A vessel (10) which can convert from a deep draft configuration to a shallow draft configuration is disclosed. The vessel (10) includes a principal hull portion (12) with an internal cargo holding space (22) defined therein; vertical members (26), defining together a center wall extending the length of the hull and dividing the hull into a pair of cargo bays along its entire length; a plurality of transverse bulkheads (24) spaced apart along the lengths of the hull for further dividing the cargo bays into a plurality of cargo holds or tanks (22) on either side of the center line wall; and a hinge member (45) positioned at the lower point of the central members which would allow each member to move from a first vertical position, defining the deep draft vessel hull configuration, down to a second position defining the shallow draft hull position. Each of the halves of the hull further include an upper deck (48) for maintaining any cargo within the cargo space defined by the hull walls and cargo hatches (18) and opening covers along the upper deck for allowing the loading and unloading of cargo therefrom. Water or a like fluid is injected into the hull while the vessel is in the shallow draft configuration so as to serve as ballast in moving the hulls into the deep draft configuration. A pyramid member (90) and a truncated recess (92) are provided for securing the first and second halves of the hull when the first and second halves of the hull are moved upwardly into the deep draft configuration.
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