I was about to put up a different post–that’ll be for tomorrow–when Jonathan Steinman sent along these photos. As I post this, tug Challenger is eastbound on the East River, approaching Hell Gate. The question on Jonathan’s mind, as well as mine and maybe yours . . . what is that assemblage balanced on the barge?
For outatowners, this photo is taken from the east side of Manhattan, looking over Roosevelt Island in the direction of Queens. The red-white chimneys are part of the Ravenswood #3 Generating Station aka Big Allis. And against the sky to the far right, you can see the tops of the towers of the Queensboro Bridge, aka the groovy 59th Street Bridge.
It looks somewhat like a floating dry dock door, but I’m inclined to guess that it’s a vessel component.
Here are some previous quite unique photos sent along by Jonathan. Jonathan . . . thanks much.
And here was Whatzit 24.
tugster: a waterblog 
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February 23, 2015 at 4:34 pm
walt
It’s A gate for a giant gate valve, or a sluice gate?
February 23, 2015 at 5:41 pm
xtian
Yep it’s a dry dock door – the one needed to float to be opened
February 24, 2015 at 5:11 am
tugster
as of 0430, challenger was off Greenport and shown as headed for Boston. maybe someone in Boston knows where in Boston it’s destined . .
February 24, 2015 at 6:06 am
Anonymous
Yes it is a casion or gate for a graving dry dock. If headed to Boston most likely going to the navy yard.
February 24, 2015 at 6:12 am
N. S. Martello
Will I went down to my boat and tried to communicate with tug. The capt told me he was heading to Boston then my radio died. Sal Martello
Sent from my personal communicator.
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February 24, 2015 at 7:37 am
Einar
Hope he’s going on the wire so the deckhand doesn’t have to stand on the bow of the barge the entire trip.