Bearing Spud

A bearing spud barge is a specialized type of barge used primarily in marine construction and maintenance projects. It is equipped with vertical steel shafts, known as spuds, which are driven into the seabed actively by hydraulic force to anchor the barge securely in place. This anchoring system provides a stable and stationary platform, essential for operations that require precision and stability, such as crane work, pile driving, and dredging. The spuds are typically operated using a hydraulic powerpack, which raises and lowers the spuds through the deck of the barge. When the barge reaches the desired location, the spuds are lowered into the seabed, effectively “pinning” the barge in place, with an active downforce by the hydraulic powerpack to enforce location and pinning. This process ensures that the barge remains stationary and stable during swinging with crane loads on board, even in challenging conditions such as strong currents or waves. The spuds can be raised when the barge needs to be moved, allowing for easy repositioning to new work sites.