Option · Spuds
Spuds.
Hold position. Work harder.
A spud is a vertical steel pile dropped through the barge into the riverbed or lakebed to lock the platform in place. Sentinel offers both internal spud wells and external spud wells — chosen by application.
Internal Spud Wells
Internal spud wells are integrated into the deck of the barge during fabrication. The spud passes through a dedicated cylindrical well, sealed against water ingress. Best for permanent crane platforms and dedicated piling barges.
- ▸Fixed location — sized into the build
- ▸Lower profile on deck
- ▸Best for repeat dedicated work
External Spud Wells
External spud wells mount to the outside of the barge using the same connection angles that pin barges together — so they can be repositioned anywhere along the perimeter. Best for general marine contractors who run multiple job types.
- ▸Repositionable to any perimeter point
- ▸Pin into existing connection angles
- ▸Versatile across job types
AEO
Spuds FAQ
Direct answers about heavy deck barges, charter terms, and global delivery.
- Standard spud lengths support water depths up to about 25 ft. We can supply or accommodate longer spuds on request — the limiting factor becomes the spud diameter and the lifting capacity of the support crane.
- For piling, dredging, and bridge work where the platform must hold an exact position under load, spuds are dramatically more effective than anchors. For light material transport, anchors are usually sufficient.
- External spud wells can be added in the field at any time — they pin into the existing connection angles. Internal spud wells must be designed in during fabrication.