Our last blog focused on the topic of crane barges. What they are, why you might need one, and the various sizes and attachments you might come across in this type of marine construction. The next step, once you’ve decided that a floating crane barge would benefit your project, is to go ahead and rent one. This may sound daunting, particularly if you haven’t done it before, but as long as you are aware of the key considerations, the barge crane rental process doesn’t have to be too complicated.
This guide is designed to help you through the process, and provide insight into the key factors that influence crane barge rental rates. It will also cover some of the logistics involved, both in terms of the process, as well as actually getting the equipment to your site.
Key considerations of barge crane rental
The logistics of renting a crane barge varies drastically depending on a number of different factors. This is why The Rothen Group provides bespoke quotes, tailored to the unique circumstances of each individual project. This takes into account the length of time the barge will be hired for, the accessibility of the location, and a wide range of other, site-specific considerations that are listed as follows:
Size of the crane, which effectively dictates the barge crane lifting capacity
Attachments that are needed to do the works, including piling hammers, clamshells, post drivers etc
Width of the waterway
Depth of the waterway
Reach of the crane required
Whether the crane needs to be mounted on the front, middle, or back of the barge deck, depending on the type of works being done
Whether remote operation is required on the crane
Whether there is lock-gate changing involved
Clearly, there are a wide array of factors that can influence crane barge rental rates. This is why The Rothen Group has such a large and varied fleet, allowing us to provide for many different number of projects and locations.
If clients are able to provide us with as much of the above information as possible, we can usually provide an accurate quote within 48 hours. We’ll also talk through any unique requirements you may have, such as whether you need us to operate the crane barge for you. The most important thing to do is to get in touch, give us as much information as you can, and the process of hiring a work boat can move along swiftly.
Logistics of hiring a crane barge
Depending on availability, we can often mobilise within 24 hrs - 48 hrs. Again, this largely depends on factors such as location and complexity of the project, but we have a team of experts who know where our kit is, and can manage the logistics of getting our equipment to your site.
In this regard, there are further issues surrounding the delivery of the crane barge to site that it is important to be aware of. For instance, the time of year can have an effect, given that there may be navigational restrictions in place along waterways. This is especially true during the winter months, when the Canal River Trust is often conducting works which close the canal.
In cases where the crane barge cannot be floated to the site, we are able to move the equipment by land before lifting it onto the water. Ideally, there will be a suitable lift site to facilitate this, but we understand that this will not be possible for all projects. In which case, we will visit the site to analyse the best course of action, considering factors such as location, or if it is a heavy lift.
The type of vessel required for a project varies drastically from location to location, which is why The Rothen Group has such a diverse fleet. With crane barges ranging from 40ft to 70ft, the geographical parameters of a project can usually be negotiated with relative ease. It is during the initial conversation that we establish which boat is most appropriate, ensuring that works can begin as quickly as possible, with minimal fuss and expenditure.
As mentioned in our last blog, there are numerous attachments that can be fitted to, to crane barges, depending on what application is required. From air hammers to hydraulic post hammers, The Rothen Group offers various solutions to equip contractors with the tools to do the job. Part of the initial conversation with someone who has approached us would be to explore which attachments would be useful for their project, ultimately providing a complete marine construction solution.
Naturally, given the huge range of influencing factors, it is impossible to provide a definitive figure for crane barge rental rates. That’s why we assess it on a case-by case basis, providing a quote specifically tailored to each project’s needs. Our large fleet and network of highly experienced hauliers, allow us to deliver equipment to a wide range of locations, efficiently and effectively.
If you have any further questions about crane barge vessels or would like to know more about the services The Rothen Group can offer, please contact us on 01827 215715, or email info@therothengroup.co.uk