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Barges play a pivotal role in bridge construction and maintenance. Without them, the use of the materials and equipment to construct bridges would be significantly hindered. A few different types of barges are used in bridge construction. These barges often have flat decks and the ability to be moored or anchored firmly in place to keep equipment and materials secure and crew members safe. Most of them are not self-propelled, but some of them can be. They also have the ability to support a sizeable amount of weight in the form of machinery like cranes or in the form of materials like concrete, steel, asphalt, stone, timber, iron, rubber, etc. Below are some of the most common types of barges used in bridge construction and bridge repair:

Sectional barges

Sectional barges, also sometimes called “modular barges” or “truckable barges”, are made up of sections or modules that connect together to form platforms of various sizes for the purpose of supporting equipment, materials, and crews. Sectional barges are engineered to be able to sustain maximum load conditions and support heavy equipment like cranes of various shapes and sizes. They are well-suited to bridge construction projects that require use of barges in in-land marine areas and bays, lakes, and inland rivers. Since their individual modules and sections can be disconnected, transporting sectional barges via traditional trucks and trailers is relatively easy and simple. Sectional barge manufacturers often offer spud and spudwell attachments that help securely moor sectional barges in work areas.

Deck barges

Large vessels with flat decks (as their name suggests), deck barges enable the storage and transport of materials as well as heavy machinery. They also can serve as work platforms for using heavy machinery and for other purposes. This type of barge’s deck can typically support several hundreds of tons of equipment like cranes and excavators in addition to materials like concrete and steel. Deck barges are also an excellent option for storing and transporting large prefabricated bridge sections.

Crane barges

A crane barge comes with an attached crane that enables it to easily perform the lifting necessary for bridge construction. You may have also heard crane barges referred to as “crane vessels,” “crane ships,” and “floating crane barges.” Crane barges usually have either a crawler crane mounted to them or a stiff-leg derrick attached to them. For bridge construction, it’s a lot more common to use crane barges with mounted crawler cranes. Crane barges that feature derrick cranes, which can rotate on their own, as well as large hydraulic cranes are more commonly used in offshore oil and gas operations.

Spud barges

Similar in many ways to deck barges, spud barges use spuds (steel shafts or other piling) and securing pins to anchor themselves into the sand or dirt below. Spud barges offer a stable surface to work and a stable surface for storing equipment and materials. In addition to being used in bridge construction, spud barges are frequently used in offshore construction thanks to their strength, durability, and versatility.

These are just some of the most popular types of barges used in bridge construction and bridge repair. Oftentimes, bridge construction projects will make use of a combination of the types of barges listed above. Each type can play an important part in helping bridge construction teams use heavy machinery, store and transport materials, and ultimately get the job done.

To learn more about barges, check out our blog titled "Barge Type Reference Guide".

BUY AND SELL WITH EIFFEL TRADING

Eiffel Trading’s barge inventory ranges including used sectional barges, used deck barges, used crane barges, and used spud barges. In addition, we have a wide variety of used construction material including used barrier wall, used sheet pile, and much more.

All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.

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.

Trying to figure out the key differences between the lines of sectional barges that come from Flexifloat? The company produces three different series of modular barges: H-50, S-50, and S-70. Each of them comes with unique benefits and is better suited to certain applications. The biggest differences lie in their sizes and load capacities. Luckily, though, they’re all engineered to be able to be transported by regular-sized trucks. Below we go in-depth to explain what differentiates these lines of barges from one another while also highlighting some of what they have in common:

Series H-50

This sectional barge option from Flexifloat offers up to 100-tons in operational load capacity. It’s the most portable option in Flexifloat’s line of products, and it’s great for jobs that require repeated changes in location. The Series H-50 modules have dimensions designed for simplified, safe, and regulations-approved highway transport. H-50 sectional barges can support up to 40-ton capacity cranes as well as a wide array of other lightweight equipment. For core drilling, bridging in pipeline construction, and material transportation, the H-50 series can be an invaluable asset. It is often used alongside other, heavy-duty Flexifloat barge options for service and support purposes.

