Abstract: A waste material depositing system for depositing waste material into a sub-seabed sediment of an ocean floor. There is a penetrator including a first disposal stage and a second disposal stage. The first disposal stage having an outer shell disposed about a cavity, the cavity being shaped and sized to receive a waste disposal canister. The second disposal stage being removably coupled to a top end of the first disposal stage by an automatic disengagement device, and having: an outer cylinder, a plurality of second disposal fins disposed along a length of the outer cylinder, and an arrestor system coupled to a top portion of the outer cylinder.

Abstract: A fender davit device is disclosed. The fender davit device in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure includes a fender and a davit comprising a hauling line holding the fender and a winch configured to move the fender by winding or unwinding the hauling line. The fender davit device also includes a hauling line tension maintaining part configured to maintain a tension of the hauling line holding the fender to prevent the hauling line from breaking.

Abstract: A semi-submersible drilling vessel has a deckbox structure, one or more pontoons, and multiple support columns extending upward from the one or more pontoons and supporting thereon the deckbox structure. An annular riser joints storage caisson extends downwardly from the deckbox structure, wherein the storage caisson delimits an annular storage space configured for storage therein of an annular array of riser joints in vertical orientation thereof. A riser joints carousel device is provided in the annular storage space, which riser joints carousel device is configured to carry an annular array of riser joints in vertical orientation thereof in a mobile manner relative to the annular storage caisson so that the array of riser joints is movable along an annular path through the storage spaced between the inner and outer wall of the storage caisson.

Abstract: A method of mounting a nacelle of a wind turbine and at least one component of the wind turbine on a tower of the wind turbine, the method including hooking a roof of the nacelle to a crane hook of a crane, hooking the at least one component to the crane hook of the crane, and lifting the roof of the nacelle together with the at least one component using the crane.

Abstract: A control device of a hydraulic winch includes an engine, a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor driving a winch drum, a winch manipulating member, an engine control unit controlling a rotation speed of the engine, a winch load detector detecting a load applied to the winch drum, and a motor capacity control unit controlling a motor capacity of the hydraulic motor so as to decrease a motor capacity of the hydraulic motor in a fuel-saving operation mode to a motor capacity which is smaller than a motor capacity of the hydraulic motor in a normal operation mode. The engine control unit sets an upper limit value of the rotation speed of the engine in the fuel-saving operation mode to a value which is lower than a maximum rotation speed of the engine in the normal operation mode and corresponds to the load detected by the winch load detector.

Abstract: A quick and efficient method to raise and lower a storage platform, storage container, and/or storage box into any unused overhead space is disclosed. The design comprises a low profile philosophy allowing the storage platform, storage container, and/or storage box to be positioned more closely to the ceiling making better use of any overhead space such as the limited space directly above a garage door. The system relies on a main drive shaft that is designed to allow one or more belts to pass through the main drive shaft thereby creating a base around which the one or more belts can wrap. The present invention is superior to those of the prior art in that there are no weak points found in this system in contrast to those found in cable systems connected to a drum or a flat fiber reinforced strap bolted to a drum. The one or more lifting straps do not terminate on the main drive shaft as do other systems via a wire drum or flat drum but simply passes through the main drive shaft.

Abstract: A watercraft may include a crane for lifting loads. The crane may include a tower and a boom that is rotatble with respect to the tower. The tower may be positioned inside the outer contour of the watercraft so as to minimize the profile of the watercraft on radar. The watercraft may include a superstructure within which the tower may be disposed. The superstructure may include planar outer walls that are obtuse relative to a horizontal plane. A rotary bearing may be utilized to connect the boom to the tower and permit the boom to rotate relative to the tower. Further, when the boom is in a rest position, a lower edge of the boom may be positioned 10 cm or less above the crane deck.

Abstract: A vessel adapted to perform subsea wellbore related operations involving a riser string that is assembled from releasably interconnected riser sections and extends between a subsea wellbore and the vessel. The riser string vertical handling system of the vessel includes a controlled motion device that is adapted to displace the riser string lifting tool in at least one horizontal direction relative to the riser spider device at least whilst travelling between the elevated and lowered position thereof loaded by the riser string suspended from the riser string lifting tool, thereby allowing to establish an inclined travel path with selectively variable inclination of the riser string lifting tool relative to an imaginary vertical line through the riser string passage of the riser spider device, e.g. said inclined travel path having an inclination selected to correspond to an actual water current induced inclination of an upper portion of the riser string during the riser string assembly process.

