Arrival of the two STAR cranes loaded on the barge Weeks 297

Project Summary

For the relocation of two older STAR cranes from Jersey City, NJ, to Eddystone, PA, in December 2005, Argonautics Marine Engineering was hired to provide the loading and offloading ballast calculations, barge design motions, and the marine warranty survey for the tow. The 2 cranes, each weighing approximately 680 t, were loaded onto the 250 x 75 ft cargo barge Weeks 297 with multi-wheel trailers and secured with pipe bracings. Because of the short tow distance with limited exposure (about 200 nmiles total, of which 125 nmiles in open water), the crane seafastenings were designed for a good weather voyage only with a conditional departure subject to a favorable weather forecast. Because of the total height of the cranes on the barge, the Delaware Memorial Bridge could only be passed at low water.   

Upon receipt of the tow approval certificate and a good weather forecast, the 4,300 hp tug Michaela McAllister hooked up and and the tow departed Jersey City. Less than 48 hours later, the tow arrived safely in Eddystone where the cranes were offloaded.  

Scope of Work

The project scope included:

• Loading and offloading ballast calculations;

• Provide design criteria and resulting barge motions/crane accelerations;

• Review of the proposed crane reinforcement and seafastening plan;

• Survey the cranes with respect to tow readiness and internal securings;

• Survey the seafastening bracing installation;

• Survey the seafastening of the miscellaneous cargo items and all loading equipment;

• Inspect the barge and its towing connections.

Acknowledgement

Photograph courtesy of Penn Terminals Inc.

Project Photographs

Outside bracing pipes on land side.	Inside bracings.	Securing of festoon cable.	Lashing of the load-out trailers.