finally, detailed synthesis models, including performance, towboat assignment, weights, and cost estimates are provided for three promising multibarge-feeder concepts: barge-carrying (LASH) vessel, float-on LASH feeder (FLASH), and multibarge flotilla.

• Corporate Authors:

  University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

  Department of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers
  Ann Arbor, MI  United States  48109
• Authors:
  • Scher, R M
• Publication Date: 1976-8

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 88 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Barge operations; Barges; Cost estimating; Economic analysis; Feeder services; Industrial economics; Lashing; Towboat operations; Towboats; Tugboats
• Old TRIS Terms: Economic analysis (Barge operations); Flash; Lash; Multibarge systems
• Subject Areas: Economics; Marine Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00168288
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Engineering Index
• Report/Paper Numbers: Report Number 187
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 29 1978 12:00AM