Abstract: A method and related device for reducing resonant vibrations and dynamic loads of cranes, where vertical motion of a pay load is controlled by a boom winch and a hoist winch. In an embodiment, the method includes determining resonance frequencies of the crane boom and pay load from inertia data of the boom and stiffness on at least the boom and hoist ropes, the resonance frequencies including a first frequency and a lower second frequency. In addition, the method includes automatically modifying the motion of the boom winch or the hoist winch to induce a damping inducing winch motion in the boom or hoist winch, by tuning a proportional integral (PI)-type boom winch speed controller or a PI-type hoist winch speed controller. The boom winch speed controller is tuned to absorb energy at the second frequency, the hoist winch speed controller is tuned to absorb energy at the first frequency.

Abstract: A monohull offshore drilling vessel includes a hull having a moonpool; a multiple firing line hoist system mounted on the hull at the moonpool and including a mast having a top side and a base connected to the hull, wherein the mast has a hollow construction with a first side and an opposed second side; a first hoisting device having load attachment means displaceable along a first firing line extending on the outside of and adjacent to the first side of the mast; a second hoisting device having load attachment means displaceable along a second firing line, which on the outside of and adjacent to the second side of the mast; wherein the first and second hoisting devices each include cable(s) and associated winch(es), the winches disposed in the hollow construction of the mast, to manipulate the position of each of the load attachment devices relative to the mast.

Abstract: A motion compensation system disposed on a structure of a drilling vessel. A stabilization assembly for use with the motion compensation system includes a first arm connectable to the structure, a first sheave connectable to the structure, a second arm connectable to the first arm, and a second sheave connectable to the second arm. At least one of the first arm and the first sheave are connectable to the structure at different locations and the first arm and the second sheave are connectable to the second arm at different locations.

Abstract: A recovery system and method for recovering a deployed vessel having a rotatable support coupled with a stored recovery assembly, including a release unit, line, deployment weight, and drag device on the deployed vessel. A recovery vessel can have a hoist with a coupling element, such as a grapple. For recovery, the recovery assembly can be deployed from the deployed vessel. The drag device can assist in floating and/or maintaining a taut line, especially when the vessel is downwind of the drag device. The coupling element from the recovery vessel can couple with the taut line. Once coupled, the recovery vessel can raise the coupling element with the line, which can rotate the rotatable support to a lifting position above a center of gravity of the deployed vessel. The recovery vessel can then lift the deployed vessel vertically out of the water to a storage position.

Abstract: A method for servicing a rotor of a generator includes the steps of, dismantling a non-drive end of the generator, removing insulation from portions of an existing Wye ring and existing connection lugs, removing portions of the existing Wye ring near the existing connection lugs, installing a replacement Wye ring in the generator, connecting the replacement Wye ring to the existing connection lugs, and insulating the replacement Wye ring and the existing connection lugs. The method is performed on the generator in-situ.

Abstract: An equipment complex for deploying and recovering marine geophysical seismic or electric-survey bottom stations is mounted on a ship. The complex includes—a powered capstan, —rotatable turntables and rolls, —load-bearing units connected to the bottom stations by various fasten means and capable of winding onto the capstan and turntables, a work platform supporting a bottom station placed thereon, —an indicator for registration of the bottom stations' coordinates, mounted on the platform, —a limit switch mounted on the platform, switching ON when the bottom station is placed on the work platform, and OFF when it's removed therefrom providing for operation of the indicator. The complex may include floating buoys, damping loads, and halyards for deploying the stations. Methods for deploying and recovering the bottom stations using the equipment complex are described.

Abstract: An equipment complex for deploying and recovering marine geophysical seismic or electric-survey bottom stations is mounted on a ship. The complex includes—a powered capstan, —rotatable turntables and rolls, —load-bearing units connected to the bottom stations by various fasten means and capable of winding onto the capstan and turntables, a work platform supporting a bottom station placed thereon, —an indicator for registration of the bottom stations' coordinates, mounted on the platform, —a limit switch mounted on the platform, switching ON when the bottom station is placed on the work platform, and OFF when it's removed therefrom providing for operation of the indicator. The complex may include floating buoys, damping loads, and halyards for deploying the stations. Methods for deploying and recovering the bottom stations using the equipment complex are described.

