The massive submersible barge, one of the largest in Europe, will carry Type 26 Frigate HMS Cardiff down the river before ‘floating’ her off in the deep waters of Glenmallan
The barge was previously used to move and float-off HMS Glasgow, shown in the image above.
According to Malin Group, the barge will initially be used to transport and ‘launch’ the Type 26 Frigates being built by BAE Systems for the Royal Navy and then berthed on the Clyde and made available to industry as required, “catalysing further opportunities for the wider supply chain in fields including shipbuilding, civil construction and renewable energy”.
The semi submersible barge, @MalinGroup‘s CD01, has arrived in Glasgow ahead of loading HMS Cardiff for launch/float-off. The second of eight Type 26 Frigates will be taken to Glenmallan on Loch Long before being lowered into the water and brought back upriver. pic.twitter.com/UEqxYc1aXB
— UK Defence Journal (@UKDefJournal) August 8, 2024
John MacSween, Managing Director of the Malin Group, said:
“Securing this piece of equipment marks another positive step forward in the reawakening of the shipping and large-scale marine manufacturing industry in Scotland. This versatile asset, based on the West Coast of Scotland, can be used for launching and bringing ships ashore, docking vessels locally or at remote locations as well as being used to relocate large structures around the UK and further afield.
We are delighted to continue our long-standing relationship with the internationally renowned tug and barge owner specialists Augustea, as well as work with Hat-San who are bringing years of shipbuilding experience to the conversion. We are also extremely grateful for the support we have had from Scottish Enterprise in making this project a reality.”
The barge is a joint venture between the Malin Abram and Augustea and, now modified, represents one of the largest in Europe – it can submerge to load vessels and cargo with draughts of up to 12m and over 137m in length.
Specifications (via MalinGroup.com)
With a length of 137 metres and deck area of 4,200 square meters, the barge brings “an enviable resource to the banks of the River Clyde”, say the owners.
- Length Overall: 137.0m
- Beam: 36.6m
- Depth: 7.6m
- Max draught: 5.8m
- Dwt on max draught: 21,806 tonnes
- Deck area: 4,200m2
- Frame spacing: 2,500mm
- Deck loading: 20 tonnes per sq metre
- Point loads: Up to 750 tonnes
I’m always fascinated by the gazzillion wheeled bogey that moves the ship!
Hi George, thank you for this article. I live by the river and saw the barge coming up on Thursday afternoon. Do you know when HMS Cardiff will be taken down the river as I would love to get some photos. I would be happy to share these.