Employed in the oil and gas industry for 60 years, simple and sturdy swamp and posted drilling barges have been a preferred method to drill in shallow water. This basic design has made it possible for the barge to drill in water depths from six through 24 ft., as well as the ability to be towed and to travel the Intercoastal waterway, lakes, bays and bayous. With the average drilling depth in the northern Gulf of Mexico ranging between 12,000 and 18,000 ft. in shallow water depths, the standard drilling equipment was designed to accommodate drilling depths to 25,000 feet. The new proposed drilling depth is 40,000 ft., which far exceeds the design of standard swamp and posted drilling barges. However, there is a solution. The Super Barge, patented by Herman J.