Series S-50

The S-50 line of barges takes things up a notch, offering up to 300-tons in operational load capacity. Its modules are designed to be transported by traditional tractor/trailers, which means you don’t have to worry about complicated transportation. S-50 barges are an asset in dam and bridge construction, transportation of equipment and materials, oil well servicing, and many dredging applications. Able to support cranes with capacities of up to 100 tons as well as other comparable equipment, S-50 barges are a happy medium between Flexifloat’s smaller Series H-50 models and their larger Series S-70 models. S-50 models are also often used in support applications alongside S-70 models.

Series S-70

S-70 barges offer the most strength and buoyancy of any of Flexifloat’s modular barge products. They also are designed to be able to be transported by regular trucks/trailers, which is a huge plus in comparison to other sectional barges with similar load capacities. Able to transport static loads of 2,000 tons (and sometimes a bit more), S-70 barges are definitely your best bet for applications that require large cranes, large excavators, and deep-well drilling rigs. They can accommodate cranes with capacities of up to 400 tons, which means they are a good fit for the heaviest mobile and track-mounted cranes.

H-50, S-50, and S-70 barges are all compatible with spud and spudwell attachments engineered by Flexifloat. Spud and spudwell attachments allow you to securely moor/anchor the barges and protect them from movement due to things like wind, current, and movement on deck. H-50 models are compatible with spuds that are 12 inches and 20 inches in diameter. S-50 models are compatible with spuds that are 20 inches in diameter. And S-70 models are compatible with spuds that are 24 inches in diameter.

In addition to spud and spudwell attachments, Flexifloat offers winch systems that are compatible with all three series options in order to help you more effectively anchor, position, and lift the barges. Flexifloat offers an elevating system specifically for S-70 barges to allow you to raise them above currents and tides.

Final Thoughts

Whether you go with an H-50, S-50, or S-70 sectional barge from Flexifloat, you can’t go wrong! Each comes with its own unique benefits. For more maneuverability and portability, H-50 will likely be your best bet. For jobs that require medium load capacities, S-50 may be a perfect fit. And for jobs that require use of the heaviest machinery, S-70 probably makes the most sense.

To learn more about sectional barges, check out our recent blog titled "What to Consider When Buying a Used Sectional Barge".

BUY AND SELL WITH EIFFEL TRADING

Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace hosts a wide variety of barges, including used sectional barges, used deck barges, and used spud barges. In addition, our material inventory ranges from used barrier wall, to used crane mats, and everything in between.

All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.

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.

There are three main methods used to construct an offshore pipeline using steel pipe: tow-in, S-lay, J-lay. While some of these methods overlap, each is best suited for different water depths and water environments.

Tow-In Pipeline Construction

When using the tow-in method, steel pipe is attached to buoyancy modules to keep the pipe afloat, and a tugboat tows the pipe offshore and into place. Once the pipe is in the correct position, the buoyancy modules are removed, and the pipe drops to the seafloor. There are four different types of tow-in pipeline installations: surface tow, mid-depth tow, off-bottom tow and bottom tow.

Surface Tow

Surface tow involves towing the pipeline fully on top of the water. The buoyancy modules used in the surface tow method help keep the steel pipe on the water’s surface as the tugboat pulls the pipe out to location for installation.

Mid-Depth Tow

When employing the mid-depth tow method, less buoyancy modules are used than in the surface tow method. Instead, a mid-depth tow uses the forward speed of the tugboat to keep the pipeline at a submerged level. Once the forward motion has stopped, the steel pipe will naturally fall to the seafloor.

Off-Bottom Tow

Using the off-bottom tow method, a combination of buoyancy modules and chains (for weight) are used to work against each other to keep the pipe near the seafloor. When the pipe has been hauled to location, the buoyancy modules are taken away and the pipe falls the rest of the short distance to the seafloor.

Bottom Tow

Using the bottom tow method, a tugboat drags the steel pipe along the seafloor, and no buoyancy modules are used. This method is only performed in shallow waters where the seafloor is soft and flat.

S-Lay Pipeline Construction

When employing the S-lay pipeline construction method, steel pipe is loaded onto a vessel and driven onto location. As the boat moves forward, the pipe is slowly eased off the back of the vessel, curving down to the seafloor in an S-shape—hence, the method’s name. Sections of steel pipe are welded together on the boat before being dropped into the sea, giving the pipeline its length. Ramps called stingers are used to help guide the welded steel pipe off the back of the vessel and lower them gently into the water.

