Type B ship

{{Short description|World War II barges}}

{{split apart|List of barge types|date=May 2025}}

File:Water Barge YW-59.jpg, later stationed in Naval Base Trinidad{{Cite web|url=http://www.navsource.org/archives/14/17059.htm|title=Water Barge (YW) Photo Index|website=www.navsource.org}}]]

The Type B ship is a United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) designation for World War II barges. Barges are very low cost to build, operate, and move, and can transport bulky cargo. Because barges lack engines for self-propulsion, they are usually moved by a tugboat, some classed as Type V ships. Once the barge is moved into position, the tugboat departs and can do another task. This means there is no immediate rush to load or unload the barge.

Toward the end of World War II, some ships that had not been completed in time for the war were converted into barges. US Navy water barges are given the hull classification symbols YWN or YW. Some barge classification symbols contain -N, indicating that the barge was not self-propelled. Due to the shortage of steel during World War II, concrete ship constructors were given contracts to build ferrocement barges for oil or gasoline, which were given the hull symbols YO, YOG, and YOGN; built in 1944 and 1945, some were named after chemical elements.{{Cite web|url=http://www.militarymuseum.org/ConcreteShipContractors.html|title=Concrete Ship Constructors Shipyard|website=www.militarymuseum.org}}[http://shipbuildinghistory.com/merchantships/1barges.htm shipbuildinghistory.com, Merchant Ships Barge][http://shipbuildinghistory.com/merchantships/1wood.htm Wooden Ships and Barges]{{Cite web|url=http://www.navsource.org/archives/14/28idx.htm|title=Miscellaneous Photo Index|website=www.navsource.org}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.nvr.navy.mil/QUICKFIND/HULLLIST_SHIPS_2.HTML|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024060147/http://www.nvr.navy.mil/QUICKFIND/HULLLIST_SHIPS_2.HTML|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 24, 2016|title=US Navy Hull Classification Symbols}}[http://shipbuildinghistory.com/smallships/yc2.htm Open Lighters (YC) Built or Acquired During WWII shipbuildinghistory]{{Cite web|url=http://www.navsource.org/archives/14/25idx.htm|title=Miscellaneous Photo Index|website=www.navsource.org}}

World War II barge types

= Overview =

class="wikitable"

! colspan="2" |Type

!Notes

YF

|Freight (Lighter) Barge

|Self-propelled

YFN

|Freight Barge

|Non-self-propelled

YFR

|Refrigerated Freight Barge

|Self-propelled

YFRN

|Refrigerated Freight Barge

|Non-self-propelled

YR

|Floating Workshop

|

YRB

|Repair and Berthing Barge

|

YRBM

|Yard Repair Berthing and Messing

|YRBM-18 (formerly APL-55) received the Presidential Unit Citation for service during the Vietnam War (6 December 1968 – 31 March 1969).

YRDH

|Dry-Dock Workshops, Hull

|

YRDM

|Dry-Dock Workshops, Machinery

|

YRR

|Radiological Repair Barge

|Used to support nuclear plant overhauls of nuclear ships and submarines, also refueling and decontamination of used equipment.

YCV

|Aircraft Barge

|Built to transport aircraft; built by Alameda Works Shipyard and Pearl Harbor NSY at 480 tons.{{Cite web |title=Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard |url=http://shipbuildinghistory.com/shipyards/public/pearlharbor.htm}}

LBE

|Landing Barge, Emergency repair

|Used in WW2 to repair landing craft.

LBK

|Landing Barge, Kitchen

|

LBV

|Landing Barge, Vehicle

|

LBO, YO, YON

|Landing Barge, Oiler

|

LBW, YW

|Landing Barge, Water

|

LBF

|Landing Barge, Flak

|

YFNB

|Large Covered Lighter

|Non-self-propelled barge, e.g. YR 47 and YRR 9. See [https://web.archive.org/web/20161106131736/http://www.nvr.navy.mil/SHIPDETAILS/SHIPSDETAIL_YFNB_47.HTML US Navy YFNB_47], a 152' long, 36' beam barge used for repairs.

YFNX

|Special Purpose Barges

|Non-self-propelled and used at shore. Most were a modified YC or YFN hull. The modified barge gave the craft a specialized use, such as a laboratory, sonar research, or stowage for submarine goods.{{Cite web |title=YFNX – Special Purpose Barge |url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/yfnx.htm |website=www.globalsecurity.org}}{{Cite web |title=US Navy YFNX 30 |url=https://www.nvr.navy.mil/SHIPDETAILS/SHIPSDETAIL_YFNX_30_5069.HTML |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217111123/http://www.nvr.navy.mil/SHIPDETAILS/SHIPSDETAIL_YFNX_30_5069.HTML |archive-date=February 17, 2017}}

YFND

|Dry Dock Companion Craft

|Non-self-propelled barges. YFND were a special purpose barge used to support the auxiliary floating drydocks, which had little crew support space.{{Cite web |title=US Navy YFND 30 |url=https://www.nvr.navy.mil/SHIPDETAILS/SHIPSDETAIL_YFND_30_5053.HTML |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216061044/http://www.nvr.navy.mil/SHIPDETAILS/SHIPSDETAIL_YFND_30_5053.HTML |archive-date=February 16, 2017}}

YFP

|Floating Power Barges

|Non-self-propelled barges with fuel and a generator to make a mobile power station, and were able to produce up to 20,000 kilowatts of power.{{Cite web |title=Floating Power Barge (YFP) |url=http://www.navsource.org/archives/14/3901.htm |website=www.navsource.org}}

YOG

|Gasoline Barge

|Self-propelled, with tanks for gasoline that had a capacity of 8,200 Bbls.

