VESSEL REVIEW | Changhang Barge 64011 – Yangtze River oil tanker barges with significant capacities and enhanced safety systems
Nanjing Yangtze River Oil Transportation Logistics, part of the China Merchants Group, has added Changhang Barge 64011 (长航驳64011) to its Yangtze mainline oil fleet following delivery of a five-barge series announced in July 2026.
The 67.25-metre (220.6-foot) vessel can carry about 4,200 tonnes of cargo and is equipped to undertake its own unloading.
Hubei Jiangrun Shipbuilding built the series for the operator. China Classification Society (CCS), which classed the barges, confirmed completion and delivery of all five units in July.
The cargo specification covers crude oil and refined petroleum products with a flashpoint of 60°C or below.
Self-unloading capability coupled with suitability for serial pushed transits
An onboard cargo oil pump system gives each barge its own unloading capability, ensuring compatibility with inland ports lacking in cargo handling infrastructure. CCS described the installation as an upgrade over traditional oil barges, linking it to greater operational autonomy and transport efficiency.
The cargo handling equipment is accompanied by an oil vapour collection system and an inert gas system. CCS said these systems meet the requirements of GB 20951-2020, i.e., Emission Standard of Air Pollutants for Oil Transportation, and address both transport safety and environmental considerations.
The gas systems form part of the same equipment package as the cargo pumps, bringing independent unloading and the stated emissions standard requirements into the new design. CCS presented this combination as supporting the upgrading of the Yangtze crude oil and refined products fleet and the development of more environment-friendly inland shipping.
The Wuhan Yangtze River Ship Design Institute designed the series, which have been built as crude oil sectional barges capable of operating in pushed-barge formations. Its delivery report placed the cargo-carrying capability of formations of multiple barges in the 10,000-tonne class.
Adaptable to existing inland ports with reduced need for custom facilities
To further reduce exhaust emissions, the barges rely on installed solar panels to generate electrical power for use by their various onboard systems.
Nanjing Port confirmed in late July that Changhang Barge 64011 and Changhang Barge 64014 had made their first call at its berths 610 and 611 for crude oil loading.
The port operating company said it reviewed the new barges’ parameters, berth compatibility, and safety risks before their arrival. As a hazardous chemicals terminal, it applied its operating requirements across berthing, loading and departure, with site management personnel remaining on duty throughout the operation.
Ship-to-shore interface checks formed part of the loading preparations and supervision. The port said its teams coordinated the operation and that the call provided practical experience for handling the new series.