J-Lay Pipeline Construction

J-lay pipeline installation is similar to S-lay pipeline installation in that steel pipe is loaded onto a vessel and driven onto location, and as the boat moves forward, the pipe is slowly eased off the back of the vessel. The difference is that the pipe is first lifted via a tall tower on the back of the boat and then lowered into the sea. The result is that the pipe makes a J-shape rather than an S-shape. In other words, the pipe has one less curve. This reduces stress on the pipe and allows steel pipe to installed at deeper water depths. Additionally, J-lay pipeline can withstand more motion underwater (such as those caused by currents) than an S-lay pipe can withstand.

Buy and sell with Eiffel trading

In addition to used steel pipe, Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace hosts a wide variety of used sheet pile, used barrier wall, and used crane mats. Not to mention, our equipment inventory ranges from used sectional barges to used crawler cranes.

All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.

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.

Underground tunnels serve a wide range of functions. Small-diameter tunnels can carry utility lines and function as pipelines. Larger-diameter tunnels can serve as subways and passages for railways and cars. The method used to construct a tunnel is determined by several factors, including geology, cost and potential environmental/residential disruption.

Mining a Tunnel Using Steel Pipe

There are several different methods to mine a tunnel using steel pipe. These include the immersed tube method, the cut and cover method, the top down method and the boring machine method.

Immersed Tube Method

For this method of tunnel construction, workers prepare an underwater tunnel site by digging a trench at the bottom of the waterway. Steel sections of tunnel shell are constructed offsite, each of which may be several hundred feet long. The ends of the steel pipe sections are sealed, and the section is brought to the tunnel site, tied to anchors, and sunk. As each section sinks, it’s guided into place in the trench. The sections are connected to each other and a rubber seal is installed between each section, ensuring a watertight connection.

Cut and Cover Method

During the cut and cover method, workers dig a trench that’s large enough to contain the tunnel.

Tunnel walls are built before digging begins in order to keep the trench from collapsing during excavation, which is done by driving steel sheets into the ground. When the desired size is reached, a cage of reinforced steel pipe is lowered into the trench and secured with concrete. This process is repeated until the tunnel shell has been completed, after which it’s covered by replacing the excavated soil.

Top Down Method

Using the top down method, a parallel pair of walls are inserted into the earth along the tunnel's path by driving steel pipe piles. A trench is dug between the walls to a depth equal to the planned distance from the surface to the inside of the tunnel roof. The tunnel roof is formed between the walls by framing and pouring reinforced concrete into the bottom of the trench. After the tunnel roof is complete, it’s covered with a membrane, and excavated soil is piled above it. A front-end loader is used to dig out the soil between the walls and under the tunnel roof. When the desired depth has been reached, a concrete floor is poured to complete the tunnel shell.

Boring Machine Method

Using the boring machine method, tunnels are dug using a drill that slowly rotates and grinds away the rock and soil. Welded steel pipe is often needed for boring, since other materials are limited in how far they can be drilled. Unlike other materials, steel pipe can be manufactured specifically for the tunnel being dug, and the distances to which it can be drilled is only limited by the constraints of the drill rig. Specifications like steel pipe wall thickness, internal diameter, joint types, and linings and coatings can all be designed custom to suit any tunneling project.

Steel Pipe Tunnel Linings

When digging a tunnel, grout is often used to stabilize the soil or fill voids behind the tunnel lining. This grout may contain a mixture of materials, though the most common modern lining material is concrete reinforced by steel pipe, which can be cast in place or prefabricated in panels.

BUY AND SELL WITH EIFFEL TRADING

Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace has a wide variety of used and surplus construction material, including used steel pipe, used HDPE pipe, and used sheet pile. Furthermore, our equipment inventory ranges from used sectional barges, to used excavators, and everything in between.

All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.

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.

If you’ve decided to buy a sectional barge used, you may be wondering how exactly you can assess the potential value of the wide array of barge options out there to find the best one for your needs. Luckily, sectional barges are built to last, and buying used can often be a much more wallet-friendly and ultimately smart choice than buying a brand-new barge. In most cases, you probably won’t be going wrong if you do your due diligence and make sure there aren’t any red flags you ignore about a barge’s quality. To help you out, below are some things we think you should consider if you’re on the market for a used sectional or modular barge:

Overall condition:

Inspect for rust and corrosion, dents, and bent areas that may indicate the barge is too weatherworn to purchase. A little rust is to be expected if the barge isn’t new, but an excessive amount of rust can be a bad sign. You should also assess the quality of any of its parts and accessories.

