In service with the UK Armed Forces
Aqua-docks’ modular, durable and lightweight construction provides a long-lasting, cost effective solution for platforms or pontoons in the harshest of environments. Easily assembled with basic tools, the Aqua-dock pontoon system can be constructed in virtually limitless ways for the most demanding projects with limited facilities in restricted access locations and being modular, replacement of single items or redesigns are expedited in short time. Cargo can be efficiently offloaded from Sealift or commercial vessels in areas without the benefit of fixed port facilities or the pontoons can be used to hold supplies or manpower for forward distribution or storage no matter what the sea condition. After use the Aqua-dock system can be quickly taken apart and loaded onto transport to the next location.
A few videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDSIOA_WtHU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmTX5MKF3BI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCwpCf_IqXE
Read more
Yet again, more clever stuff from UK industry
I can come up with several practical uses for this, obviously disaster response/humanitarian crisis (river crossing) comes to mind besides expeditionary ops (establishing ports or storing supplies afloat when piers are clogged up).
I really like that you can form/shape the modular pontoon to adapt to the situation; helps with (air) transport too.
Nifty idea.
Another supplier of similar products did a trial with an Austrian SK105
http://www.pontoonworks.co.uk/marine/mod
For light loads 20t< it seems practical but for anything heavier seems to require just as much (if not more) logistics as current bridging/MEXE systems.
If it was inflatable on the other hand ;-)
http://www.readydock.com/embarcadero_balsasmotor_es.html