YOGN

|Gasoline Barge

|Non-self-propelled

YG

|Garbage Barge, also called Lighter

|Self-propelled with one direct-drive Atlas diesel engine to a single propeller, 240 shp.{{Cite web |title=Miscellaneous Photo Index |url=http://www.navsource.org/archives/14/62idx.htm |website=www.navsource.org}}

YGN

|Garbage Barge

|Non-self-propelled{{Cite web |title=Garbage Lighter (YG) |url=http://www.navsource.org/archives/14/6270.htm |website=www.navsource.org}}

YPD

|Floating Pile Drivers

|Non-self-propelled barges used to build piers.{{Cite web |title=Pile Driver (YPD) Photo Index |url=http://www.navsource.org/archives/14/3633.htm |website=www.navsource.org}}{{Cite web |title=Pile Driver (YPD) Photo Index |url=http://www.navsource.org/archives/14/3624.htm |website=www.navsource.org}}

YSR

|Sludge Removal Barge

|Non-self-propelled barge 110 foot long with a 34-foot beam. Built for cleaning fuel oil or other tanks that have sludge and/or foreign matter.{{Cite web |title=NavSource Auxiliary Ship Photo Archive |url=http://www.navsource.org/archives/14/46idx.htm |website=www.navsource.org}}

File:USNavyFY273.jpg

File:YFN-958-Covered Lighter Barge-Non-Self-Propelled.jpg

= Freight (Lighter) Barges (YF – YFN) =

YF barges were self-propelled. YFN barges were not self-propelled. YFN worked near shore in harbors, rivers, and other protected waters, and could carry a load of 550 long tons. They had steel hulls, were 110 feet long, had a 32-foot beam and maximum draft of 8 feet. The Pacific Bridge Company built 27 YFN freight barges in 1943 (YFN-576 – YFN-603). Pollock-Stockton Shipbuilding Company built FN-619 to FN-742 and YFN-998 to YFN-1016.

{{Cite web|url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/yfn.htm|title=YFN – Steel Covered Lighter|website=www.globalsecurity.org}}[http://shipbuildinghistory.com/smallships/yf3.htm shipbuildinghistory.com Freight Barges (YF, YFN) and Refrigerated Freight Barges (YFR, YFRN) Built or Acquired Since WWII]

= Refrigerated Freight Barges (YFR – YFRN) =

YFR Barges were self-propelled. YFRN barges were not self-propelled. Olson & Winge of Seattle made 10 (YFRN-833 – YFRN-841) in 1943 for the war. The Defoe Shipbuilding Company of Bay City, Michigan, built three (YFR-888, YFR-889, and YFR-890) in 1945. Long Beach Naval Shipyard of Long Beach, California, built the YFRN-997 in 1945. A few barges were converted to refrigerated barges, also called reefer barges.{{Cite web|url=http://shipbuildinghistory.com/smallships/yf2.htm|title=Freight Lighters Wartime YF YFN YFND YFR YFRN YFRT}}

= Repair Barges =

File:Yard Repair Berthing and Messing YRBM-20 (25634479705).jpg

Yard Repair Berthing and Messing (barracks ships) are repair barges type TR, YR, YRB, YRBM, YRDH, YRDM, YRR, LBE built in 1944 for World War II. Repair Barges were self-sustaining, 530 tons and 153 feet long. They had a beam of 36 feet and a draft of 6 feet. Repair barges had a machine shop and living quarters. They repaired small boats and craft. The barge had generators, a distilling plant, an air compressor, and a steam boiler. The living space had berths and a mess hall to support a crew of 48 men.{{Cite web|url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/yr.htm|title=YR – Repair Barge|website=www.globalsecurity.org}}{{Cite web|url=http://shipbuildinghistory.com/smallships/yr.htm|title=Repair and Berthing Barges YR YRB YRBM YRDH YRDM YRR}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/yrr.htm|title=YRR – Radiological Repair Barge|website=www.globalsecurity.org}}

class="wikitable"

|+

! colspan="2" |Type

!Number built

!Notes

YR

|Floating Workshop

|96 built, 24 built before WW2

|

YRB

|Repair and Berthing Barge

|36 built

|

YRBM

|Yard Repair Berthing and Messing

|56 built

|YRBM-18 (formerly APL-55) received the Presidential Unit Citation for service during the Vietnam War (6 December 1968 – 31 March 1969).{{Cite web |title=Miscellaneous Photo Index |url=http://www.navsource.org/archives/14/53idx.htm |website=www.navsource.org}}

YRDH

|Dry-Dock Workshops, Hull

|8 built

|

YRDM

|Dry-Dock Workshops, Machinery

|8 built

|

YRR

|Radiological Repair Barge

|14 built

|Used to support nuclear plant overhauls of nuclear ships and submarines, also refueling and decontamination of used equipment.

LBE

|Landing Barge, Emergency repair

|

|Used in WW2 to repair landing craft.