If it needs to be blasted:

If you notice marine growth, barnacles, antifoul build-up, etc. on the underwater hull surface of a sectional barge, it means you will likely have to invest in blasting the barge or using other means to remove damaging substances. This, of course, can be an extra cost and can also be time-consuming. A barge that doesn’t need to be blasted may be a better investment.

Age:

If cared for well, sectional barges can remain in use for decades, but age is definitely something to consider. If you can find a newer barge that’s in better condition for a comparable price, it may not be in your best interest to invest in an older one, even if it costs you a little less. Generally, older sectional barges won’t last as long on the water as newer ones.

Where it was used:

Has it been used in fresh water, saltwater, or both? If it has been used in saltwater, it will likely have a shorter life expectancy than a sectional barge used exclusively in fresh water. Additionally, it will need to be extensively rinsed out before you use it in fresh water if it’s recently been used in saltwater. These are definitely things to consider. If it’s only been used in fresh water, there are less concerns, but make sure the particular barge model is suited to be used in saltwater if this is the case and you plan to take it out into the ocean.

Connection types:

Be sure to take a look at our blog post about some of the differences between Flexifloat and Poseidon barges. The biggest difference between them is their connection types. Flexifloat barges have a self-contained locking system while Poseidon barges, and many other sectional barges on the market from other manufacturers, have a locking system that uses loose parts. A benefit of Poseidon barges is that they are compatible with some other brands of sectional barges, while Flexifloat sections or modules can only be used with other Flexifloat sections or modules. Consider whether it’s important for you to be able to mix and match modules from various brands or whether you don’t mind if they must all be the same brand.

Extras:

If you’re buying used, you may have some extras thrown in that can increase the value and versatility of the barge. If a sectional barge comes with a spud system, elevating system, or winch system, this can be a major plus and enhance what you’re able to accomplish with the barge. Even small extras like safety railing can be nice touches and make possible used barges more attractive options. Extras can definitely make a purchase more worthwhile, so don’t overlook them.

To learn more about all types of barges, check out our blog post titled "Barge Type Reference Guide".

BUY AND SELL WITH EIFFEL TRADING

Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace hosts a wide variety of used barges, including used sectional barges, used deck barges, used spud barges, and much more. In addition, our heavy civil material inventory ranges from used sheet pile, to used HDPE pipe, and everything in between.

All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.

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.

In order to drill for oil, a well must first be created. This process begins by drilling a hole into the earth with a drilling rig. Welded steel pipe is often needed for drilling since other kinds of pipe are limited in how far they can be drilled. Unlike other materials, steel pipe can be manufactured specifically for the required application; specifications like steel pipe wall thickness, internal diameter, joint types, and linings and coatings can all be customized to suit any drilling project, making steel pipe a favored choice for oilfield drilling.

Oilfield Drilling Process

In order to drill the oil well, a drill bit cuts into the rock, either by compressive failure or by sheering off slices of rock as the bit turns. While the drill bit is cutting, drilling fluid (which is a mixture of water and clay) is pumped down inside of a steel drill pipe. This serves three main purposes: it cools the bit, lifts rock cuttings to the surface, and keeps the wellbore walls stable. The steel pipe that’s attached to the drill bit is gradually lengthened as the well gets deeper by screwing on additional sections of steel pipe (called joints) at the surface. The process of adding joints of steel pipe while drilling is called “tripping.” This entire process is facilitated by a drilling rig, which contains all the necessary equipment to circulate drilling fluid, turn the steel pipe and generate power.

Oilfield Steel Pipe Casings

Drilling a well cuts through rock formations and allows drillers to reach the oil reservoir below, but the raw sides of the well cannot support themselves. For this reason, casings made of steel pipe are set inside the drilled well to prevent the walls from collapsing.

