Case Study: Armoda’s Single-Lift Fiberglass Accommodations Package
Location: Inland Waters, Gulf of Mexico
Offshore Vessel: Barge
Operations: Dredging

Project Overview

Armoda has completed the engineering, delivery, and installation of a single-lift fiberglass accommodation package to support a barge operating in the inland waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The package will become a permanent addition to the barge, providing living, dining, and recreational quarters.

The Challenge

The customer’s goal was to expand the POB (person on board) capacity of one of their barges. The project called for adding sleeping quarters, galley, dining, laundry, and office space. The package needed to fit within a limited work envelope on the barge's deck.

Armoda’s Custom Solution: Single-Lift Fiberglass Accommodations Package

Armoda’s operations and engineers designed and proposed a solution that provides the required additional living quarters in a one-story single lift package. Since the barge operates in inland waters, fiberglass construction was a suitable and efficient choice.

Inside the Single-Lift Fiberglass Accommodations Package

The package consists of a one-story single lift fiberglass accommodation package, 36 ft x 32 ft x 12 ft that includes:

Galley & Diner (24’ x 13’)

The galley and diner were designed for functionality and comfort, providing ample space for meal prep, dining, and relaxation. Key features include:

• Commercial 30” range with 4-burner cooktop and exhaust hood
• 36” refrigerator
• 36” freezer
• 3-compartment stainless steel sink
• Food prep counters in galley area
• Seating for 12 across 2 tables in the dining area
• Counter space for a coffee machine and under-counter ice machine
• Wall-mounted TV for break and mealtimes 
• Additional sound-dampening in walls to minimize noise spillover. 
• Exterior entry/exit door 

Office (8’ x 10’)

The office space was built to support daily operations with practical workspace and convenient access to adjacent areas. It includes four file cabinets and an “L” shaped desk. The office has its own door to the exterior and two interior doors, one leading to the galley and dining area and one leading to a bathroom for one of the sleeping quarters. 

Sleeping Quarters and Bathrooms (10’ x 18’)

Each sleeping quarter was designed to comfortably accommodate four personnel, with integrated bathrooms for added privacy and convenience. The layout prioritizes both accessibility and efficient use of space and includes:

• Three 4-person sleeping cabins, each with a private bathroom
• Two sets of bunkbeds within each sleeping cabin
• Four private storage cabinets in each sleeping cabin
• Exterior entry/exit doors to the deck from each sleeping cabin
• Interior doors to each private bathroom
• Each bathroom contains a sink, shower, and toilet
• Two private cabins feature a second interior door opening to a hallway/laundry area located between them. 
• The other cabin’s bathroom has an internal door that connects to the office. 

Hallway / Laundry (18’ x 4’)

The hallway connecting two of the cabins also serves as a compact yet efficient laundry area, maximizing functionality within the available footprint. There are two stacked washers and dryers at one end of the hall and a door to the galley at the other end.

Restroom (6’ x 4’)

A half bath with a sink and toilet was also included in the package. This restroom is only accessible from the exterior, providing quick access from the deck of the barge. 

Customer Approval and Manufacturing in New Iberia, LA

Once the customer approved the proposed package, construction began at Armoda’s manufacturing facility in New Iberia, LA. Regular progress updates were provided to the customer on the construction of the package. The manufacturing process proceeded on time, and the construction of the living quarters was complete in eight months. 

Armoda’s New Iberia location offers direct access to the waterway, allowing the customer’s barge to dock at the manufacturing facility. A crane lifted the living quarters and placed them on the deck, where it was tied into the barge’s existing water, sewer, and electrical connections. With the installation complete, the package was ready for occupancy, and the barge took the waterway to the Gulf of Mexico to begin its next job. 

Results and Ongoing Impact

Today, the fiberglass living quarters still provide additional sleeping, office, and storage space to the barge operating in inland waters of the Gulf of Mexico. If you need to expand the living space on your barge or vessel, remember that Armoda delivers fully engineered, single-lift fiberglass modules built to your exact requirements. They are designed for comfort, durability, and rapid deployment. As an industry leader, we have the expertise to provide the right solution for your project’s requirements. Contact us today.