Overview
ISO 6766:1984 - "Shipbuilding - Shipborne barges, series 4 - Main dimensions" defines the principal dimensions and constructional-element sizes for shipborne barges of series 4. The standard covers the main dimensional parameters required to ensure interchangeability and safe handling of barges that are carried aboard a barge carrier by an elevator or by a floating-dock type handling system. It provides numeric main dimensions, the layout of support centres, and tolerances that affect compatibility with barge-carrier equipment. The standard does not prescribe hull form (shapes are shown schematically only).
Key topics
- Scope and definition
- Defines a shipborne barge, series 4 as a barge handled aboard a barge carrier by elevator or floating-dock systems.
- Main dimensions
- Standardizes primary geometric parameters - length (L), beam/width (B), depth/height (H), maximum draught (T) and displacement - to facilitate interchangeability. (Numeric reference values are provided in Table 1 of the standard.)
- Principal constructional elements
- Specifies dimensions and positions of structural supports and protrusions (centre-to-centre support distances, transverse/diagonal spacing, projections below bottom, etc.) that interface with barge-carrier support systems (Table 2).
- Interchangeability tolerances
- Provides tight tolerances for critical dimensions affecting handling and stowage aboard carriers (Table 3). Typical tolerances are small (on the order of millimetres) to ensure compatibility.
- Notes and limits
- Clarifies that hull form is not standardized; national shipbuilding standards may be used for dimensions not covered by ISO 6766.
Applications
ISO 6766 is used where consistent dimensional standards improve safety, handling and logistics:
- Shipyards and marine architects designing series 4 shipborne barges
- Barge-carrier designers and manufacturers (elevator and floating-dock systems)
- Classification societies and regulatory bodies assessing barge-carrier interchangeability
- Fleet owners, operators and port planners managing stowage, loading and equipment compatibility
- Procurement and specification writers requiring standardized dimensions and tolerances
Related standards (if applicable)
- Standards produced by ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 8 (Shipbuilding and marine structures)
- National shipbuilding standards referenced for dimensions not specified by ISO 6766
Keywords: ISO 6766, shipborne barges, barges series 4, main dimensions, barge carrier, interchangeability, tolerances, shipbuilding.
