ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) classification allows the vessel to be ocean-going. This typically happens when the barge is first built. The owner will request that a vessel or structure be classed, the shipyard or designer will present drawings and calculations to ABS for a review for compliance with the classification rules. ABS engineers will review the plans to verify that the structural and mechanical details meet the specified requirements.

A crane barge is simply a barge with a crane specialized in lifting heavy loads. The largest crane vessels are used for offshore construction.

A deck barge is a barge with a flat deck that is used both for transportation and construction support. The flat deck can hold hundreds of tons of machinery such as cranes and excavators. It also serves as a platform for holding oversized objects such as bridge sections for coastwise or inland transportation.

A hopper barge has a large hopper, or cargo bin, for transporting bulk commodities such as coal, rock, scrap and other bulk cargoes. Some hopper barges are fitted with covers to transport weather sensitive cargoes such as grain, fertilizer, steel, cement, etc..

Quarters barge, or accommodation barge is outfitted with living accommodations, galley rooms, shower and restroom facilities.

They can be pre-made for crews ranging from 50 people up to 300 people. They can also be customized to meet the customer’s request. They are self-sufficient with generators, potable water and sewage plants.

Sectional or truckable barges are smaller portable barges that were designed to get into places where larger barges cannot navigate.

This barge has several “spuds,” or stakes, that pass through the hull of the barge and are driven into the river, lake or ocean floor, thus anchoring the barge in place and providing stability.

A tank barge is used for transporting bulk liquids, such as diesel fuel, gasoline, chemicals, vegetable oils, and water. Inland tank barges can vary in size and are usually categorized by the number of barrels of product it can transport.

Model bow boats are characterized by their pointed bows or prows. Model bow tugs can be used in the inland waters as well as off shore. Some are shallow draft and while others are very deep draft. They can be used as push boats or tow (pull) boats when properly rigged.

A supply or utility vessel is a small ship or tugboat primarily used to service offshore facilities and operations, i.e. drilling platforms and construction projects. These vessels transport supplies and people to offshore drilling rigs or other maritime vessels. Depending upon the services required, a supply vessel may be designed and outfitted as an anchoring handling tug supply vessel or a platform supply vessel.