Pontoon applications
LinkfloteTM pontoons can be easily formatted for use as marine work platforms, ferries, barges, causeways, floating and swing bridges, access ramps and landing stages. LinkfloteTM units can also be used with panel bridges and a range of standard accessories to suit a wide variety of applications, including floating roads with our bespoke road deck units.
Linkflote applications
Rafts and platforms:
LinkfloteTM pontoons can be easily configured to meet the most varied of needs. Whatever the application, units can be assembled to provide an effective and economical solution. For example, a simple square or H shape configuration should be appropriate when producing a crane platform for all round cranage. For pile driving or dredging applications, a U shape may be more appropriate. Other applications may require a hollow square or rectangle configuration. Irrespective of configuration, all rafts and platforms are constructed using the basic LinkfloteTM unit, which ensures complete stability. Buoyancy checks are kept as simple as possible to allow the most suitable configuration of platform or raft to be easily and quickly selected.
Ferries and barges:
LinkfloteTM shore loading ferries can be independently powered with propulsion units, or towed using either underwater or overhead wire rope and shore-based winches. Ship to shore and offloading ferries can be constructed with ramps at the bow end and propulsion units at the stern. VolkerMarine Services maintains a hire fleet of workboats and winches that can be used for the movement of ferries and barges.
Landing stages and causeways:
With the simple addition of decking, mooring bollards and ramps, a wide range of landing stages and causeways can be formed using LinkfloteTM units. LinkfloteTM landing stages can be constructed in any size or shape to suit customer requirements. Where heavy loads are placed on a long landing stage it may be necessary to fit articulating connections to reduce bending stresses. By fitting ramps at each end of the pontoon’s landing stages and causeways, vehicles can drive straight across without difficulty. Depending on customer requirements, steel or timber decking/mats may be used, to spread loads.
Linkflote specification
Our standard paint system is a two-component, polyamine cured glass flake epoxy paint. Specifically designed as an abrasive and impact resistant coating, the system has a dry film thickness of 250µm and the surface is prepared to an SA2.5 standard. Other paint specifications, to meet customer requirements, are available upon request.
Each LinkfloteTM has two watertight bulkheads, which divide the units into three equal compartments for safety and to allow ballasting and/or trimming. The bulkheads also serve to significantly increase the rigidity of the LinkfloteTM unit. Access to each compartment is via a watertight hatch in the LinkfloteTM deck.
Strong sledge-type runners, fitted to the base of the LinkfloteTM, assist with skidding the units on shore and lifting points are provided, as an integral part of each unit, to facilitate handling by crane.
The standard LinkfloteTM is constructed with steel gunwales, standing 80mm proud of the deck plates, and which facilitate the fitting of a removable timber deck, hand railing, winches, saddles and bollards. The deck of the standard unit is constructed from 5mm steel plates. Chequer plate or reinforced steel decks can be provided to meet specific customer requirements.