LOAD-OUT DREDGE SAM HOUSTON

Project Summary

In April of 2009, the 550 t dredge SAM HOUSTON was successfully loaded out onto the dockship EXPLORER in West Palm Beach, FL. Because the ship's ramp could not be used, Argonautics Marine Engineering, Inc. was hired to assist with the load-out and transport engineering of the dredge, which was sold to Nigeria based owners. A site survey of the Ro/Ro quay was performed. Concept drawings for the load-out were provided. First the dredge's spud barge was rolled on to the ship and positioned onto its cribbing blocks.

For the roll-on operation of the heavier dredge, the strength of the locally available Ro/Ro ramps was checked, resulting in the need for reinforcements of these ramps. After successful loading of the dredge, it was pinned to its spud barge and lowered onto the cribbing blocks. The dredge was then secured, using custom designed seafastening stoppers. Upon arrival in Nigeria, after lifting off all other cargo, the vessel submersed its dock deck and the dredge was be floated off.

Scope of Work

The project scope included:

Project Photographs

specialists in marine heavy-lift transportation engineering

naval architects

marine surveyors

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Est. 1992

■	Survey of the load-out location;
■	Detailed load-out procedures;
■	Verification of the strength of the Ro/Ro ramps;
■	Design of the seafastening arrangement;
■	Provide construction drawings for the custom stoppers;
■	Provide on-site assistance during the actual load-out operations.

Dredge rolled on over stern

Spud barge over cribbing blocks

Dredge on trailers

Dredge approaching cribbing blocks

Dredge lowered onto cribbing blocks