Workhorses of Industry

Towboats

Self contained vessels that push the barges. Power varies from 500 to more than 6000 horsepower.

Covered dry cargo barge

195 feet long, 1500 ton capacity
Carries: grain, soybeans, coffee, salt, sugar, paper products, packaged goods

Deck barge

200 feet long, 2000 ton capacity
Carries: sand and gravel, construction equipment, prefabricated buildings, military equipment, oil rigs, spacecraft

Open hopper barge

195 feet long, 1500 ton capacity
Carries: coal, steel and ore, sand and gravel, lumber

Liquid cargo (tank) barge

297 feet long, 1 million gallon capacity
Carries: petroleum and petroleum products, liquid fertilizers, industrial chemicals, orange juice

Tow
A towboat connected by wire cable to a number of barges. The typical number of barges varies by river, but can be two to 40 barges.

For more information:

Arkansas Waterways Commission
101 East Capitol Ave. Suite 370
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: (501) 682-1173