Northstar Marine expands salvage, heavy lift capacity

Northstar Marine is expected to expand its fleet providing salvage and marine construction support along the US East Coast when a newbuild heavy lift barge is delivered by September 2026.

The Clermont, New Jersey-headquartered owner is building a heavy lift, twin-boom derrick barge capable of lifts up to 600 tonnes to begin work in Q4 2026.

Northstar 600 will be equipped with a self-elevating spud system and a four-point mooring spread.

This ABS-classed, 82-m barge will operate in all major ports and areas from Maine to Virginia and will be available for heavy lift, salvage, offshore support and marine construction work, said Northstar.

The US company said the twin boom derrick configuration provides the primary lift capacity, while the deck space on the opposing end enables a crawler crane to be staged on board for pre-rigging, load handling and support operations.

“We see strong demand across the heavy lift and salvage markets,” said Northstar Marine chief executive Phil Risko.

“Northstar 600 enables us to pursue work we could not compete for previously.”

Northstar operates a diverse fleet that includes offshore support vessels, tugboats, liftboats, barges and salvage equipment operating across the US East Coast.