Being able to park a van and trailer right next to the water, offload directly, and bolt the pontoon together in place is always the dream. Unfortunately, it’s rarely the reality! That doesn’t stop us at Floating Pontoon Hire (FPH), as a recent project for bridge repairs near Walsall proves.
Overcoming Limited Access
With no direct access for unloading or moving equipment down to the water at the bridge, we needed an alternative solution. This is where the flexibility of our modular pontoon system came into its own. We identified a Canal & Rivers Trust facility approximately 1km down the canal, which provided the perfect launch point for the pontoon.
A Floating Journey to the Worksite
Our installation crew launched the pontoon onto the water, loading all the equipment required for the job and fitting an outboard motor. From there, they set off on what could only be described as their own “pontoon narrowboat adventure,” navigating the 1km journey along the canal to the bridge repair site.
Assembly and Installation
On arrival, the pontoon was configured into the exact size and layout needed to meet the client’s requirements. Once securely in place, the crew dismantled a smaller section of the spare pontoon, used it as a return vessel, and headed back up the canal to load up the vehicles and return to base.
Flexible Solutions for Complex Sites
This job highlights how our modular pontoons can overcome even the most challenging site restrictions. Whether we’re floating down canals or working in tight spaces, our team ensures clients get the access they need—no matter how creative the solution must be.
