Crane barge hire plays a vital role in many waterfront and offshore projects, offering a flexible, cost-effective solution for lifting and transport on water.
Whether you’re constructing marine infrastructure, relocating oversized equipment, or supporting piling and salvage operations, crane barges provide safe and stable lifting platforms where land-based alternatives won’t do.
What Is a Crane Barge?
A crane barge is a floating platform fitted with a lifting crane, either fixed or mobile, used to manoeuvre heavy loads on or over water.
These vessels are commonly used in harbours, rivers, and offshore locations where infrastructure works require heavy lifting, positioning, or material handling that would otherwise be impossible or unsafe from land.
Key Use Cases
Crane barge hire is essential for a variety of marine construction and civil works. It is frequently used in wharf and jetty construction, where heavy materials must be precisely positioned from the water.
During piling operations, crane barges offer the stability and reach required to handle long, heavy steel or concrete piles. Crane barge hire is also widely applied in lifting caissons, placing fenders, and supporting other structural installations critical to waterfront developments.
Beyond construction, crane barge hire plays a central role in dredging projects by helping to handle and position heavy materials. It is also invaluable in marine salvage and recovery, where submerged vessels or equipment must be lifted safely to the surface. Offshore, crane barge hire supports wind farm development and other complex installations that demand reliable lifting capacity in dynamic marine environments.
Why Hire a Crane Barge?
Opting for crane barge hire gives project managers flexibility and control without the capital cost of owning specialised marine equipment.
You can select from a range of crane capacities and deck sizes to suit your project’s lifting and access needs. Hire packages often include experienced crew, vessel delivery, and compliance with maritime safety regulations, streamlining the entire mobilisation process.
With this service, your business can also to adapt to site-specific challenges, whether operating in tight harbours or exposed offshore locations. The ability to scale your floating equipment to match the job ensures both cost-efficiency and operational safety.
Safety and Compliance
At Polaris Marine Group, safety is fundamental to every crane barge hire. All of our crane barges are maintained to the highest standard and operate in accordance with national maritime regulations. Every lifting operation is supported by certified gear, stability documentation, and highly trained crew with real-world experience across complex marine projects.
We conduct thorough risk assessments before mobilisation and provide detailed lift plans tailored to site conditions. Whether the project involves offshore work or a tight inner-harbour location, our safety systems and operational protocols ensure the job is delivered with precision and peace of mind.
Partner With Polaris Marine Group
When you engage Polaris Marine Group for crane barge hire, you’re backed by one of Australia’s most experienced marine construction and logistics teams. We don’t just supply the barge, we plan and deliver the entire lifting operation, drawing on decades of experience across marine infrastructure, piling, salvage, and offshore works.
Our team works closely with project engineers, marine planners, and construction managers to ensure every crane barge hire is fit-for-purpose and fully integrated into the broader project delivery. From Sydney Harbour to remote coastal sites, Polaris Marine Group delivers reliable, efficient solutions that help get the job done on time.
Speak To Us Today
If your next project requires a crane barge, Polaris Marine Group is ready to support you.
Get in touch with our team to discuss hire options and timelines. We’ll help ensure your marine build has the foundation it needs to succeed.
