Google is letting go of one of its mysterious barges docked in Portland, Maine, by selling the containers used in the building as scrap metal.
If you kept wondering what Google was building inside that mysterious barge docked in Portland, Maine, be prepared for disappointment. Google has decided to sell the multi-million dollar worth floating barge. Google's floating center, which was destined for a greater future, is nearing a less fortunate end. The barge is preparing an ocean trip to an undisclosed location while the structure atop is headed for the scrap heap.
According to a report by Mercury News, Google confirmed the sale of the barge in Maine after Portland media reported the move citing local officials. "We can confirm that the barge has been sold," Google said.
The sale of the barge in Maine does not put an end to Google's plan for a floating interactive space for new technology. The internet search giant has another barge docked at the Port of Stockton, California, the fate of which remains unknown.
Google's plans for the barges included live demonstration of Google Glass among other Google X technology to a select audience. The reason for shutting down its barges is unknown but reports hint to the patent issues. Google was expected to finally take the mysterious curtains off the barges in November.
With barge number one being scrapped by Google, the report added that the floating platform at the Port of Stockton just sits there like it did the day it arrived," according to Richard Aschieris, Stockton port executive director. Aschieris confirmed in March that Google agreed to pay about $10,000 per month for docking its 200-foot long watercraft. Before that, the barge was housed in San Francisco where BCDC ordered Google to expedite its work or shift elsewhere.
The floating barge in Portland, registration number "BAL 0011" used 63 shipping containers to create a four-story building. The structure was assembled by C&C Marine in New London and the estimated value of the barge is $4 million, reports Portland Press Herald. Google's By and Large LLC paid $400,000 docking fees to the City of Portland since October. The containers will be dismantled at Turner's Island and scrapped before the barge sets sail to its new location.
