Barge transport is often used for moving dredged materials to treatment facilities. Brennan owns and maintains four types of barges that can be used to transport dredge solids. Each has its advantages, and uses are often project specific.
Four Types of Barge Transport
- Material Barge
- Hopper Barge
- Sectional Hopper Barges
- Sectional Barge-Mounted Containers
Material Barges
Brennan has utilized material barges for over a half a century to transport mechanical dredge spoils and other materials throughout the inland waterway system. Material barges are often used in shallow draft situations and are constructed in such a way that surface area is maximized. Traditionally this was done to allow water to run off; however, on environmental projects Brennan seals off the combing to prevent any leakage. These material barges are very conducive to unloading by excavators and end loaders.
Material Barge Advantages:
- Shallow draft
- Large surface area-to-depth ratio that allows material to dry more quickly
- Conducive to unloading with excavators and end loaders
Hopper Barges
Hopper barges also are very effective in transporting contaminated materials. They have a deep containment located within the hull with a 1500-ton capacity. These barges disallow water from escaping the hold and can be off-loaded using an excavator. Brennan uses these barges in navigable channels where a minimum of an 8-foot draft is available. We own several of these barges and have access to a large supply of them through our sister company, Brennan Marine Inc.
Hopper Barge Advantages
- Large capacity
- Watertight containment
- Readily available
- Materials can be covered with watertight covers
Sectional Hopper Barges
Sectional hopper barges have all the advantages of a traditional hopper barge, but have the added advantages of being smaller and having a shallower draft. These hopper barges are often combined together to form a larger transport plant that can keep pace with dredge production.
Sectional Barge-Mounted Containers
Containers are very effective in areas where portability is essential. Using portable sectional barges, Brennan can create a work platform where portable containers can be mounted. These containers then become a watertight method of transport. To unload, containers can either be emptied with an excavator or picked off the sectional barge.
Advantages of Sectional Barge-Mounted Containers
- Very portable
- Shallow draft