Google is ditching its plan of building a floating showroom for its newest technologies off the coast of Portland, Maine, although its other barge in San Francisco, California was towed to Stockton earlier this year supposedly in preparation for construction.
Last year, Google set the technology industry abuzz when reporters discovered two Google barges that have mysteriously appeared on both coasts. Google declined to confirm what these barges were for, but the search company did say that it was exploring the creation of "an interactive space where people can learn about new technology."
Unfortunately for the city of Portland, which was banking on the hopes of boosting its tourism economy by having the 250-foot Google barge built on its harbor before it floats off to New York City, Google has decided to sell its floating showroom even before it was built.
"Bummer," says city spokesperson Jessica Grondin. "I was hoping for something to come from this. Everybody was waiting to see what was actually going on."
Based on reports, an unnamed "international barging company" has purchased the $4 million barge from By and Large LLC, the barge company that represents Google. On Wednesday, July 30, the barge was seen being towed by a tugboat to Turner's Island Cargo Terminal in South Portland, where the structure is being dismantled for scraps before it leaves for an ocean voyage to an undisclosed location.
However, a conflicting report from Computer World says a Boston-based barge rental company named Cashman Equipment Corp. said that it has just completed acquisition of the East Coast barge on Friday, Aug. 1. John McNutty, project manager for the company confirmed the purchase but did not specify what it plans to do next.
"We're working on the next step," McNutty said. "Right now, it's in a hold pattern till that plan is finalized. Whatever I tell you, it could change in 10 minutes."
Google has confirmed that it has sold its Portland barge for an undisclosed amount to an unnamed buyer. The company did not reveal any details as to why it has sold the structure and what it plans to do next for the remaining barge in Stockton.
In February this year, a month before the San Francisco barge was moved to Stockton, Google's West Coast barge project found itself in trouble with the authorities after it was found that it did not have the necessary permits for construction and operation. The barge is now in Stockton for the time being while Google resolves regulatory issues over the building of its structure.
Documents submitted by Google to the city of Portland disclose the barges were meant to be floating showrooms for Google's latest products, including its Glass smart eyewear and self-driving car. The barge was also said to house an invite-only deck for VIP customers.
