A Barge and Pier & Waterfront Solutions
It’s been a busy year for Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS).
So far, we’ve announced the acquisition of:
Today, we have another announcement!
DID YOU REALIZE?
Some Door County homeowners have properties inaccessible to even our equipment. The reason for this is simple – bluffs & cliffs. These prevent us from moving our equipment to the shoreline.
Moreover, large boulders in the water damage our equipment every time. That makes for a costly repair and a significant disruption to our schedule.
WHAT HAVE WE DONE IN THE PAST?
In spite of this, we found a way around the situation.
PWS contracted a barge to transport an excavator to the site. Once the excavator unloads, it can maneuver over the boulders and place the docks in position.
To do this, PWS joined forces with another company. They provided transportation and an excavator, PWS provided the crews, and the jobs were completed. Over time, both companies grew, and it became difficult to coordinate the schedules.
HAVE YOU GUESSED THE SOLUTION YET?
Many of you guessed that the addition of a “Pusher Boat” meant we needed something to “Push.” Today, we announce the addition of a new barge to our growing arsenal of waterfront equipment.
With this acquisition, we have one less schedule to try to coordinate.
At this point, we should show a picture of the latest equipment. Why can’t you see the image?
You don’t see it because the construction of the barge is ongoing. We will post photos here when the barge arrives in March. We are now updating this information. The barge has arrived but is undergoing additional “fitting” to meet our needs. Please continue to watch for a new article sometime in late April.
CAN YOU PICTURE THE BARGE?
The barge is composed of two Commercial barges. We combine them into a single unit to form a 24′ x 45′ x 4′ unit. Despite its size, it will be able to pass through the DePere dam for work on the Fox River.
PWS will also use the barge to transport equipment and raw materials for the shoreline projects.
Needless to say, the pusher boat now has something to “push.”
HOW DOES A BARGE MOVE?
A barge does not have a propulsion system of its own. That’s why we added a “Pusher Boat” (see post) to move the barge.
With the use of the barge, we can reduce the damage to property. Damage sometimes occurs when we move the excavator or raw materials across a lawn.
PWS can also transport materials and equipment to remote construction sites or islands.
HOW TO PROTECT A BARGE FROM STORM DAMAGE.
To help protect the barge from damage during a storm requires “spuds” or a jack-up rig. According to Wikipedia, a barge fitted with moveable support legs can raise the barge out of the water.
The barge is maneuvered into position by the “pusher boat.” Upon arrival, the legs lower into the water to reach the “floor.”
The weight of the barge (45,000 lbs or 22.5 tons), combined with the weight of any cargo or equipment, “pre-load” the system.
The pre-loaded system drives the legs into (or onto) the bottom. A jacking system then raises the entire barge above the water to a pre-determined height or “air gap.”
This “air gap” allows waves or “tide surge” actions to act only on the relatively slender legs, and not on the barge hull.
WHEN DID WE DO ALL THIS WORK?
PWS utilized the off-season to put this all together.
Keep in mind, March will bring even more news! Keep watching for the next announcement.
PWS can solve your problems
PWS can be found at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57. Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, it’s 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay, and 1 mile beyond the intersection of Cty MM (heading north).
Our staff looks forward to serving your waterfront needs.
Contact:
Dave @ (920) 905-2588 or Dave@wisconsinpws.com for erosion control and shoreline work.
Jerry @ (920) 493-4404 or Jerry@wisconsinpws.com for commercial work and new & used Sales.
John @ (920) 493-4405 or John@wisconsinpws.com for Scheduling & Service work
