Barge tipper

A barge tipper comprising a generally cylindrical floating apparatus defining a chamber into which a barge can be floated, at least one closeable end gate arranged to at least partially close-off and seal the chamber, means for holding the barge fixedly within the chamber, means for rotating the apparatus and the barge about a longitudinal axis of the apparatus between a barge-receiving position and a barge-discharging position for discharging material from the barge, at least one first conveyor rotatable with the apparatus and arranged longitudinally alongside the barge for receiving material discharged from the barge, the first conveyor including a material discharging outlet, a guideway mounted on the apparatus so as to extend circumferentially around at least a portion of the apparatus and arranged to rotate with the apparatus, the guideway terminating in an exit opening, a second conveyor disposed within the guideway so as to extend circumferentially around at least a portion of the apparatus, the apparatus being rotatable relative to the second conveyor, the second conveyor including a section thereof located to receive material discharged from the outlet of the first conveyor when the apparatus has been rotated to the barge-discharging position, the second conveyor projecting through the exit opening of the guideway and extending to an external transfer site.