PLATFORM TRANSPORT 
There are two basic modes of transport for CONUS-fabricated elements: 
(1) transported as cargo or (2) assembled into sections and transported 
on the surface by tow or self-propulsion. Some facets of these transport 
modes are discussed in this section. 
Elements Transported as Cargo 
If prefabricated elements are to be transported to the assembly 
site, the limitations on cargo dimensions imposed by the sizes of hatches, 
holds, etc., suggest means other than standard cargo ships. Ocean-going 
barges and some of the Navy's unusual supply ships offer deck and hold 
space considerably larger than standard cargo vessels. Table 5.6 presents 
some data on the maximum practical dimensions of items which can be 
carried in a selected group of vessels. [It can be seen that the maximum 
permissible dimensions of a load, coupled with handling at the remote 
site, make it highly impractical to transport many of the large pre- 
fabricated elements. The only attractive alternative appears to be the 
surface transport. 
Table 5.6. Dimensions for Large Loads. 
Vessel Length Width 
(f£t) (£t) 
McDermott #16 (barge) 400 100 
McDermott #11 (barge) 300 90 
AFDB Drydock 2D) 80 
LSD 2 250 45 
INAGAUA (LST) 180 50 
Surface Transport - Towing 
It is assumed that the smallest unit to be transported will be a 
section at least 300 feet by 300 feet. As reported later in the text, 
two conditions for tow were investigated, (1) fully-assembled sections 
“For modules fabricated at a remote site standard cargo ships can be 
used to transport any needed raw materials. Not only are these vessels 
well-suited for transporting cement, aggregates, and similar materials, 
they are also available in large numbers at virtually any time. Since 
there may be no permanent port facilities at the site of operations, 
means for establishing temporary port facilities will require investi- 
gating. 
