Vessels whose primary function is to assist other ships or floating structures to enable them to perform movements that they cannot do on their own are called Boom Boats. Incidentally, and according to their equipment, they can perform operations and undergo extreme exhaustion in the water. These boats are not considered a relatively recent thing. In fact, boom boats have been used on riverways to transport huge logs for decades.
It was not until the late nineteenth century that the first steel booms were built. These were equipped with a boiler, steam engine, and propeller. This type of boat existed almost until 1940 until manufacturers decided to replace the steam engine with a diesel engine, which provides higher power in a reduced volume. Since World War II, the tonnage has increased significantly as many can pull 500,000 tons or more.
Boon Boats are, above all, an extremely powerful boat with respect to its size. They are intended to assist maneuvers for input and output ports, but also for docking and moving heavy objects. These are by far the most numerous boats sold and their power is from 150 to 4,000 horsepower. They are characterized by their traction to a fixed point, which can consist of 45 tons or less.Some are equipped with fire extinguishing systems (water and foam), especially if they operate in ports that receive oil. Many booms have a pulling power that exceeds 20,000 horses. Boats like this are designed to move large ships, which are deprived of their means of propulsion. They can pull their cargo from port to port or even from continent to continent. They are also intended to perform offshore rescue operations for vessels having undergone machine damage, hull damage as a result of a collision, fire, etc.
Boom boats are well equipped with winches, which are for larger or crew boats. The smaller, more agile boats are specially designed to support offshore drilling platforms. Their role is to ensure the movement of these vehicles, to supply them with fresh water, fuel, building materials, drilling pipes, personnel, supplies, etc. For more information, visit us or contact Munson by phone. You can also visit them on YouTube for more information.