Floating plant

This chapter explores the range of equipment types available when it is necessary to go afloat. It highlights the importance of good planning, in terms of both using the plant and in ensuring the vessel can actually be used at the location. This chapter gives advice on the necessary calculations and checks that need to be undertaken for a given scenario, and stresses the importance of these checks being carried out by an engineer or naval architect who has both technical competence and practical experience.

There are many situations in the field of construction where conventional plant cannot be used, and to undertake works the contractor may need to go afloat. This would typically be for works being undertaken either at the edge of a watercourse or actually in it.