= Barracks Barge =

The US Navy Barracks Barges, also called berthing barges, were each 1,300 tons and 261 feet long. They were used as a temporary barracks for sailors or other military personnel. A barracks ship also saw use as a receiving unit for sailors who needed temporary residence prior to being assigned to their ship. Barracks Barges are a type of auxiliary ship, called an APL (auxiliary personal living).{{cite web |url=http://www.nzmaritime.co.nz/r4.htm |last=Castell |first=Marcus |title=The Turbo Electric Vessel Rangatira of 1971 |publisher=The New Zealand Maritime Record |date=2003–2005 |access-date=29 May 2013 |archive-date=14 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130914030656/http://www.nzmaritime.co.nz/r4.htm |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2017/7/12/navy-to-replace-70-year-old-berthing-barges|title=Navy to Replace 70-Year-Old Berthing Barges|website=www.nationaldefensemagazine.org}}

  • APL-1 to APL-58 are non-self-propelled barracks ships built in 1944 and 1945. APL displaced 2,600 tons at full load. Dimensions are 261.2 feet long, 49.2 feet beam, draft 8.5 feet when fully loaded. WW2 armament was four 20 mm guns. Crew quarters could accommodate 71 officers and 583 men. Some are still in use, such as the USS Mercer (APL-39).{{Cite web|url=http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/71/7126.htm|title=Non Self-propelled Barracks Ship (APL)|website=www.navsource.org}}
  • APL-59 to APL-72 are post-WW2 barracks ships.{{Cite web|url=http://shipbuildinghistory.com/smallships/auxapl.htm|title=US Navy Barracks Ships and Barges APB APL}}

= Landing Barge, Kitchen =

Landing Barge, Kitchen (LBK) was a landing craft used to support amphibious landings in northwestern Europe during and after the Normandy invasion of World War II. Its primary purpose was to provide hot meals to the crews of the many minor landing craft not fitted with galley facilities. Constructed of steel, this shallow-draft lighter had storage and serving space to feed 900 men for one week. The kitchen capacity was able to provide 1,600 hot meals and 800 cold meals a day. They were used by both the US and British on D-Day.[http://www.combinedops.com/Training%20in%20Landing%20Craft%20Operations.htm Training In Small Landing Craft Operations] combinedops.com{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ww2peopleswar/stories/30/a2697230.shtml|title=BBC – WW2 People's War – My Story: On a London Barge off Normandy|work=bbc.co.uk}}

File:LandingBargeVehicle.jpg

= Landing Barge, Vehicle =

Landing Barge, Vehicle (LBV 1, mark 1) was a barge with a ramp added to load and unload vehicles like jeeps and trucks during World War 2. A nine-foot, four-inch ramp was added to the stern for loading and unloading. LBV 2, Mark 2, had an engine that could propel the LBV at 4.5 knots. They were powered by two Chrysler RM gas engines and were used by both the US and British on D-Day. Built in three sizes: small (70 feet long), medium (78 feet long), and large (82 feet long). Each had a draft of about 4 feet when loaded.Operation Neptune: The Inside Story of Naval Operations for the Normandy, By BB Schofield, page 128 a{{Cite web|url=http://www.6juin1944.com/assaut/amphib.php?id=13|title=D-Day : Normandy 1944 – Allied Landing Craft|website=www.6juin1944.com}}

File:LandingBargeOiler water.jpg

= Landing Barge, Oiler =

Landing Barge, Oiler (LBO; also YO and YON) stored fuel oil or diesel fuel for landing craft. They had a 40-ton fuel tank, with two compartments and an engine that could propel them at 4.5 knots. They were used by both the US and British on D-Day.Operation Neptune, By BB Schofield, page 128 b{{Cite web|url=http://www.6juin1944.com/assaut/amphib.php?id=22|title=D-Day : Normandy 1944 – Allied Landing Craft|website=www.6juin1944.com}}[http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/ref/ONI/ONI-226/ONI-226.pdf US Navy, Landing ships]{{Cite web|url=http://www.navsource.org/archives/14/13idx.htm|title=NavSource Auxiliary Ship Photo Archive|website=www.navsource.org}}

= Landing Barge, Water =

Landing Barge, Water (LBW or YW) were barges with a 33-ton freshwater tank and an engine that could propel them at 4.5 knots. They were World War 2 landing support vessels. Used by both the US and British on D-Day. YWN are non-self propelled.{{cite book|title = Operation Neptune|first = BB|last = Schofield|page= 129|publisher = Pen and Sword|date = 2008|isbn = 978-1-84415-662-7|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=qrgqqBW1PD8C&pg=PA129}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.navsource.org/archives/14/21idx.htm|title=NavSource Auxiliary Ship Photo Archive|website=www.navsource.org}}

= Landing Barge, Flak =

Landing Barge, Flak (LBF) were landing barges with a 40mm anti-aircraft gun, manned by a crew of five. They also had two 20-mm Hispano AA guns or two twin Lewis guns. The LBF were 60 to 90 feet long. They could transport 15 troops. Used by both the US and British on D-Day.{{cite book|url = http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/ref/ONI/ONI-226/ONI-226.pdf |publisher = US Navy|title = Allied Landing Craft and Ships| page= 65|date = 1944|id = ONI-226}}