To case a well, steel pipe is placed inside a recently drilled hole. Steel pipe casings are created in sections that are usually about 40 feet long. The sections are screwed together to form a single length of casing. Each end of the separate casing joints has male threads that are protected by a cap (called a thread protector) until the casings are ready to be combined. A collar made of steel pipe with female threads is used to connect two male joint ends together. In this way, the thread compound is used to ensure a tight seal for the casing. Steel pipe drill casings are connected one joint at a time onto the previous casing string that’s been installed inside the well. After the full steel pipe casing is assembled, but before cementing the well, a drill bit is inserted into the well and drilling fluid is circulated to remove any extra cuttings from the well. Finally, cement is pumped into the well and allowed to harden to fix the casing in place. Once the cement is fully hardened, the bottom of the well is drilled out and the process is complete.

Expanding the Oil Well

Once a section of well is cased, the well can be drilled deeper into potentially more unstable rock formations with a smaller drill bit. This smaller section will be drilled using the method above, and is cased with a smaller steel pipe casing. This process continues, using subsequently smaller and smaller steel pipe drill bits and steel pipe casings until the full well depth is reached.

BUY AND SELL WITH EIFFEL TRADING

In addition to used steel pipe, Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace has a wide variety of used material, including used barrier wall and used steel plates. Furthermore, equipment inventory ranges from used cranes to used excavators, and everything in between.

All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.

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.

A drill casing, also known as a setting pipe, is a large diameter steel pipe that’s inserted into the drilled section of a borehole to protect and support the wellstream.

Once a well has been drilled, it must undergo completion if it’s to become a production well. Drilling a well cuts through the rock formations and allows drilling engineers to reach the reservoir below, but the raw sides of the well cannot support themselves. For this reason, casings made of steel pipe are set inside the drilled well to prevent the walls from collapsing and to protect the wellstream.

Steel Pipe Drill Casing Uses and Benefits

In addition to providing stabilization and preventing the sides of the well from caving in, drill casings protect the wellstream from outside contaminants, prevent unstable upper formations from caving in, and provide a strong upper foundation to allow high density drilling fluid to be used (which allows for deeper drilling). Similarly, steel pipe drill casings can isolate various zones in the drilled formations, which may have different pressures or fluids and therefore must be kept separate.

Steel Pipe Drill Casing Process

Casing a well involves running steel pipe down the inside of a recently drilled well. The small space between the steel pipe casing and the untreated sides of the well is filled with cement to permanently set the casing in place. The lower portion of a steel pipe casing is often held in place with poured cement, though deeper casings are usually not cemented all the way to the surface, meaning the weight of the steel pipe must also be supported by a casing hanger in the wellhead.

When planning a new well, drilling engineers and geologists will work together to pick depths at which the well will need to be cased in order to reach the desired drilling depth. Usually, these decisions are based on factors like the integrity of the well, the pressure of surrounding formations, and a cost objectives.

Once a desired drilling depth is agreed upon, steel pipe casings are created in sections that are usually about 40 feet long. The sections are screwed together to form a single length of casing. Each end of the separate casing joints has male threads that are protected by a cap (called a thread protector) until the casings are ready to be combined. A collar made of steel pipe with female threads is used to connect two male joint ends together. In this way, the thread compound is used to ensure a tight seal for the casing.

Steel pipe drill casings are connected one joint at a time onto the previous casing string that’s been installed inside the well. After the full steel pipe casing is assembled, but before cementing the well, a drill bit is inserted into the well and drilling fluid is circulated to remove any extra cuttings from the well. Finally, cement is pumped into the well and allowed to harden to fix the casing in place. Once the cement is fully hardened, the bottom of the well is drill out and the process is complete.

BUY AND SELL WITH EIFFEL TRADING

Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace has a wide variety of heavy civil construction materials, including used steel pipe, used sheet pile, and used barrier wall. In addition, our construction equipment inventory boasts used cranes, used barges, and so much more.

All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.

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.

A pile driving machine (also called a pile driver) is used to drive piles into the ground in order to create a foundation to support buildings and other large structures.

How Pile Driving Machines Work

There are two main types of pile driving machines: traditional pile drivers and vibratory pile drivers.

Traditional Pile Drivers

Traditional pile driving machines work by using a weight placed above a pile that releases, slides down vertically and hits the pile, hammering it into the ground. The weight is raised mechanically and can be powered by either hydraulics, steam or diesel. When the weight reaches its highest point, it is released. Gravity brings the weight down, dropping it onto the pile. The impact of the weight on the pile hammers it into the soil. This process is repeated until the pile has been fully driven into the ground.

