Start with the task
Tell us what must be moved, reached, lifted, supported or protected and where the work is taking place.
Discuss a project ↗Workboat hire
The right boat.
For the job around it.
WHH provides operated workboats and floating plant for construction, logistics, maintenance, utilities, surveys and specialist work on canals and navigable rivers across the UK.
Workboat & floating plant hire
More than a hire item.
A workable marine package.
WHH has more than 70 vessels ranging from compact tugs and motor workboats to crane and HIAB barges, hoppers, pontoons and specialist craft.
We normally provide workboats as part of an operated marine solution. That means the vessel, crew, mobilisation and supporting plant are considered together around the site, programme and waterway constraints.
If you already know the craft you need, we can discuss availability and configuration. If you do not, tell us the outcome and we will help identify the practical combination.
The working fleet
Different craft.
One operating package.
From compact tugs and powered workboats to hoppers, crane barges and specialist support craft, the fleet is configured around the work rather than a standard hire item.
Operated hire
Craft, crew and support
around the workface.
Workboats are often most useful when they form part of a wider floating worksite. A tug may move hoppers, position pontoons or support a crane barge; a compact workboat may carry crew and equipment along a linear towpath project; specialist craft can provide access, survey or safety support.
Our job is to make those interfaces work together rather than leave the project to coordinate separate hire items.
Workboats · tugs · pontoons · hoppers · crane barges · specialist craft
How we approach hire
Specify the requirement.
Then select the vessel.
Waterway dimensions, draught, headroom, route, load and workface often matter as much as the boat itself.
Match the craft
Select from compact workboats, tugs, hoppers, pontoons, crane barges and specialist floating plant according to waterway and site constraints.
Plan mobilisation
Consider route, dimensions, launch or loading point, navigation, crew access and how the craft fits the wider programme.
Operate as one package
Provide maintained craft and experienced crews, with supporting vessels and plant configured around the operation rather than hired in isolation.
Typical applications
Workboats for real
project constraints.
- Canal and riverside construction support↗
- Towpath and utility works↗
- Materials, plant and spoil movement↗
- Bridge, rail and structural access↗
- Survey and inspection platforms↗
- Dredging and waterway maintenance↗
- Safety and specialist support↗
Need a workboat?
Tell us where, when and what it must achieve.
Send us the location, programme, load or task and any known waterway constraints. We can help identify the most practical craft and operating arrangement.
Discuss workboat hire ↗