Chain Boat
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[edit source]Chain boats or chain ships - sometimes also called water trains - are a solution to transporting heavy goods along rivers, particularly where currents or shallow water prevent the use of other solutions. The driving vessel pulls itself along a heavy chain laid on the river bed, bringing it up at its bow, and passing it along the length of its deck and over a massive central drive wheel before letting the chain descend to the river bed once more at the stern. Despite their shallow draught, these boats are sufficiently powerful to pull a train of cargo barges and can safely navigate rivers that paddle steamers or less powerful screw vessels cannot. The ships can be be detached from the chain to allow others to pass, and have long rudders and directional turbine water jets to enhance their manœuverability.