EVOLUTION AND STATE-OF-THE-ART OF THE LOG BARGE

The movement of tows, or cargoes, of logs through the coastal waters of British Columbia has progressed from the towing of immense floating ''rafts'' of wired-together logs in calm, protected waters to sophisticated self-loading/self-dumping barges capable of navigating in less-calm conditions without risk of destruction. The evolution of these barges is described along with the ingenious method of quick offloading, or dumping, of cargo, and its attendant risks. The principal particulars of some of the more successful, modern vessels, including tug-and-barge units, are given, as well as a brief overview of the state of the industry at large.