Choosing the right crane for a project based on the shore is a complex task as it is, with engineering and logistics consultations to boot. Multiple factors affect calculations, including cargo dimensions, point of pick up, point of placement, boom swing radius, conditions on the ground, and weather conditions. Throw in a substrate like water with a crane barge , and it’s a whole new ball game.
Marine Crane Barge Work Safety Considerations
Barge crane work is a complex process that requires very experienced companies and personnel to be involved. The regular risks linked to landbound crane work has a list of extra risk tagged on for the marine crane industry safety parameters.
Operating a crane on a barge requires substantial on the heal and list impact of the lifting action on the barge. In addition, the barge itself is transmitting dynamic force onto the crane as the water swells and dips below it.
Lift engineers, crane operators and barge operators thrive on the complexity of the crane barge work, but customers should take the challenges and safety risks seriously when selecting their project barge operator. Inexperienced operators have resulted in serious accidents when all the interplaying factors were not considered.
Misperceptions About Crane Barges
We are often asked what barge is required for a certain size crane. A certified Naval Architect is the professional who should consult on this to assess the stability and appropriateness of a vessel for the carrying and operation of a crane as well as the load and other factors.
The capacity of a barge is usually the first size indicator given when describing such a vessel. As an example, some operators using barges that are 50m x 18m will list them as 1000 ton barges.
This data is not of value when the barge is being assessed for crane work. The relevant data is the width and the length of the vessel. These are key factors for assessing crane carrying suitability.
The other key factor when choosing barges for your project’s crane requirements is to determine the length to width ratio.
Choosing The Right Crane Barge
The ratios of 4:1 to 2:1 (length to width) would be feasible flat top barge options for crane operation. The longer barge (4 factor) makes for a better towing trip, and the shorter barge (2 factor) delivers a more stable foundation.
Here is an example of two barge-crane combinations.
| Load Capacity (tonnes – Crane) | Metres (Width of Barge) |
| 50 | 9m |
| 100 | 12m |
These figures are the starting point, not the endpoint for a barge with a width ratio factor of 3. Many elements influence the final selection, such as:
- The height and length of the crane boom
- The maximum load capacity of the crane when lifting
- The crane’s minimum radius when lifting
- The shape of the barge
- The sea or waterway forecasted condition during the time of working
- The wind force to be expected during the time of working.
The above factors must all be inserted into the calculation when choosing the correct barge for the project. After that, a certified Naval Architect is required to conduct an assessment.
To hire the correct, quality crane barge for your project, contact our team of marine experts.
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