Vibratory Pile Drivers

Vibratory pile driving machines (also called vibratory hammers) use spinning counterweights to create a vibration, which causes a pile to “cut” into the soil below. While a traditional pile driver works like a hammer and a nail, a vibratory hammer works more like an electric knife cutting through meat. The high speed vibration causes the soil to give way, allowing the pile to slip easily into the ground.

The Necessity of Pile Driving Machines

Not all construction projects will require piling or pile driving machines. Foundation piling is only necessary if the soil cannot bear the weight of the structure that is being built. This might happen if there is a soft layer of soil at the surface of the construction site, so that the soil cannot support the weight of a new structure. Similarly, if an exceptionally heavy building is being built, the surface soil won’t be able to support its weight. In both situations, foundation piling can be used to transfer the weight of a structure from the soil’s surface to the stronger soil or rock below.

Types of Pile Drivers

Diesel Impact Hammer

A diesel impact hammer (also called a diesel pile hammer or a diesel pile driver) is a type of traditional pile driver that is powered by a large, two-stroke diesel engine.

Steam Impact Hammer

A steam impact hammer is a type of traditional pile driver that is powered by compressed air or steam.

Hydraulic Impact Hammer

A hydraulic impact hammer is a third type of traditional pile driver, which is powered by a hydraulic system. Hydraulic impact hammers are considered more environmentally friendly than their diesel counterparts.

Vibratory Hammer

Unlike traditional pile drivers which use a large weight to strike piles into the ground, vibratory hammers use vibrations to slide piles into the soil, as well as to extract old piles out of the ground.

Noise Considerations

Traditional pile driving machines that use a weight to ram a pile into the ground can have issues with noise pollution. The dominant noise from a pile driver is caused by the impact of the hammer hitting the pile, or the impacts between the components of a hammer, and can be disruptive to people and wildlife. Vibratory hammers, on the other hand, are relatively quiet, since they do not use the hammer-weight system.

BUY AND SELL WITH EIFFEL TRADING

Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace hosts a wide variety of foundation equipment, including augers, drill rigs, hammer grabs, and pile breakers. In addition, our construction material inventory ranges from used sheet pile, to used steel pipe, and everything in between.

All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.

Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? Contact us today!

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

Deciding whether to rent or purchase a barge for your offshore project can be a challenge. There are both advantages and disadvantages to both renting and purchasing. Ultimately, the scope of your project and future projects as well as factors affecting cash flow can help you decide which option is a better fit for your needs. Below are some of the pros and cons of both renting and purchasing barges to help you figure out which of these options is more ideal for you:

Pros of Renting

• Since you don’t own the barge, you don’t have to worry about depreciation.
• Renting gives you the opportunity to try out the latest and newest barges with the latest and newest features.
• You can easily swap out a barge with another one that better suits your project, as needed.
• Maintenance expenses are minimized because the owner of the barge is required to handle routine maintenance.
• Leasing gives you the chance to try different types of barges out before you buy them, if you do decide to invest in a barge in the future.
• You can customize equipment and extras as needed, renting these out as well.
• Insurance costs are usually lower on your end, and the type of insurance required of you is typically based on the scope of the project and the jobs being done using the barge.
• The need for a long-term capital investment is eliminated.

Cons of Renting

• For popular types of barges, there may be a waiting period, particularly during busy seasons in offshore construction.
• If you know you’re going to use a barge for several different projects for years to come, it may cost you less in the long run to purchase the barge outright.

Pros of Purchasing

• As we’ve mentioned, this can save you money over the long haul if you know you’ll be using the barge for years to come on multiple different projects.
• You can claim a business tax deduction for the cost of the barge.
• As the value of the barge depreciates, how much it depreciates may be tax-deductible.
• Barges are built to last for decades. If you buy a new or fairly new barge, you can expect to have it for quite a long while.
• Buying used can save you a great deal of money, especially in comparison to renting a new barge or fairly new barge.
• You don’t have to deal with any waiting periods when you need to use the barge ASAP.
• Once you’re done with the barge, you can sell it or rent it out yourself.

