Hoverbarge Propulsion Methods
Different methods to propel the Hoverbarge

Winching
The easiest method to move the Hoverbarge is to use winches.  The winches can be sized to enable the Hoverbarge to operate in various wind conditions and over the required gradients.  Different winch systems can be used, such as onboard continuous drive winches, as used on traditional marine cable ferries, or shore based winch systems as used on the Yukon Princess Hoverbarge:

Yukon Hoverbarge Winch System

A combination of propulsion methods may be most suitable, such as a marine propeller system for deep water and then a winch system to winch the Hoverbarge over shallow water and up onto the land.

Marine Systems
Deck mounted marine propeller systems can be used to propel the Hoverbarge in deeper water, and have been successfully used in the past on Hoverbarge operations.

Towing
The Hoverbarge can be towed in water using traditional tug boats as shown below:

 
Hoverbarge being towed by a tug boat

When operating on land, the Hoverbarge can be towed by amphibious tractors, such as those with tracks or flotation tyres.

Hoverbarge being towed by an amphibious tractor

Self Propulsion
Self propulsion using diesel driven ducted propellers (the same system used on Hovercraft) can be used to propel Hoverbarge up to 300 tonnes payload with a speed of 5 knots (subject to operating conditions).

Illustration of a self propelled Hoverbarge

Moving anchor
The smaller self propelled Hoverbarge can act as a moving anchor point for larger non propelled Hoverbarges to winch up to.  As illustrated by the graphic below, the self propelled Hoverbarge would pull a winch cable out from the larger non propelled Hoverbarge.  The self propelled Hoverbarge would then come off hover and act as an anchor point for the larger Hoverbarge to winch up to.  Two self propelled Hoverbarges could be used to enable continuous movement.

For further information about the Hoverbarge, please Contact us.