The following is the text of a news release from Marcon International:
(COUPEVILLE, Wash.) — After concluding two 3,500 hp tug sales on Dec. 30, Marcon International Inc. is pleased to start off the new year already with the following three ocean barge sales. We hope to report on several additional sales before the end of the month. Five 4,500-6,000 hp tugs, one 5,150 bhp AHTS and two 3,200-5,500 dwt ocean barges continue to be fixed on previously arranged long-term charters.
The most recent transaction is the purchase by private U.S. West Coast buyers of the former Google barge JMC 262 (ex-BAL0001, CIB 721) from Cashman Equipment Corp.
The 260-by-72-by-16-foot ocean deck barge was built in 2010 by C&C Marine & Repair of Belle Chasse, La., and best known as one of the four proposed four-story “mystery” barges owned by By and Large LLC, a company affiliated with Google. The barges were reportedly being outfitted as floating “studios” and “temporary technology exhibit spaces” providing an interactive experience where people could learn about the tech company’s newest technology and products. After various questions arose regarding building permits and U.S. Coast Guard safety concerns, the project was put on hold and conversion halted.
The double-raked, ABS +A1 ocean deck barge can carry about 5,107 long tons on a 12.58-foot draft and has a 9/16-inch plate deck with a uniform deck load of 5,000 PSF. The 1⁄2-inch plate hull is divided by six transverse watertight, two longitudinal watertight and one centerline mid-body non-watertight bulkheads forming 15 epoxy coated watertight compartments.
Marcon International acted as sole broker in the sale. In 2014, Marcon brokered six ocean and inland deck barges totaling 25,658 dwt capacity. Over the past 34 years Marcon International has sold or chartered a 216 ocean and inland deck barges with an aggregate deadweight capacity of over 1 million tons.
