The ambition is to turn the space into a meeting place focused on the experience of maritime heritage, port heritage and port dynamics.
Samoco division, part of Sarens, had to lift, transport and install the symbolic barge from Jordaenskaai, next to the Het Steen castle, to Droogdokkensite, the Dry Docks Site.
The Céphée barge, built in 1937 in France, was donated to Antwerp city and upon closure of the National Maritime Museum, this one of a kind barge has had to be moved to the Dry Docks, where it will be featured at a maritime experience site.
Samoco division, part of Sarens, active since 1972 as an alliance with the French Montalev and Samoco, had to lift, transport and install the symbolic barge from Jordaenskaai, next to the Het Steen castle, to Droogdokkensite, the Dry Docks Site.
The dry dock area lies between the city and the harbour and for many Antwerp residents, this represented a blind spot on the map. However, this area oozes history linked to the city's once bustling harbour. In the old days, ships came and went here and disembarked at the dry dock for repairs until early 2018.
Nine dry docks, the staff house from 1905, the offices and workshops of AWN (Algemeen Werkhuis Noord) and a pump house (a listed monument from 1895) make up the architectural ensemble that is being restored. The ambition is to turn the space into a meeting place focused on the experience of maritime heritage, port heritage and port dynamics. With the development of the Dry Docks site as a maritime experience place, the city of Antwerp underlines its identity as a port city and river city.
The historic ships from the collection of the MAS (Museum aan de Stroom) have been leaving the docks of the Scheldt and have found a new home there to be treasured and lovingly maintained. With the new operation carried out by Samoco (Sarens) the iconic barge Céphée has been relocated too and will soon be exhibited together with the other boats in the area.
Samoco is part of the Sarens Group, which means they rely on the equipment, knowledge and financial strength of one of the leading heavy lifting companies worldwide, known as the world leader in heavy lifting, engineered transports and crane rental services. The team proposed a technical solution for the project that was conducted in two phases.
The first part included engineering, construction, and installation of a supporting steel frame around the barge and a wooden frame inside the barge. The steel and wooden frames were ordered, assembled, and installed around the barge measured 40m x 5,8m x 4m and weighed 90T including the 40T steel structure around it.
The second part was engineering and jacking of the barge with SCJ50, transporting with 12 axle-lines of K25 SPMT underneath, jacking at the new location and moving the barge into a new building with wheelsets at the Droogdokkensite, a few kilometres further.
Before transporting the barge, the team had to make many preparations such as dismantling a concrete wall, the removal of a protected fencing, the street furniture management, the removal of front of warehouse, the installation of steel plates, the application for transport licence, the closing of the road and the disconnecting of the tramlines.
With everything meticulously planned the barge was moved to its final destination by the SPMTs during the night. The barge was then positioned in front of the building and lowered on the jacking system. The SPMTs were removed and the barge was lowered onto the wheelsets. Next the barge was pushed inside the building and lowered onto the concrete ground floor.
Now, thanks to Samoco and Sarens, the Céphée barge will soon be restored and exhibited for the enjoyment of all Antwerp's inhabitants.
About Sarens
Sarens is the global leader and reference in crane rental, heavy lift and engineered transportation services. With state-of-the-art equipment, value engineering, one of the world's largest inventories of cranes, transporters and special rigging equipment, Sarens offers creative and intelligent solutions to today's heavy lifting and engineering transport challenges.
With more than 100 entities in 66 countries operating without borders, Sarens is an ideal partner for small to large-scale projects. Sarens currently employs 5,000 highly qualified professionals who are ready to serve the needs of any client worldwide and in all market sectors. https://www.sarens.com/