Layout, Load Out, and Launch - Barge #1

The Hansa Meyer Global US team introduced a 2014 LNG Plant Construction project to our blog followers back in April.  It has been a busy summer for the team managing the consolidation of complex heavy loads from multiple domestic origins to the Port of Houston.  This project update, as the title hints covers the layout, load out, and launch of the first of three barges that will make their way through the Intracoastal Waterway to the site.

As they say, "Measure Twice, Cut Once" our staff engineer developed the complex layout drawings.

Stands and Beams are placed on the deck according to the plan

While not the most fun to watch, the pre-load work is critical to the success of the project.  Much time and effort goes into layout designs that consider weight distribution, balancing, as well as offloading, before the first piece of equipment is loaded on the deck.  For this load 56 stands will be positioned bridged by 28 beams, with 76 welded D-rings and chain tensioners to lock the equipment into place.  But then the fun starts with ten pieces of equipment positioned to load on the barge with a combined weight of over 1.6 million pounds!

Activity in the port doesn't stop after the sun goes down.  With the help of flood lights the loading continues to ensure meeting the departure window.

With the Hansa Meyer Global Transport banner in place, the barge is ready to take the project equipment on a 2,000 mile voyage through America's Intracoastal Waterway.

One last picture as the 260' x 75' barge is pushed up river by an 1,800 horse power, steel tug, carrying 14,000 gallons of fuel. Bon Voyage...

Stay tuned as we have on-going civil work on site as well as two more barges to load.  We appreciate you reading our blog.  You comments are welcomed below.