Cons of Purchasing

• You’ll probably pay more insurance to actually insure the barge, rather than simply paying the price to insure the project. If you rent, the owner of the barge has to cover some of these insurance costs, typically.
• You have to pay for routine maintenance and repair costs.
• You won’t be as easily able to trade in the barge for a new one or different one as needed.
• For a short-term project, renting probably makes more sense.
• You’re responsible for transportation costs in terms of getting the barge from one project to the next.
• When the barge isn’t in use, you have to pay for storage costs or mooring costs.

Although our list of cons of renting is a bit shorter than the list for purchasing, this by no means indicates that renting is always the better option. In fact, the benefits of purchasing, including the ones listed above, can definitely be compelling enough to sway a sizeable number of companies to purchase rather than rent. At the end of the day, your unique project needs and budget have to determine which option is the better choice.

BUY AND SELL WITH EIFFEL TRADING

Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace has a wide variety of used barges and used work boats for sale and rent. In addition, our construction equipment ranges from used cranes, to used dozers, and everything in between.

All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.

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.

If you’re shopping for a sectional barge, you may have noticed that some sectional barges are sold as “packages” that include spuds and spudwells. It’s common for sectional barges to be sold with these add-ons, particularly from major manufacturers like Poseidon and Flexifloat. If you’re familiar with what a spud barge is, then you may already know what a spud is. While some sectional barges come with spuds, all spud barges come with them. And, generally, what differentiates a traditional spud barge from a sectional barge with spuds is a sectional barge’s unique “modules” that can be linked together to form platforms of various shapes and sizes. Traditional spud barges, on the other hand, usually come with a flat deck and spuds for mooring.

If you’re still a little unclear about what exactly spuds and spudwells are as they pertain to sectional or modular barges in particular, here are some helpful definitions:

Spud

– A shaft that is usually made of steel used to anchor or moor a barge to a particular area. This protects the barge from movement due to currents, wind, and use of machinery on the vessel. The spud is driven into the soil or sand below the barge. Spuds usually can be raised using either a specialized machine on deck or by using a winch, either mechanical or hydraulic.

Spudwell

– Also referred to as a spud “pocket,” this is a vertical sleeve for a spud that attaches to the side of a sectional barge. It usually connects to the perimeter of a sectional barge using a lock system. A spudwell keeps a spud secure and in place. You can think of a spudwell as the “female” part, and the spud is the “male” part. They fit together to offer stabilized anchoring.

OPTIONS

Sectional barges ordinarily require the use of at least four spuds/spudwells, positioned at equal distances from each other. Any fewer than that will result in unstable mooring. It’s also essential that the correct spuds and spudwells, specifically designed for use with particular barges, are used. Below you’ll find some information about spud and spudwell options that are compatible with popular Flexifloat sectional barge models:

For their H-50 sectional barge models, Flexifloat offers spuds that are 12” in diameter and 40’ tall as well as options that are 20” in diameter and 40’ or 60’ tall. These spuds are compatible with 12” and 20” spudwells respectively. Flexifloat’s S-50 barges are compatible with 20”x40’ or 20”x60’ spuds and 20” spudwells. And the company’s S-70 model works with 24” spudwells and 24”x40’ or 24”x60’ spuds.

Poseidon sectional barges are compatible with Poseidon’s line of 20’, 30’, and 40’ spuds. Poseidon sells external mount spud pockets (aka spudwells) for use with these spuds. These spud and spudwell options are among the many accessories Poseidon sells to complement their sectional barges, including winches, pushers, safety railing, cleats, and ladders. The company also has helpful guidelines for proper use of spuds and double-drum winches.

FINAL THOUGHTS

In short, spuds and spudwells are useful tools in helping anchor sectional barges. And, as we’ve previously mentioned, they’re sold as accessories from top sectional barge manufacturers like Flexifloat and Poseidon in addition to other companies that specialize in sectional barges. Oftentimes, if you’re looking at used sectional barges, you may be able to purchase a package that includes spuds, spudwells, and other accessories like winches and safety railing, which eliminates the need to invest in them separately.

BUY AND SELL WITH EIFFEL TRADING

Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace has a wide variety of used barges, ranging from used sectional barges, to used spud barges, to used deck barges, and everything in between. In addition, we host a large assortment of construction equipment including used cranes, used vibratory hammers, and used dozers.

All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.

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.