= Deck Barge =

File:HD.6D.574 (11856987663).jpg

Deck Barges offered a large flat platform, on which many types of gear could be moved. The only downside was the cargo had a slightly higher center of gravity. A number of shipyards built deck barges. Kyle and Company of Stockton, California, built US Army BC-522 to BC-535 deck barges in 1942, that had a length of 110 feet, a beam of 35 feet, a draft of 6 feet, light displacement of 170 tons, full displacement of 500 tons, and deadweight of 330 tons.{{Cite web|website = Naval Vessel Register|url= https://www.nvr.navy.mil/NVR/SHIPDETAILS/SHIPSDETAIL_YC_1686_579.HTML |publisher = US Navy |title =No Name (YC 1686) }}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{Cite web|date = October 27, 2012|url= http://shipbuildinghistory.com/smallships/armybarges.htm |title=U.S. Army Barges (B**) Built During WWII|website = shipbuildinghistory.com}}

= Concrete Barge =

Concrete Barges were built by Concrete Ship Constructors in National City, California, in 1944 and 1945. These were a type of concrete ship built with ferrocement. Steel shortages led the US military to order the construction of small fleets of ocean-going concrete barge and ships. Typical displacement: {{convert|5636|LT|t|0|lk=in|abbr=on}}, full load: 12,910 tons; length: {{convert|366|ft|4|in|m|abbr=on}}, beam: {{convert|54|ft|m|abbr=on}}, draft: {{convert|26|ft|m|abbr=on}}; crew: 52 officers and men. Ship armament one to four 40 mm AA gun.{{Cite web|url=https://www.shipscribe.com/usnaux/IX2/YO144.html|title=Concrete Barges (YO-144 and YOG-40 Classes) |website=www.shipscribe.com}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.shipbuildinghistory.com/shipyards/emergencylarge/wwtwoconcrete.htm|title=Emergency Shipbuilders of WWII|date = August 2021|website = shipbuildinghistory.com}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.shipbuildinghistory.com/smallships/yog.htm|title=Gasoline Tankers YOG YOGN}}[http://www.navsource.org/archives/14/12idx.htm navsource.org], YO/YON Fuel Barge

Concrete ships were fitted as needed. Some had diesel-electric power generators for refrigeration or tool use, or equipment for water distilling. Others were used to store fuel or water (up to 60,000 barrels), while others served as the Quartermaster general store.[https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/b/beans-bullets-black-oil.html Beans, Bullets, and Black Oil, The Story of Fleet Logistics Afloat in the Pacific During World War II, Special Type Ships Useful, page 99-100]

Type MC B7-A2 were concrete tank barges (5,786 deadweight tons) made by Concrete Ship Constructors Inc in National City, CA.

  • YOG-85
  • YO-144
  • YOG-40
  • YOG-41
  • YOG-42 – Beached off a Hawaiian island, visible from the shore
  • YOG-64 – Service history unknown, now wrecked at the Staten Island boat graveyard, currently known as the Donjon Iron and Metal Scrap Facility
  • YO-145
  • YO-146 – Sank in accident, July 1957
  • YOG-53
  • YO-159 – Sunk by Japanese submarine RO-42 off New Hebrides, 14 January 1944
  • YO-160 – Atomic bomb test at Bikini Atoll, 25 July 1946
  • YO-161 – Sank at Eniwetok, 29 November 1946
  • YO-162
  • YO-163
  • YO-182
  • YO-183
  • YOGN-82 – Sunk on June 23, 2018, to form an artificial reef in Powell River, B.C.{{Cite web|url=http://www.navsource.org/archives/14/13082.htm|title=Yard Oiler (YOG) Photo Index|website=www.navsource.org}}
  • YO-184 – Sank at Eniwetok during typhoon in September 1946
  • YO-185 – Sank off Saipan, 16 March 1946
  • YOG-83 – Sank off Kwajalein, 16 September 1948
  • YO-186 – Sank at sea off Guam, 5 April 1948
  • YO-187 – Lost by grounding off Midway Island in 1957
  • YOG-84 – Lost during typhoon at sea off Saipan, 14 November 1948

Type B5-BJ1 were covered dry cargo barges mostly operated by the Army. They were 265 feet long with a deadweight of 1,632 tons.

File:Ww2 concrete barge, National Waterway Museum.jpg, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, UK]]

  • Barium
  • Helium
  • Nitrogen
  • Radium
  • Argon
  • Cadmium
  • Chromium
  • Cobalt
  • Iridium
  • Lithium
  • Magnesium
  • Neon
  • Nickel
  • Phosphorus
  • Sodium
  • Sulphur
  • Tellurium
  • Tungsten
  • Uranium
  • Bismuth
  • Bromide
  • Hydrogen – with reefer storage
  • Calcium – with reefer storage
  • Antimony – with reefer storage
  • Cerium – maintenance barges
  • Radon – maintenance barges
  • YOGN 104 – built by Alabama Dry Dock Mobile AL Ex-C 105, disposed of 1947

