The three PACECO cranes loaded on the barge Western Carrier

Project Summary

Three older PACECO cranes were relocated from Long Beach, CA, to Seattle, WA, in July 2005. Argonautics Marine Engineering provided the loading and offloading ballast calculations, barge design motions, and the marine warranty survey for the tow. The 3 cranes, each weighing approximately 650 t, were loaded onto the 300 x 84 ft cargo barge Western Carrier with multi-wheel trailers and secured with pipe bracings. Loose items, containers, and loading equipment were secured with welded clips and/or chain lashings.  

Upon receipt of the tow approval certificate, the tug and barge departed Long Beach early July, 2005, stopped over in San Francisco for bunkers, and arrived safely in Seattle 2 weeks later 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;

• Inspect the 3,200 hp coastal tug Ocean Mariner and its towing gear.

Project Photographs

Tensioning the boom X-bracing tension rods.	Barge is rotated for installation of land side bracings.	Auxilliairy hoist is secured with small welded brackets.	Tug Ocean Mariner making fast for start of sea voyage.