SpaceX successfully tests transport barge for Starship logistics expansion

SpaceX is making strides in its Starship program with the successful testing of a specialized transport barge designed to ferry enormous Starship vehicles from its Starbase facility in Texas to launch sites along Florida’s Space Coast. The barge, identified as the Marmac 31, was confirmed by Kiko Dontchev, SpaceX’s Vice President of Launch, after being spotted by space enthusiast Julia Bergeron.

This development comes after previous speculation and details shared by Dontchev about the company’s shipping strategy, which was laid out in September. Elon Musk had previously discussed plans to transport the Starships by boat, emphasizing that the 237-foot-tall booster would have to be transported in a horizontal position, a method that was initially met with skepticism among enthusiasts.

In a tweet from September 2022, Musk indicated that the first transfers using this method could happen around the second quarter of 2023, with initial shipments taking place from Port of Brownsville to Cape Canaveral. Responding to concerns about the method of transport, Dontchev noted that the Super Heavy booster, along with the Starship upper stage, would indeed need to be tilted during transit. He also mentioned that the aim is to progressively increase the number of vehicles transported in each trip.

Recent updates on December 30, 2025, highlighted the Marmac 31’s role in delivering hardware to Starbase and its subsequent docking at the Beyel Brothers canal lot. Bergeron, a well-known figure tracking SpaceX logistics, quickly jumped in on the observation. Following her tweet, Dontchev confirmed the sighting, stating that while the barge requires some final modifications, the trial run was promising.

The Marmac 31, which measures 260 feet by 72 feet and is usually used for heavy payloads, has undergone adjustments to support transporting the cylindrical structures of the Starship during its journey. Although SpaceX has previously used barges to move various components of the Starship project, this recent trial marks the first dedicated attempt to transport complete vehicles.

Historically, the transportation of rocket stages has been a routine aspect of space programs, dating back to Apollo and later missions. SpaceX’s barge modifications may include features such as a protective enclosure to safeguard the Starship during open-sea transport.

As the company aims for steady launch operations from both its Texas base and Cape Canaveral, establishing a dependable and value for money logistics chain is important. SpaceX is also expanding its infrastructure, with construction underway on new facilities like the Gigabay and a Starfactory on the East Coast, positioning them closer to launch sites.

Significantly, there is speculation about what the new barge will be named, with suggestions that align playfully with the company’s maritime fleet theme. Options include “You’ll Thank Me Later” as a nod to Dontchev’s comments or humorous alternatives like “Size Matters.”

As SpaceX prepares for successive flight tests and targets orbital refueling demonstrations scheduled for 2026, the efficacy of its logistics will be vital for maintaining momentum. The successful trial of the transport barge is a notable step toward realizing the operational ambitions of the Starship project. An intriguing question remains regarding which vehicle will be the first to make the sea voyage—potential candidates include the upcoming Booster 21 or 22, or even Booster 12, with final decisions expected after the upcoming flights of the Block 3 Starship, anticipated no earlier than March.