1950s

  • Built by Trinity Industries in Nashville, TN (165 feet long, 245 tons)
  • YOGN-110
  • YOGN-111
  • YOGN-112
  • YOGN-113
  • Built by Albina Engine & Machine in Portland, OR (165 feet long, 245 tons)
  • YOGN-114
  • YOGN-115 – used to support cooling efforts at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power {{Cite web|url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=59318|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120805054707/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=59318|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 5, 2012|title=navy.mil, U.S. Navy to Provide 500,000 Gallons of Fresh Water to Fukushima Power Plant, 3/25/2011}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-us-rushes-freshwater-to-help-japan-nuclear-plant-2011mar26-story.html|title=US rushes freshwater to help Japan nuclear plant|date=March 26, 2011|website=San Diego Union-Tribune}}
  • YOGN-116
  • YOGN-117
  • YOGN-118
  • YOGN-119 – renamed YON 367, sunk as target 1973
  • YOGN-120 – renamed Ex-BG 1165, sunk as target 1978
  • YOGN-121
  • YOGN-122 – Ex-BG 8452, scrapped 1986
  • YOGN-123 – Ex-BG 6380, YON 252
  • YOGN-124 – Ex-BG 6383, struck 2006
  • YOGN-125 – Ex-YWN 154, now YON
  • Built by Manitowoc SB in Manitowoc, WI (174 feet long, 440 tons)
  • YOGN-196 – renamed Ex-YO 196, sunk as target 2000

Trefoil-class concrete barge – Type: B7-D1 were built by Barrett & Hilp in South San Francisco, California. They had a tonnage of M.C. deadweight: 5,687; full load: 10,970 tons; dimensions: length: 366'4", beam: 54', with max draft 26'.

File:USS Midnight IX-149 094614902.jpg

  • {{USS|Trefoil|IX-149|2}}
  • {{USS|Quartz|IX-150|2}}
  • {{USS|Silica|IX-151|2}}
  • {{USS|Carmita|IX-152|2}} (ex-{{USS|Slate|IX-152|2}})
  • {{USS|Asphalt|IX-153|2}}
  • {{USS|Bauxite|IX-154|2}}
  • {{USS|Limestone|IX-158|2}}
  • {{USS|Feldspar|IX-159|2}}
  • {{USS|Marl|IX-160|2}}
  • {{USS|Barite|IX-161|2}}
  • {{USS|Lignite|IX-162|2}}
  • {{USS|Cinnabar|IX-163|2}}
  • {{USS|Corundum|IX-164|2}}

B7-A1 were 5,786 deadweight tons concrete barges.

  • MacEvoy Shipbuilding Corporation of Savannah, Georgia, made seven B7-A1 concrete barges in 1944.
  • San Jacinto Shipbuilding Corporation of Houston, Texas, made four B7-A1 concrete barges in 1943.

=Concrete ships=

{{main|C1-S-D1}}

= Steel Barges =

class="wikitable"

!Barge

!Type

!Builder

!Notes

USSB #301

| rowspan="2" |design # 1039, Coal Barge

| rowspan="2" |Alabama Drydock and Shipbuilding Company in Mobile, AL

|Named Darien Barge, sold to Debardeleben Marine III, Texas, in 1969

USSB #302

|Named Mamai Barge, sold renamed Patricia Sheridan in 1969

USSB #2005

| rowspan="3" |design #1067

| rowspan="3" |Union Bridge & Construction Company in Morgan City, LA

|

USSB #2006

|

USSB #2007

|

USSB #2776

| rowspan="4" |design #1096, Tank Barge

| rowspan="4" |Nashville Bridge Company in Nashville, TN

|

USSB #2777

|

USSB #2778

|

USSB #2779

|

= Wood Barges =

File:YS-110withcrawlercraneUSNavywoodenbarge.jpg

File:Woodship barge1945.jpg

A number of different types of wood barges were used in the war. A flat bottom wood barge could be used in shallow ports or be towed onto beaches. They had low construction cost and could be abandoned after used if needed. To stop wooden hull rot, many had copper-sheathed hulls. With the shortage of steel, a fleet of wood barges and a fleet of concrete barges were also built.{{Cite web|url=https://www.shipscribe.com/shiprefs/efc/Builders.html|title=Barge Builders}}

class="wikitable"

!Barge

!Type

!Builder

!Notes

YS-110

|

|Pearl Harbor Navy Yard, in 1943{{Cite web |title=Miscellaneous Photo Index |url=http://www.navsource.org/archives/14/73idx.htm |website=www.navsource.org}}

|Flat deck, 80' long, with a 40' beam

YS-88

|

|Pearl Harbor Navy Yard, in 1941

|100' long, with a 42' beam

YC-843 – YC-847

|

|Martha's Vineyard Ship Building Company in Vineyard Haven, MA, in 1942

|Built for the US Navy; 110' long, 250 tons

Millville

|EFC # 2432, USSB Design #1067

|American Lumber in Millville, FL

|

Shelbank

|EFC #2127

| rowspan="2" |Beaumont Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company in Beaumont, TX

|Later completed as sailing ship Marie F. Cummins; scrapped in 1947.

