Compatibility of the Pusher-Barge System in Inland and Coastal Waterways Transportation System of Bangladesh

Abstract

This paper meticulously aims at studying the compatibility of Pusher- Barge system in Inland and Coastal Waterways of Bangladesh. Inland Water transportation system is relatively cheap mode of transportation and the transportation cost further will decrease if the Pusher-Barge system can be implemented in the country. Pusher barge can be used for different purposes like transportation of cement, coal, limestone, foods and dredged materials etc. We have compared the pusher-barge system with the existing cargo vessels for the transportation of raw materials for a cement manufacturing company in Bangladesh in the context of fuel consumption, freight rate, time and cost. Pusher-barge system is well recognized for its low cost of cargo transportation in inland and coastal waterways throughout the world. Pusher-barge is still a new concept for Bangladesh and it will make a huge profit for the owners of different factories and ship traders in Bangladesh if they can introduce this system. Different calculations have been carried out in Seven Ring Cement’s cargo carrying fleet with pusher-barge systems and the study finds that it is more parsimonious and energy efficient than that of self-propelled cargo vessels. The main advantage of this system is the elimination of unloading time. Different Industries in Bangladesh including cement industries can use this mode with their requirement which will eventually increase profit. This study will also give the economic comparison of pusher barge system with existing cargo vessels.