In 2015 the company recognised a need for barge services in Esperance and after looking for suitable vessels in WA, decided the best outcome would be from constructing our own barge, in our workshop in Esperance. The “Bernard Haberley” was built over 8 months and launched in October 2016. The design is from MMD Naval Architects and is based on a 12 metre catamaran style hull, self powered and fitted with a large Hiab crane.
The whole set up can be mobilised economically on two semis and transported anywhere in the state without escort.
Some basic capabilities and statistics of the Bernard Haberley include:
• 12 metre length with 7.6 metre beam
• 40 tonne displacement
• Fitted with a 288 Hiab
21 metres of hydraulic boom giving 6 tons of lift over the bow and 650 kg at 21 metres
• The vessel is in 2C survey
• Powered by twin 150 horse power four stroke Mercury outboards giving 6 knots cruising speed.
Barge is extremely maneuverable even when fully loaded
• Deck cargo capacity of up to 30 tonnes
• Equipped with very robust spuds for mooring in water up to 8 metres deep
Since its launch the barge has been used on the following projects:
• Complete refurbishment of the James Street swimming jetty, Esperance
• Repair and modification of the Woody Island tourist jetty, Esperance
• Repair work at the Esperance Bay Yacht Club marina, Esperance
• Repair and modification of ships fenders on berths 1, 2 and 3 at Esperance Port
• Mooring recovery and placement, Esperance
• Fitted with a drill rig for core sampling at Bandy Creek Boat Harbour, Esperance
• Recovery of timber sections from the Esperance Tanker Jetty
• Removal of access bridge from the Esperance Tanker Jetty
• Complete refurbishment of Middleton Beach timber swimming jetty, Albany
The barge has become an integral part of the company’s operations and when combined with our class 2 demolition licence, fabrication experience and rigging skills, provides a very versatile and capable vessel.
