Abstract
In the past 20 years, small towed flexible barges have been used to transfer liquid cargoes. This paper concerns the next generation of flexible barges comparable in size to conventional oil tankers. As the basis for the economic analysis, preliminary design graphs are presented for selecting barge length and radius for stable towing.
These graphs are used to develop preliminary designs, estimate resistance and the required tug horsepower. Then for deadweights of 30,000, 70,000, and 120,000 tons economic comparisons are made between the flexible barge-tugboat and the conventional tanker over a 4,000 mile voyage. The economic cost of transport ECT shows the flexible barge offers cost savings in the small DWT capacities and when the ballast trip is considered. Analyses with an extended economic model which includes the terminal operation also show the effectiveness of the flexible barge. These comparisons indicate the highest savings are for the barge of 30,000 dwt.
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