Shelby

|EFC #2128

|Later completed as sailing ship Albert D. Cummins; now rests in mud in the Delaware River.[https://hiddencityphila.org/2017/05/rediscovering-the-dead-fleet-of-the-delaware-river/ Rediscovering The Dead Fleet Of The Delaware River, May 23, 2017, by Bob McNulty]

Catonsville

|EFC #2141

| rowspan="3" |Coastwise Shipbuilder in Baltimore, MD

|

Sherwood

|EFC #2142

|

Carroll

|EFC #2143

|

Whitehead

|EFC #2481

|Cobb & Company, F. in Rockland, ME

|

Druid Hill

|EFC #2594

| rowspan="2" |Crook, H. E. Baltimore MD

|

Ruxton

|EFC #2595

|

Hallowell

|EFC #2577

| rowspan="2" |Crosby Navigation in Richmond, VA

|

Richmond

|EFC #2578

|

US Army

United States Army barges were given the prefix of "B". For World War II over 6,000 barges were built for the Army, by 130 different shipyards. Often used for assault landings; if there was no harbor, a bulldozer or tank could tow the barge onto the beachhead, so supplies would be available to the troops. Barges were also used for ship-to-ship transfers and quick unloading, and were moved by a tugboat (also called a sea mule).[http://shipbuildinghistory.com/smallships/armybarges.htm shipbuildinghistory.com US Army, barges][https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/army.htm globalsecurity.org Army Craft]

class="wikitable"

|+US Army barge types

! colspan="2" |Type

!Notes

B

|Barge

|

BC

|Deck barge

|Medium: 110' – 130'

BW

|Water barge

|

BD

|Derrick crane barge[http://shipbuildinghistory.com/smallships/armydb1.htm shipbuildinghistory.com BC: Derrick barge]

|

BSP

|Self-propelled barge

|

BG

|Gasoline tank barge, or other liquid

|

BTL

|Truck (Tank) Landing barge

|

BCL

|Dry Cargo barge, Large

|Large: 210' or more

BCS

|Dry Cargo barge, Small

|Small: 45' – 60'

BB

|Balloon barge, for Barrage balloons

|

BBP

|Balloon Barrage Leader

|Self-propelled

BCLF

|Causeway barge

|Lighter pier into water

BPL

|Pier Lighter

|

BK

|Knockdown barge

|Deck barge modules that can be connected together

BKC

|Knockdown, Deck barge

|Medium: 110' – 130'

BKR

|Knockdown, Refrigeration barge

|

BKO

|Knockdown, Tank barge

|

BKSC

|Knockdown, Nesting barge

|

FMS

|Repair Shop barge

|

JMLS

|Joint Modular Lighter System

|

BDL

|Beach Discharge Lighter

|

BCDK

|Enclosed barge, Knockdown

|

World War I barge types

Many World War I barges were used in World War II, due to the high demand.

= Steel =

  • Built by American Steel Barge Company in Superior, WI, from 1891 to 1945.{{Cite web|url=http://www.navsource.org/archives/14/17idx.htm|title=NavSource Auxiliary Ship Photo Archive|website=www.navsource.org}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.shipbuildinghistory.com/shipyards/large/amshipsuperior.htm|title=AmShip Superior, Superior Shipbuilding, American Steel Barge}}
  • Water Barge self-propelled
  • YW, YW-1 to YW-132
  • Water Barge non-self-propelled
  • YWN-145 (was YW-145)
  • YWN-146 (was YW-146)
  • YWN-147
  • YWN-148 ex YON-187
  • YW-149
  • YW-150
  • YW-151
  • YW-152
  • YWN-153
  • YWN-154
  • YW-155
  • *YWN-156 ex YOGN-116
  • YWN-157 ex YOG-32

= Wood =

class="wikitable"

|+

!Barge

!Type

!Builder

!Build year

USSB Barden

|type #1001, LDT 2,551

| rowspan="5" |Anacortes Shipways in Anacortes, WA{{Cite web |title=Anacortes Shipways |url=http://www.shipbuildinghistory.com/shipyards/emergencysmall/anacortes.htm}}

| rowspan="5" |1918

USSB Dacula

|type #1001, LDT 2,551

USSB Western Larch I

|type #B5-G1

USSB Western Larch II

|type #B5-G1

USSB Western Larch III

|type #B5-G1

USSB Allenhurst

| rowspan="2" |design #1115

| rowspan="2" |Allen Shipbuilding in Seattle, WA{{Cite web |title=Allen Marine |url=http://www.shipbuildinghistory.com/shipyards/small/allenmarine.htm}}

