The commercial application of freight and waste transportation on water in the UK and Europe has for decades been in decline, considered by many to belong to a bygone age. However, that view is now being challenged as we look at alternative transport methods that have less of an impact on the environment. Water borne transport on canals and rivers across the UK and Europe offer a viable alternative to road and rail freight in specific circumstances.

Conventional barge design has changed little from that used in the 19th century and fails to provide a viable commercial alternative to road and rail. Smartbarge puts water borne transport firmly back on the agenda through innovative design and use of marine technology. Conventional Lea Barges carry 90 tons despite dimensions of 80ft x 18ft, Smartbarge's carrying capacity within the same dimensions increases to 180 tons, effectively twice the carrying capacity of a conventional barge.

Smartbarges can be modified to meet a wide variety of applications, including but not limited to, waste, aggregates, general building materials and ISO containers. Its initial application in the London area provides a platform to expand across the UK and into Europe.

The key to success is to make barges an integral part of an overall transport solution working with road. Our skips and containers can be lifted from the dock edge onto a skip lorry or low loader. Waste can be delivered direct to waste transfer sites along the canal. Using Smartbarge modules in this way reduces road miles, road congestion and contributes to reducing both primary and secondary pollution.