Belgian investment on the Thames

A unique self-powered work barge and sister vessel have gone into service on the River Thames. Launched in a partnership between Southwark based operator Livett’s Group and Belgian owner Herbosch-Kiere, the ‘Scheldemond I & II’ are set to provide a significant efficiency boost for central London civil engineering contractors.

The launch event was billed ‘Better by Water’, and marked the availability of Livett’s Group’s new vessels whilst focusing on the benefits to the city of using the Thames for commercial projects and transport.

The Scheldemond I & II are available for hire for engineering and construction projects on the river but can also carry large loads to support commercial logistics. Together they provide an alternate means to transport goods and vehicles in London that will keep even more HGVs off the streets, helping to lower carbon emissions in the city. This will significantly improve safety and air quality for cyclists and pedestrians and in particular the local communities around riverside construction sites.

The 32.5 metre self-propelled Scheldemond I is the primary vessel of the pair. It connects to the Scheldemond II barge to create a uniquely shaped 54 metre long, 7 metre wide transport and work platform that can operate under its own power, unlike most work barges on the Thames which require a tug to move them. This makes Livett’s Group’s new vessel a highly flexible tool for on water and river bank engineering and construction projects. Additionally, Scheldemond I & II will be used for a wide variety of applications ranging from diving, surveys and bridge inspections to film production and events.

The design of Scheldemond I is state-of-the-art in the world of inland waterways barges. As a self-powered vessel, it features an innovative hydraulic wheelhouse which moves up and down, so that it may pass under low bridges, ensuring it can operate anywhere on the Thames. Uniquely, a high capacity 10 tonne crane is mounted on a track that runs across Scheldemond I & II, providing levels of flexibility for vehicle and goods lifting unheard of on the Thames before. Scheldemond I is also the only self-powered work platform on the Thames with hydraulic self-operating spud legs.

Guy Brown, Managing Director of Herbosch-Kiere Marine Contractors said: “Recognising the need for suitable marine assets to be made available on the Thames for imminent capital works, Herbosch-Kiere are delighted to collaborate with Livett’s Group, an important and respected provider on the Thames, and duly look forward to introducing further key marine partners and assets to significantly enhance the marine supply chain necessary for the delivery of the planned works.”