Modular Jack‐up Barge for Geotechnical Sampling – Franki Pile (2005)

Wale Marine were commissioned by Frankipile (Africa) to design and manage the fabrication of a 20 Tonne lifting capacity modular jack‐up barge from which to undertake a geotechnical investigation drilling project in 15 metres water depth off Lobito in Angola. The structure was fabricated by Concrete Units in their Meyerton factory (picture on right). The 35 tonne basic barge is modular with a maximum module mass of 6 tonnes. It comprises two 12 m long by 1.9 m diameter steel pipe pontoons flange connected in a T configuration and fitted out with modular decking, leg‐guides and ancillary components such that the full system could be transported in three 12 metre open top containers.