New walking spud barge delivered to Orion Marine Construction

Shipbuilder C&C Marine and Repair of Belle Chasse, Louisiana, has handed over a new idler barge to Orion Marine Construction.

Designed by the Shearer Group, the unmanned steel barge will support Orion Marine's dredging operations by connecting with new and existing dredgers in the company's fleet.

The barge measures 160 feet (49 metres) long and features an integrated walking-spud system designed to advance the combined dredger and idler barge unit in increments of approximately 30 feet (nine metres). The system incorporates a travelling spud carrier, a fixed stern spud, dedicated spud towers, and electrically driven hoisting winches.

A push-pull winch controls the longitudinal movement of the walking-spud carrier, allowing the barge to reposition the connected dredger efficiently during operations.

During construction, Orion Marine worked closely with C&C Marine's project management and production teams to incorporate adjustments and modifications tailored to the company's operational requirements.

Construction of the idler barge was completed in approximately eight months.