The River Nile, one of the biggest rivers in Africa and the longest in the world, traverses the country. There are about 7 major states that connect to the river from the southwest of the country through its capital. There are exits on the northern side of the country to Sudan.
The river is navigable, as confirmed by a bathymetric study carried out in February 2020 at the initial stages of the project.
Design
The design of the barge was developed by an American naval architectural company, Capital Ship Solutions, and constructed by Peteace Engineering & Logistics Ltd, an EPCC contractor.
The Barge project comprises - two tanker barges driven by a pusher tug of 2000 KW. The dimensions of the barge and the pusher are as follow:
Main Particulars of Barge
- Length OA - 72 M
- Breadth Mld - 18m
- Depth D - 2.8m
- Draft - 1.4m
- Frame spacing - 0.6m
- Cargo capacity - 1000m3
- Area of operation - River Nile
Main Particulars of Tug
- Length Oa- 26.35 m
- Breadth Mld - 12m
- Depth D - 2.8m
- Draft - 1.4m
- Frame spacing - 0.6m
- Capacity - 50t pull
- Area of operation - River Nile
The maximum dimensions of the barge were dictated by the outcome of a bathymetric survey. The survey determined the navigability of the river and the maximum size of the vessel that can safely navigate through the river channel.
Construction Progress
The construction of the first barge commenced on November 2021 and the barge was launched into the river in October 2022. The second barge is currently at 70% completion while the pusher tug is at 65% completion. The project is expected to be finished by February 2023.
