ISO 9382:1990

Overview

ISO 9382:1990 is an international standard prepared by ISO/TC 8 (Shipbuilding and marine structures) that specifies the classification and main requirements for shipborne barges of all series. The standard defines the key parameters required for the safe carriage, handling and transport of unpropelled, unmanned barges that are designed to be loaded, secured and carried on board a carrying vessel, and to be pushed or towed on suitable waterways.

This document focuses on practical requirements such as overall dimensions, displacement and maximum deadweight for series 1–4 barge types and includes informative annexes with additional cargo and bibliographic data.

Key Topics

• Scope and definition: Clarifies the term "shipborne barge" as an unpropelled, unmanned unit intended for carriage aboard a ship.
• Classification by series: Series 1, 2, 3 and 4 are addressed; the standard provides the dimensioning basis and load limits for each series (see table 1 in the standard).
• Main parameters specified:
  • Dimensions (length, width, depth and relevant moulded measures)
  • Displacement and lightship condition
  • Maximum deadweight limits
• Informative annexes:
  • Annex A provides additional data for general cargo barges, including hold capacity and hatch opening considerations.
  • Annex B lists related standards and bibliography for main dimensions of individual barge series.

Applications

ISO 9382:1990 is directly useful for professionals and organizations involved in the design, operation and regulation of shipborne barge operations. Typical applications include:

• Shipbuilders and naval architects selecting or verifying barge dimensions and load limits for carriage on board barge-carrying vessels.
• Operators and logistics planners assessing compatibility of barges with loading, securing and stowage arrangements aboard mother vessels.
• Port authorities and terminal planners coordinating berth and cargo handling needs for barge transfer operations.
• Classification societies and regulators referencing standardized series dimensions and deadweight limits for certification and compliance checks.

Benefits of following ISO 9382:1990 include improved interoperability, safer cargo handling, clearer design baselines and harmonized documentation across international operations.

Related Standards

The standard references and aligns with other ISO documents that detail the main dimensions of each series individually. Notable related standards include those that publish main dimensions for series 1, 2, 3 and 4 shipborne barges. Users should consult the bibliography in Annex B and the listed ISO series standards for detailed dimensional tables and complementary specifications.

For implementation, review table 1 and Annex A in ISO 9382:1990 to confirm the applicable series data and use those values when planning design, loading and transport operations involving shipborne barges.