Marine security barriers BARRACUDA

BARRACUDA marine security barriers can be used for:

• Ports and harbour facilities
• Shipyards and shipbuilding facilities
• Oil and gas terminals
• LNG facilities
• Naval and military installations
• Nuclear and hydropower facilities
• Bridges and waterfront infrastructure
• Coastal security zones
• Restricted navigation areas
• Critical maritime infrastructure

The modular system can be configured to create both short protective sections and extended floating security perimeters.

1. The main structural element of the BARRACUDA barrier is a robust steel frame manufactured from heavy-duty H-sections.
2. The frame provides high rigidity and resistance to loads generated by waves, currents, wind and operational movement.
3. Critical structural areas are reinforced where required to improve load distribution and increase the overall stability of the barrier.
4. A central steel beam provides additional structural strength and helps distribute tensile, bending and torsional loads along each barrier section.

1. The structural elements and floats are connected using high-strength bolted joints.
2. Corrosion-resistant stainless-steel fasteners are used to provide reliable long-term performance in marine environments.
3. The bolted construction also simplifies inspection, maintenance and replacement of individual components if required.

Each BARRACUDA module is supported by two polyethylene floats positioned on both sides of the steel frame.

This configuration provides:

• Stable buoyancy
• Improved lateral stability
• Balanced load distribution
• Increased resistance to wave action
• Protection of the central structural frame

The floats are manufactured from thick-walled, impact-resistant polyethylene suitable for long-term outdoor and marine applications.

The internal volume of each float is filled with low-water-absorption polyurethane foam.

This provides additional reserve buoyancy and helps the float maintain its flotation capability even if the external polyethylene shell is locally damaged.

The polyethylene material is UV-stabilised and selected for a combination of rigidity, impact resistance and long service life in demanding environmental conditions.

Internal steel reinforcement is incorporated into the float connection areas.

The reinforcement helps distribute loads where the floats are attached to the main frame and reduces concentrated stresses caused by wave-induced horizontal and vertical movement.

This design increases the durability of both the float attachments and the overall barrier structure.

BARRACUDA is based on interchangeable modular sections.

This provides several operational advantages:

• Barrier length can be adapted to the protected area
• Individual modules can be replaced without dismantling the entire system
• Damaged components can be repaired separately
• Barrier configuration can be modified when site requirements change
• Transportation and installation can be organised section by section

The modular concept also allows the system to follow the movement of the water while maintaining continuity of the protected perimeter.

The BARRACUDA system creates a substantial physical obstacle intended to restrict unauthorised access by small vessels, unmanned surface craft and other floating threats.

The reinforced steel frame and floating elements work together to provide a strong visible and physical security boundary around the protected water area.

The required protection level can be increased by integrating additional security components according to the specific project.

Depending on the required security level, BARRACUDA can be equipped with:

• Above-water security fencing
• Anti-climbing elements
• Underwater anti-swim nets
• Underwater security nets
• Anti-drone protection systems
• Navigation and warning lights
• Intrusion detection equipment
• Manual or customised access gates
• Mooring chains and connection systems
• Custom anchoring solutions

Different configurations can be developed depending on the type of threat, operational requirements and characteristics of the protected facility.

Every marine facility has different water depths, tidal conditions, currents and existing infrastructure.

The BARRACUDA system can therefore be connected to:

• Mooring dolphins
• Piles
• Quay structures
• Concrete anchor blocks
• Shore-based fixing points
• Dedicated seabed anchoring systems

The appropriate configuration is selected according to the site conditions and expected environmental loads.

ECONAD provides project-specific engineering for BARRACUDA floating security barrier installations.

When developing the system, our engineers can take into consideration:

• Total protection length
• Water depth
• Wave conditions
• Current velocity
• Tidal variation
• Wind conditions
• Existing piles and dolphins
• Vessel traffic
• Required security level
• Gate requirements
• Above-water protection
• Underwater protection
• Mooring and anchoring conditions

Based on this information, the barrier layout, module configuration, connection system and mooring arrangement can be adapted to the project.

• Heavy-Duty Construction: A reinforced steel frame provides high structural strength for demanding marine security applications.
• Stable Buoyancy: Two foam-filled polyethylene floats provide reliable flotation and lateral stability.
• Modular Configuration: Individual interchangeable sections simplify installation, maintenance and replacement.
• Marine-Grade Components: Materials and fasteners are selected for long-term operation in marine environments.
• Multiple Protection Levels: The system can incorporate fencing, underwater nets, gates and additional security equipment.
• Custom Engineering: Each installation can be configured according to the actual environmental conditions and security requirements of the protected facility.