An innovative and versatile system using Lucker hydraulic pulling machines to operate a crane, to pull or tension as required, has been incorporated into the derrick barge Mr. "2" Hooks (shown in drawing above), recently outfitted by its owner, Portable Marine Structures, Inc. of Houston.
The heavy-lift barge was designed for medium offshore and heavy inshore work, at a reasonable daily cost. It features a 400-ton sheerleg derrick utilizing twin load lines. Also on the barge is a 150-ton auxiliary revolving crawler crane for general lifting and rigging requirements.
The barge will meet the demand for a unitized barge outfitted for heavy lift, pull or tensioning operations in marine salvage, demolition and marine construction. The 180-foot-long raked bow and square stern barge has a beam of 70 feet and a depth of 12 feet. It has crew quarters and a four-point mooring system.
Each of the load lines operates independently, each utilizing a 150-ton hydraulic machine. This is an important advantage in compensating for uneven loads and reducing common sling and equalizing problems. Jibs and rigging can be attached to the 110-foot-long sheerleg to increase the crane's reach for other special jobs.