PIGGYBACK BARGE LOADING

The concept of "piggybacked" barge units is explained as an alternative to present costly methods of shipping inland barges overseas. In the new method, a barge is towed into the drydock, where it is put on blocks and lifted out of the water. A hole is machined into its bottom and fitted with a specially devised valve. The valve is then opened and the barge is submerged in drydock. A second barge is floated into the drydock and secured to the bottom barge, the controlled environment being an advantage over the open waters of a river. Both barges are then raised and the bottom one allowed to drain; the valve is then sealed. The process is repeated until a full load of barges has been stacked. The piggybacked units are wired together in the drydock. They are then towed to the seagoing submersible barge, which would now require only one submersion to be loaded in lieu of the two submersions required by the procedure currently used.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/1822078
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Journal article
• Authors:
  • Marinello, N
• Publication Date: 1990-11

Media Info

• Pagination: 1-1/2p.
• Serial:
  • Workboat
  • Volume: 47
  • Issue Number: No.11/12
  • Publisher: Diversified Business Communications
  • ISSN: 0043-8014
  • Serial URL: http://www.workboat.com

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Loading and unloading; Submersibles
• Old TRIS Terms: Loading systems; Oceangoing barges
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00661542
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Maritime Technical Information Facility
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 21 1994 12:00AM