Abstract: A catamaran lifting apparatus is disclosed for lifting objects in a marine environment. The apparatus includes first and second vessels that are spaced apart during use. A first frame spans between the vessels. A second frame spans between the vessels. The frames are spaced apart and connected to the vessels in a configuration that spaces the vessels apart. The first frame connects to the first vessel with a universal joint and to the second vessel with a hinged connection. The second frame connects to the second vessel with a universal joint and to the first vessel with a hinged or pinned connection. Each of the frames provides a space under the frame and in between the barges that enables a package to be lifted and/or a marine vessel to be positioned in between the barges and under the frames. In this fashion, an object that has been salvaged from the seabed can be placed upon the marine vessel that is positioned in between the barges and under the frames.

Abstract: A vessel for installing a platform on an offshore support structure comprises a floating body, a lifting device which is tiltable about a tilting axis with respect to the floating body and a tilting force member for applying a tilting force to said lifting device. The lifting device is provided with a static part that is tiltable about the tilting axis and a movable part which is movable in vertical direction with respect to the static part. The tilting force member engages a drive location at the static part.

Abstract: A connection system comprises a first latching (5) element mountable on or to a first body (3) and a second latching element (6) mountable on or to a second body (4), and means for drawing the first latching element and second latching element together to facilitate connection of the first body to the second body, said drawing means comprising a buoyant winching system (2). A connection method for connecting a first body carrying a first latching element to a second body carrying a second latching element, comprises the steps of connecting a winch line (11) from a buoyant winching system comprising a winch, through the first latching element to a tether line attached to the second latching element and operating the winch to draw the first and second latching element together to connect the first body to the second body wherein the connection of the winch line to the tether line is carried out without tension in the winch line.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for capturing and removing oil from a body of water with equipment using rod and film technology, which includes a streamlined oil tank that moves in the water and collects surface oil from an attached skimmer, arrays of inverted funnels lowered into the water to concentrate oil for removal, and containment tents to capture leaking fuel or cargo oil from a sunken ship or any underwater oil leak and channel it into a partially submerged rod and film storage tank at the surface.

Abstract: A damping control system includes a first sensor configured to detect movement of a vessel and generate a first signal representing the vessel movement and a second sensor configured to detect movement of a cable and generate a second signal representing the cable movement. An actuator is configured to dampen a force applied to a payload during a force event. The force event is at least partially caused by the movement of the vessel and the cable. A controller is configured to identify the force event based at least in part on the first and second signals and control the actuator during the force event to substantially dampen the force applied to the payload.

Abstract: A derrick apparatus for a drilling machine (10), the apparatus comprising a fixed structure (48, 50) for supporting drill equipment (14, 16), wherein the fixed structure (48, 50) has a generally prismatic shape with a generally constant cross-section along the vertical extent of the fixed structure (48, 50), and wherein the fixed structure (48, 50) comprises supporting beams (48, 50) about outer parts of the fixed structure and a void extending across the internal width of the fixed structure (48, 50).

Abstract: A monohull offshore drilling vessel includes a hull having a moonpool; a multiple firing line hoist system mounted on the hull at the moonpool and including a mast having a top side and a base connected to the hull, wherein the mast has a hollow construction with a first side and an opposed second side; a first hoisting device having load attachment means displaceable along a first firing line extending on the outside of and adjacent to the first side of the mast; a second hoisting device having load attachment means displaceable along a second firing line, which on the outside of and adjacent to the second side of the mast; wherein the first and second hoisting devices each include cable(s) and associated winch(es), the winches disposed in the hollow construction of the mast, to manipulate the position of each of the load attachment devices relative to the mast.

Abstract: A monohull offshore drilling vessel includes a hull with a moonpool and a multiple firing line hoist system mounted on the hull. The multiple firing line hoist system includes a mast having a top side and a base connected to the hull, wherein the mast has a hollow construction with a first side and an opposed second side. A first hoisting device is supported by the mast and has load attachment device displaceable along a first firing line, which extends on the outside of and adjacent to the first side of the mast. A second hoisting device is supported by the mast and has a load attachment device displaceable along a second firing line. The first and second hoisting devices each include one or more cables and one or more associated winches to manipulate the position of each of the load attachment devices relative to the mast.

