Dredge on trailers rolling onto the dock ship using Ro/Ro ramps

Project Summary

In April of 2009, the 550 t dredge Sam Houston was successfully loaded out onto the dock ship Explorer in West Palm Beach, FL. Because the ship's ramp could not be used, Argonautics Marine Engineering was hired to assist with the load-out and transport engineering of the dredge, which was sold to Nigeria based owners. A site survey of the Ro/Ro quay was performed. Concept drawings for the load-out were provided. First the dredge's spud barge was rolled on to the ship and positioned onto its cribbing blocks. For the roll-on operation of the heavier dredge, the strength of the available Ro/Ro ramps was checked, resulting in the need for reinforcements of these ramps. After successful loading of the dredge, it was pinned to its spud barge and lowered onto the cribbing blocks. The dredge was then secured, using custom designed seafastening stoppers. Upon arrival in Nigeria, the vessel will submerse its dock deck and the dredge will be floated off. 

Scope of Work

The project scope included:

• Survey the load-out location;

• Detail load-out procedures;

• Verify the strength of the Ro/Ro ramps;

• Design seafastening arrangement;

• Provide construction drawings for the custom stoppers;

• Provide on-site assistance during the actual load-out operations.

Project Photographs

Spud barge rolled onto the ship, ready to be lowered onto the cribbing blocks.	Dredge picked up by two 18 axle Goldhoffer trailers and rolling towards the ship.	Dredge rolled onto the ship and approaching the spud barge which will be pinned to the dredge.	After pinning the dredge to the spudbarge, it is lowered onto its cribbing blocks.