| rowspan="2" |1919

USSB Ahmik
USSB Sherwood

| rowspan="3" |design #1067

| rowspan="3" |Coastwise Shipbuilding in Baltimore, MD

| rowspan="3" |1919

USSB Catonsville
USSB Carroll
USSB Druid Hill

| rowspan="2" |design #1067

| rowspan="2" |Crook, H. E. in Baltimore, MD

|1919

USSB Ruxton

|1920

USSB Hallowell

|design #1067

|Crosby Navigation in Richmond, VA

|

USSB YC 600

| rowspan="3" |design #115, Coal Barge

| rowspan="3" |Gildersleeve Shipbuilding in Gildersleeve, CT

| rowspan="3" |

USSB YC 601
USSB YC 602
USSB Tompkinsville

|design #1067

|Johnson Shipyards in Mariners Harbor, NY

|1919

USSB Wellesley

| rowspan="2" |design #1067

| rowspan="2" |Machias Shipbuilding in Machias, ME

| rowspan="2" |1919

USSB Jonesport
USSB Cabria

|

|McEachern Shipbuilding in Astoria, OR

|1920

USSB Chalois

| rowspan="2" |design#1001

| rowspan="2" |Meacham & Babcock in Seattle, WA

| rowspan="2" |1919

USSB Charnis
USSB Aransas

| rowspan="2" |design #1067

| rowspan="2" |Midland Bridge in Houston, TX

| rowspan="2" |1919

USSB Matagorda
USSB Cabacan

| rowspan="2" |design #1001

| rowspan="2" |Sloan Shipyards in Anacortes, WA

| rowspan="2" |1918

USSB Dacula
USSB Anastasia

| rowspan="3" |design #1067

| rowspan="3" |Johns River Shipyard Co. in Jacksonville, FL

| rowspan="3" |1919

USSB Daytona
USSB Ormond
USSB Dione

|design #1001

|Tacoma Shipbuilding in Tacoma, WA

|1918

USSB Endymeon

|design #1001

|Wright Shipyards in Tacoma, WA

|1918

= Concrete =

File:(NH99345) USN ConcreteBarge442.jpg

Louis L. Brown built concrete barges at Verplank, New York.{{Cite web|url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nhhc-series/nh-series/NH-99000/NH-99345.html|title=NH 99345 Concrete Barge # 442|website=NHHC}}

  • YC-516 – Barge #1 (Coal Barge #516), built 1918{{Cite web|url=http://www.shipscribe.com/shiprefs/spid/serv.html|title=SP & ID: Harbor and Service Craft}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.navsource.org/archives/14/1428051601.jpg|title=navsource.org, YC-516, Coal Barge #516}}
  • YC-442 – Barge #442, built 1918, displacement 922 tons{{Cite web|url=http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/OnlineLibrary/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-c/con-barg.htm|title=USN Ships--Concrete Barge # 442, later Coal Barge # 442 and YC-442|website=www.ibiblio.org}}
  • For WW1, 12 emergency fleet concrete barges were ordered for the war, but were not completed in time and so were sold to private companies.{{Cite web|url=http://www.concreteships.org/ships/ww1/|title=Concrete Ships: The World War I Emergency Fleet|website=www.concreteships.org}}

(12 Concrete ships were also built, like the SS Atlantus.)

