ZB 304: The History and Salvage of a Heavy-Built Freight Barge
The ZB 304 was a specialized US-flagged freight barge designed for durability and heavy-duty transport. Built during the early 1980s, this vessel served as a critical asset for maritime logistics before a dramatic grounding incident in the Gulf of Alaska led to its eventual retirement from active service.
Technical Specifications and Construction
Constructed in 1982 by Bergeron Industries (Yard number 1504), the ZB 304 was commissioned for Zidell Barges, a subsidiary of Zidell Marine. The vessel was categorized as a "heavy-built" deck barge, meaning it was engineered with reinforced structural components to handle significant loads and harsh sea conditions.
The barge featured a spoon bow and a stern rake, with a structural internal layout consisting of three longitudinal and seven transverse bulkheads—watertight partitions that prevent flooding from spreading throughout the hull. Its rugged construction included 1/2-inch sides and bottom plating, complemented by a thicker 5/8-inch deck plate to support heavy cargo.
[no image available]The 1997 Grounding Incident
In 1997, while under tow, the ZB 304 encountered severe weather in the Gulf of Alaska. The force of the storm caused a towline to part, leaving the barge adrift. It subsequently ran aground near the Alsek River, approximately 38 miles east of Yakutat, Alaska.
The grounding triggered a complex salvage operation. A crew was first dispatched by air to assess the damage and prepare the vessel for refloating. The M/V Salvage Chief, operated by the Fred Divine Diving and Salvage Company out of Astoria, Oregon, arrived with specialized equipment. This gear was transported to the site via helicopter and attached to pre-installed fittings on the ZB 304.
To successfully recover the vessel, salvage teams deployed three six-ton salvage anchors and connected three tow lines. These efforts allowed the ZB 304 to be refloated and towed to Yakutat. While the barge itself was declared a total loss, the operation was a financial success in terms of cargo recovery; over $3 million worth of equipment and goods were saved and transferred to a second barge for delivery by the Dunlap Towing Company.
[no image available]Key Facts
- Owner: Zidell Barges (subsidiary of Zidell Marine).
- Operator: ABS Ocean.
- Dimensions: 300 feet long, 90 feet wide, and 18.5 feet high.
- Tonnage: 4238 Gross Tonnage (GT).
- Fate: Declared a total loss after grounding in 1997.
- Current Status: Used as a floating dock named Denali at Dutch Harbor, Alaska.
Vessel Summary
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Builder | Bergeron Industries |
| Launch Year | 1982 |
| Class & Type | Freight Barge |
| Length / Beam / Height | 300 ft / 90 ft / 18.5 ft |
| Hull Plating | 1/2" sides/bottom; 5/8" deck |
| Out of Service | 1997 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the ZB 304 to run aground?
The barge ran aground during heavy weather in the Gulf of Alaska after its towline parted, leaving it uncontrolled near the Alsek River.
Who was responsible for the salvage operation?
The salvage was conducted by the Fred Divine Diving and Salvage Company using the M/V Salvage Chief and helicopter-delivered equipment.
Was the cargo lost during the accident?
No, the salvage operation successfully recovered over $3 million worth of cargo and equipment, which was then delivered by the Dunlap Towing Company.
What happened to the ZB 304 after it was declared a total loss?
Despite being a total loss as a freight barge, it currently serves as a floating dock known as the Denali at Dutch Harbor, Alaska.
What made the ZB 304 a "heavy-built" barge?
It was constructed with reinforced 1/2-inch side and bottom plates, a 5/8-inch deck plate, and a robust system of ten total bulkheads (three longitudinal and seven transverse).