What is a Sectional Barge?

Sectional barges, which are sometimes called “truckable barges” are relatively small, portable barges engineered to be able to navigate and fit into tight spots where regular barges cannot. They connect with each other to create various platform sizes. They are commonly used for marine, dredge, and bridge construction projects. Sectional barges are easy to stack onto 18-wheelers for simplified transport. Made of steel, these barges are durable enough to get the job done and last for decades in a variety of weather conditions. These barges are typically treated with rust and corrosion protection and have roll form decks that are rated for between 5,000 lbs/sqft point load and 20,000 lbs/sqft point load. Sectional barge decks vary in size based on the weights and sizes of the loads they need to provide a base for.

Functions

Sectional barges often support cranes, both small like carry deck cranes and the largest of cranes like the Manitowoc MLC650. Various models of sectional barges can support 100 tons, 300 tons, and 500 tons or more. In both hydraulic and manual dredging operations, sectional barges offer support for both excavators and cranes. Sectionals can also attach to hoppers and dredge boxes for additional efficiency in dredging. For drilling, sectional barges can support rigs of various shapes and sizes. They can be engineered with moonpools, offering a path for workers to circumvent the drill shaft. Some sectional barges come with drill spaces that enable drilling to happen between two connected barges. Sectional barges are also useful for pile driving applications and for transporting equipment and materials across waterways or to islands.

Transport and Assembly

Usually, to offload sectional barges from a truck to water, a crane with a load capacity of at least 100 tons is required. Sectional barges typically have either a shackle or lifting clevis on top that allows for easy loading and lifting. It’s best practice to attach tag lines to the ends of sectional barges as they’re being transported in the air to control their movement.


Once sectional barges are pulled together, it’s standard procedure to have workers stand on the outer edges of the barges to ensure that they attach at the bottom. Alternately, a small choker can be threaded through barge rope thimbles to ensure conjoining barges attach at the bottom. Once the bottom is properly together, workers need to drop a pin in place to secure them.


Some sectional barges are designed to not require the use of loose parts like pins or bolts. These barges instead are constructed with locking systems that make use of “female” and “male” parts that latch into each other. Flexifloat sectional barges (and others) are designed this way. Flexifloat boasts that a platform of their sectional barges can be assembled in the matter of just a few hours.

Options and Attachments

Flexifloat and Poseidon are two of the many reputable companies that make sectional barges. When assessing different options, consider how heavy a load you need to support, the ease of assembly, the scope of the application, and the size of barge you need in order to be able to properly navigate and maneuver in your work area. Sectional barges are sold new and used and can be chartered for short-term projects.


Accessories you can add on to sectional barges to increase their versatility for certain jobs include wood crane mats, hydraulic double drum winches, hydraulic power packs for pocket mounted winches, rock/dredge boxes (as previously mentioned), sea bee pushers for easy maneuvering, and aluminum utility boats. Spud and Spudwell attachments are also useful to support and anchor floating assemblies in the face of rough currents and heavy winds. Deck cleats, bitts, and fenders are also commonly used as attachments.

BUY AND SELL WITH EIFFEL TRADING

In addition to used sectional barges, Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace hosts a variety of barges, including but not limited to used deck barges, used spud barges, and used accommodation barges. Furthermore, we have a wide variety of other marine equipment, ranging from used work boats to used winches.



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Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.



If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.