Dry-Bulk Barges

Barges aren’t usually self-propelled and are tied to other barges into a configuration called a tow.  A tow can be several barges wide and many barges deep.  The exact configuration will depend on the locks through which a tow must travel and are pushed by a tow boat.

There are two types of dry bulk cargo barges: a rake barge and a box barge.  Rake barges have curved bows to provide less resistance when being pushed and are usually placed at the head of the tow.  A box barge is squared off and is usually placed behind a rake barge and is in the center or rear of the tow.  Box barges can typically hold more cargo.

Dry bulk cargo barges can have covers if the cargo is weather-sensitive (like cement or grain).  These are typically made of fiberglass or steel and can be lifted or rolled away for access to the cargo box.  If your operation requires covers, then there is a high likelihood that you put a person on the barge to secure the hook to the crane or to watch the loading/unloading, which means you likely need a gangway.  Be on the lookout for unsafe practices such as trying to jump from the dock to the barge, and make sure you’re providing your workforce safe passage.

There isn’t a typical access system for this type of vessel; the right solution will depend greatly on the dock composition, dock obstacles and restrictions, elevation of the barge, barge movements (up/down, left/right, in/out), and barge configuration.


Safe Marine Access and Loading

SafeRack provides equipment and solutions for safe access and loading in the marine industry.

Why Choose SafeRack?

SafeRack is committed to marine access and loading workplace safety. This is why we manufacture durable and long-lasting safety products for:

Barge
Boat
Cruise Ship
Ship
Department of defense
Ferry

Standards and Regulations

SafeRack’s MarinaStep marine gangways, DockReel’s marine loading arms and marine loading hoses and other products are manufactured to meet OSHA and OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) standards, as well as Coast Guard, International Maritime Organization (IMO), and ANSI standards for the product categories.

For more information about Coast Guard and maritime standards:

Coast Guard, OSHA Maritime Standards, International Maritime Organization, SOLAS

Providing the Safest Barge Access Solutions

Accessing barges has unique challenges, not only because there are so many different kinds of barges, but because each barge has their own deck configurations.  There are dry-bulk barges, liquid barges, construction or work barges, barges that act as floating docks, etc.  All are unique and pose their own things of which you must pay attention to ensure you don’t get a gangway that ends up damaged, or possibly worse, in the drink.

What type of barge are you trying to access?  

  • Dry-bulk barge (link this to the dry bulk barge page)
  • Liquid barge (link this to the liquid barge page)
  • Construction or work barges

No matter which one you’re accessing, MarinaStep has the solution you need.  Select a SG, TG, or SAS gangway to ensure your personnel have safe access onto and off of the vessel.

SafeRack is the #1 Selling Aluminum Gangway in North America, and its barge ladder access solutions have earned the reputation for being safe, durable, and long-lasting in the harshest marine environments.

Whatever your industry, from cement to getting on the barge to remove the hatch covers, to oil and chemical to attach loading and unloading arms, or in a commercial environment requiring ADA compliance, SafeRack has you covered.


 

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