Abstract: A hopper barge comprising a hopper having at least one center keelson box and at least one bottom discharge opening closable by at least one swivelling hopper door, as well as a control mechanism for swivelling the hopper door, wherein the control mechanism can also impose a translatory movement on the hopper door between a lower end position and a higher position, in which the hopper door is at least substantially positioned within the center keelson box.

Abstract: A bottom-dump vessel, whose longitudinal hull sections can be pivoted apart by jack means to provide an open bottom for discharge of cargo, has the adjoining edges of the keels of the hull sections interconnected by articulated rods which in substantial side-by-side position loch the hull sections in the closed position and in substantial end-to end position limit the angle of opening of the hull sections. The locking rods have means for positively driving them, thereby allowing for rapidly opening the vessel and transmitting appropriate braking forces to cope with mass forces. The arrangement makes for moderation in the size of jacks and other facilities required.