Jack-Up Barge Strengthens Its Fleet with Hochtief’s Self-Elevating Platform

Jack-Up Barge, the offshore self-elevating platform supplier, has acquired the Odin self-elevating platform from Hochtief.

This is a new approach from Jack-Up Barge that has previously expanded with newbuilds. The company are renaming the barge JB 119, ready to take its place alongside the seven platforms currently operated. The platform, 46.1m long by 30m wide and 4.6m high, has 60m legs that enable operation in water depths of up to 45m. The platform features on board accommodation for up to 40 persons.

Jack-Up Barge Commercial Director Maarten Hardon says the JB 119 will fit neatly into the pre-existing fleet, with no requirement for adjustments to be made. “She fits perfectly into our portfolio,” he says. “Currently, the platforms we operate are generally for either large or small scale operations. This acquisition will enable us to offer a mid-scale platform in the future.”

He says the purchase was a natural one, when the opportunity arose, considering the quality of the platform. “She was well maintained, in good condition and with an almost new crane.” The Liebherr BOS 7500 Heavy Lift Crane lifts 300t at 15m. The maximum reach of the boom is 84m to accommodate offshore wind installations.

Mr Hardon says that the platform’s specifications make her suitable for use as a coastal unit carrying out civil construction work or for small offshore wind installation projects. Jack-Up Barge are planning to put the platform into international service and have already secured a contract for her in South America. She is due to sail at the beginning of May for a construction project that is expected to take 8 months.

In the past Hochtief employed the platform for foundation pile installation, offshore substation construction and pile driving for harbor construction. Jack-Up Barge are expanding their fleet further with a new build platform they will name JB 120.

Press release, April 28, 2014; Image: Yellow & Finch