Former ‘Google Barge’ Sold
After concluding two 3,500HP tug sales on December 30, Marcon International Inc. has started 2015 with three ocean barge sales, and hopes to report on several additional sales before the end of this month. Five 4,500-6,000HP tugs, one 5,150BHP AHTS and two 3,200 – 5,500dwt 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’ x 72’ x 16’ ocean deck barge was built in 2010 by C & C Marine & Repair of Belle Chasse, Louisiana 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 abt. 5,107 long tons on a 12.58’ draft and has a 9/16” plate deck with a uniform deck load of 5,000PSF. The ½” 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 25,658dwt 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.