Crane loaded onto the Hickey Marine barge

Project Summary

In June of 2005, a 500 t heavy old Navy crane was skidding onto the Hickey Marine crane barge Crystal Gayle at the Hunters Point Shipyard in San Francisco. The legs and boogies of the crane were first removed and the whole crane was lowered. Using skid shoes and hydraulic push-pull units, the crane was slowly pushed onto the barge, over skid track and bridge beams. During the skidding operation, the barge was continuously ballasted to compensate for the weight coming onboard, as well as for the changes in tide.

Scope of Work

The project scope included:

• Model the crane barge hull and all its void spaces;

• Simulation of the crane skid-on and optimization of ballast procedures. 

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

Project Photographs

Hydraulic push unit behind aft skid shoe.	Front skid shoe on bridge beam.	Front side of crane on barge.	Deballasting the barge after loading.