Notable incidents

  • YOG 42, gasoline barge – Under tow by Navajo (AT64) when Navajo was torpedoed and sunk by Japanese submarine I-39 on 12 September 1943, 150 miles east of Espiritu Santo. Recovered by USS Sioux (AT-75).{{Cite web|url=http://www.navsource.org/archives/14/13042.htm|title=Yard Oiler (YOG) Photo Index|website=www.navsource.org}}
  • YO-64 – Sank due to enemy action in the Philippines in January 1942.{{Cite web|url=https://usspennsylvania.org/NavalLosses.htm|title=Naval Losses WWII|website=usspennsylvania.org}}
  • YO 41 and YO 42 fuel oil barges – Sank 22 February 1942 during enemy action in the Philippines.World War II Wrecks of the Philippines: WWII Shipwrecks of the Philippines, By Tom Bennett
  • YSP-44, YSP-46, YSP-47, YSP-48, YSP-49 – Salvage barges and the YSR-2, a sludge barge, sank 22 February 1942 during enemy action in the Philippines.World War II Wrecks of the Philippines
  • YW-54 water barge – destroyed in early 1942 in enemy action in the Philippines.
  • YW-50, YW-55, and YW-58 water barges – captured 10 December 1941 with the surrender of American forces on Guam.
  • YC-891 – Sank on 18 April 1945, while under tow by the tug Mauvila (YT-328) off Key West, Florida.
  • USS YOG-76 – Sank on 13 November 1969 in Cua Viet Cove, South Vietnam after two underwater explosions hit her. Refloated and taken to Da Nang, South Vietnam. Not repaired due to severe damage.{{Cite web|url=http://www.navsource.org/archives/14/13076.htm|title=Yard Oiler (YOG) Photo Index|website=www.navsource.org}}
  • Syncline YO-63 – A Bullwheel Class fuel oil barge, Self-propelled, sank in 1972 north of Tahiti.{{Cite web|url=http://www.navsource.org/archives/14/12063.htm|title=Fleet Oiler (YO) Photo Index|website=www.navsource.org}}
  • YW-114 – A YW-83 Class self-propelled water barge. Sank when cargo shifted at Tongass Narrows near Ketchikan, Alaska on 12 August 1989.[http://www.navsource.org/archives/14/17114.htm navsource.org, YW-114]
  • YF-1079 – Ran aground and damaged at Buckner Bay, Okinawa, after Typhoon Louise in October 1945. YF-757 also sank in the storm.
  • YON-184 – Sank at Eniwetok in a typhoon in September 1946.{{Cite web|url=http://www.navsource.org/archives/14/12184.htm|title=Fleet Oiler (YO) Photo Index|website=www.navsource.org}}
  • Winifred Sheridan – A sea-going coal barge. Sank with the Mary E. O’Hara a sailing fishing ship after they collided on 20 January 1941, in blinding snowstorm off The Graves Light.{{Cite web|url=http://graveslightstation.com/shipwrecks-graves-light/mary-e-ohara-1941/|title=Mary E. O'Hara (1941)}}
  • Chickamauga – While under tow by the steamer Samuel Mitchell in fog, she collided with the Mitchell at Houghton Point, Lake Superior, on 18 May 1908.Reports of the Department of Commerce and Labor, By United States. Department of Commerce and Labor, page 564
  • Dunaj 2 – Sank after striking a mine in the Sea of Azov on 29 September 1943.{{Cite web|url=https://uboat.net/allies/merchants/removed.html|title=Ships not hit by U-boats – uboat.net|website=uboat.net}}
  • YC21 – Sank in a storm on 15 November 1968.{{Cite web|url=http://www.scapaflowwrecks.com/wrecks/other/f2.php|title=F2 and Barge : Scapa Flow Wrecks|website=www.scapaflowwrecks.com}}
  • Allegheny – Shelled and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean {{convert|9.5|nmi|km}} east-southeast of the Metopkin Inlet, Virginia ({{coord|37|34|N|75|25|W}}) by U-boat {{GS|U-754||2}} on 31 March 1942. All three crewmembers were rescued by {{USCGC|CG-4345}} ({{coast guard|United States}}).{{cite web |url=http://uboat.net/allies/merchants/ships/1489.html |title=Allegheny |publisher=Uboat |access-date=19 April 2012}}
  • YCK-8 – Wooden barge sank 2.7 miles off Key West, Florida on 12 December 1943. She was under tow by Army tug LT-4.[http://www.wrecksite.eu/wreck.aspx?182935 wrecksite.eu YCK-8]
  • {{USS|YO-159}} – A self-propelled fuel oil barge. Torpedoed and damaged {{convert|250|nmi|km}} east of Espiritu Santo ({{coord|15|27|S|171|28|E}}) by {{ship|Japanese submarine|Ro-42||2}} on 14 January 1944. Two torpedoes hit YO-159's concrete hull, causing the loss of her fuel oil cargo which caught fire. She was scuttled the following day by {{USS|PC-1138}}.{{cite web |url=http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/USN-Chron/USN-Chron-1944.html |title=Official Chronology of the US Navy in WWII |publisher=Ibiblio |access-date=4 January 2014}}The Official Chronology of the U.S. Navy in World War II, By Robert Cressman, YO-159
  • {{USS|Asphalt|IX-153}} – An S-class Trefoil concrete barge was wrecked at Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, in a storm on 6 October 1944.{{cite web |url=http://www.usspennsylvania.com/NavalLosses.htm |title=Naval losses WWII |publisher=USSPennsylvania.com |access-date=5 November 2014 |archive-date=5 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105223900/http://www.usspennsylvania.com/NavalLosses.htm |url-status=dead }}
  • USS YO-156 and USS YO-157 – World War II self-propelled fuel oil barges. Lost at Sitka, Alaska, in May 1945.
  • {{USS|Silica|IX-151|6}} – An S-class Trefoil concrete barge. Ran aground on 9 October 1945 during a Typhoon Louise off Okinawa.{{cite web|url=http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/s12/silica.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040317220649/http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/s12/silica.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 17, 2004|title=Silica|work=Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships|publisher=Department of the Navy|access-date=20 November 2011 |location=Washington, D.C.}}
  • YON-160 – Sank in Operation Crossroads. The fuel oil barge was sunk as a target by an atomic bomb at Bikini Atoll on 25 July 1946.
  • USS Lignite (IX-162) – Wrecked by a typhoon, 9 October 1945.{{Cite web|url=http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/46/46162.htm|title=Miscellaneous Photo Index|website=www.navsource.org}}
  • YC-442 – Barge sank 11 September 1923.{{Cite web|url=http://www.navsource.org/archives//12/179961.htm|title=Civilian Vessel|website=www.navsource.org}}

United Kingdom

Thames Lighters, or dumb barges, were non-self-propelled barges. The original Thames barges were sailing vessels that were converted for the war. Some LB (Landing Barge) vessels had ramps added and were called LBR (Landing Barge, Ramped). Some had engines and rudder added and were referred to as LBV (Landing Barge Vehicle). They were used for different tasks: Landing Barge Oiler (LBO), Water (LBW), Kitchen (LBK), and Emergency Repair (LBE), Landing Barge Flak (LBF) and Gun (LBG). There was also one Landing Barge Cable (LBC). Many brought supplies to Normandy.{{Cite web|url=http://www.naval-history.net/WW2MiscRNLandingBarges.htm|title=Thames dumb barge converted into landing craft for Normandy landings|website=www.naval-history.net}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.naval-history.net/WW2BritishLossesbyName2.htm|title=British naval vessels lost at sea in World War 2 – La Combattante to Myrtle|website=www.naval-history.net}}

Current barge classes

  • Type B I barge hull – Designed to ensure no uncontrolled release of cargo to the water or atmosphere.
  • Type B II barge hull – Designed to carry products which require substantial preventive measures to ensure no uncontrolled release of cargo to the water or atmosphere, but only if the release does not constitute a long-term hazard.
  • Type B III barge hull – Designed to transport products classed as minor hazards, thus needing less degree of control.{{Cite web|url=https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/46/32.63-5|title=46 CFR § 32.63-5 – Barge hull classifications – B/ALL.|website=LII / Legal Information Institute}}

See also

References

{{Reflist|30em}}

  • {{DANFS}}