A barge is usually a vessel with no propulsion of its own, moved by a tug, and it is one of the most common tools for carrying bulk cargo, equipment and project cargo on marine projects. Here I explain the main barge types, what each is used for and the factors that set the price.
Types of barge
- Deck Barge: a flat deck for carrying equipment, containers and project cargo. It is one of the most common types in market listings.
- Hopper Barge: an open cargo hold for sand, stone and minerals.
- Tank Barge: for petroleum products and fresh water.
- Crane Barge: fitted with a crane for loading operations where a quay is not suitable.
- Accommodation Barge: housing for the crew and staff of offshore projects.
The numbers that describe a barge
A barge's capacity is expressed as Deadweight (DWT). Alongside it, four figures should appear in every listing you read: the deck dimensions (length × width), the permitted deck load in tonnes per square metre, the Draft when fully loaded and the year of build. A Deck Barge with a reinforced deck can carry a heavier load, and that difference usually shows up in the price.
Where barge price comes from
The price of a second-hand barge usually depends most on the condition of the hull and on its Lightweight (LDT). A barge hull is essentially one large steel structure, and it normally has no main engine, so plate thickness, the last Dry Docking and the degree of corrosion are decisive. After that, age, DWT, equipment (crane, pumps, ramp) and place of delivery all affect the price. For older barges, the scrap value, which is calculated on LDT, usually sets the price floor.
Tug and barge: buy or charter?
If your work is continuous, owning a tug and barge combination is usually more economical than chartering. For a project lasting several months, chartering a barge and tug is the better option. Under a Voyage Charter and a Time Charter, maintenance, crew and insurance costs usually stay with the owner. Under a Bareboat Charter, these costs fall on the charterer, so be clear about the type of charter before you decide. In either case, see our guide to buying a tugboat as well.
Browse the barges available on Shipo Market; full listings show the dimensions, DWT and photos of the vessel. If you have a barge or tug to sell or charter out, list it with us for free.