In 2007, engineers chose Sandwich Plate System (SPS) to strengthen the Labroy 237 barge’s steel deck because of its exceptional impact resistance. Prior to this, traditional steel decking had failed to distribute the heavy point loads from the giant rock transporters.

Arab Heavy Industries Shipyard in Ajman carried out the deck strengthening work, marking the first SPS project completed at a Middle Eastern facility.

In just eight days, the existing deck of the barge was blasted and cleaned by Keppel Engineers before new 25 mm backing bars and a new 25 mm steel plate were welded in place. The resulting 25 mm airtight cavity was then injected with the elastomer core. Notably, apart from blasting and cleaning, no interference with the barge structure or underdeck services was required. Moreover, the advantages of the SPS system extended beyond this. By using SPS to strengthen the deck, the deck:

• withstood the intense point loads imposed by earth-moving plant, where conventional stiffened steel structures remained vulnerable
• provided a consistent, flat deck surface, eliminating weak points associated with traditional repairs
• had significantly improved durability under heavy operational use.

Repairs were completed quickly, minimising downtime and shortening repair schedules. Sandwich Plate System enabled rapid return to service with minimal interruption to operations.