Abstract: Provided is an enclosed derrick structure of an arctic ship, which provides an installation space for an exhaust unit at an upper portion of an enclosed derrick. The enclosed derrick structure of the arctic ship includes: an enclosed derrick; a crown block section disposed at an upper portion of the enclosed derrick such that a crown block is installed and an installation workspace is formed thereinside; and an exhaust unit installed in the installation workspace to communicate with the exterior.

Abstract: A hold crane (6) for elongate elements (4), such as a pipe hold crane for a pipefeeder vessel (1), includes a main frame (7) and support elements (9-12) supporting the main frame above a hold which is carried out for containing the elongate elements. The support elements allow displacement of the main frame in a longitudinal direction of the hold. Hoisting members are provided which are carried by the main frame for lifting an elongate element from the hold vice versa, the hoisting members including at least two hoisting elements spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the hold. The hoisting elements are suspended from the main frame and are provided coupling elements for coupling onto an elongate element. Stabilizing elements, which cooperate with the hoisting elements, prevent movement of the coupling elements in transverse direction with respect to the main frame while allowing vertical movement of the coupling elements.

Abstract: A ship s fender system and method of deployment and retrieval comprising a group of fenders (12) linked together to lie on the surface of the water adjacent a ship s hull (11) with hauling lines (14) connected by davits (15) to winches to lower and raise the fenders. Each hauling line (14) is connected to its respective fender by a two-part ball and tape connector so that connection and release of the hauling lines (14) is carried out automatically and remotely thus avoiding the need for the conventional hazardous procedure whereby the lines are connected and disconnected manually by a crew in a boat. The system may be used to deploy and retrieve other floatable objects such as working platforms or submersible vehicles.

Abstract: Provided is an arctic ship with a derrick, which can stably maintain an internal environment of an enclosed derrick. The arctic ship with a derrick includes: the derrick forming an enclosed space blocked from outside air; a moonpool coupled to a lower portion of the derrick to communicate with the derrick and blocked from the outside air; and an air supply/exhaust device installed to communicate an inner space of the derrick or the moonpool with the exterior, wherein air condition of the inner space is maintained or controlled at a predetermined range by the air supply/exhaust device.

Abstract: The invention concerns a ship comprising at least one motor for driving the ship and at least one crane. To lift the motor at least one crane can be brought into engagement with the at least one motor through at least one closable opening. The invention further concerns a ship drive for driving a ship as well as a method of exchanging ship motors arranged within a ship for driving the ship together with peripheral devices. The invention further concerns the use of a wind power installation generator.

Abstract: A travelling crane arrangement provided on a floating vessel having a deck and a pair of substantially parallel tracks comprises a pair of uprights configured to move along the respective tracks. In addition, the travelling crane arrangement comprises a transverse beam extending between said uprights across the deck of the vessel in spaced relation thereto. Further, the travelling crane arrangement comprises a trolley configured to move along the beam. The trolley carries at least part of a lifting mechanism configured to lift a load above the deck. Still further, the crane arrangement includes a support selectively positionable in a brace position extending between the deck and the trolley. In the brace position, the support is configured to at least partially support the beam in compression during use of the lifting mechanism to lift or otherwise support the weight of a load.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for launch and recovery of a vessel (1) from a host ship or platform (13), said host ship or platform comprising a lifting device (2) having at least one first lifting cable (9), characterized in that the vessel (1) comprises at least one fastening device (3), releasably connectable to said at least one first lifting cable (9), and at least one lifting winch (5) comprising a lifting winch cable (11), and at least one mast system comprising a mast (14) connected to at least one lifting winch (5) by one end of the corresponding lifting winch cable (11), said mast system being capable of raising the connected end of the lifting winch cable in a vertical direction. In addition, a vessel suitable for said system, and a method for launch and recovery of such a vessel, is provided.

Abstract: A working system includes a floating type floating structure, and a working ship configured to perform at least installation or maintenance of the floating structure. The floating structure has a column section whose peripheral surface is located at a waterline when the floating structure is floating, a ballast section arranged below the column section and a flange section arranged at an intermediate portion of the column section. The working ship has a gripping section capable of engaging with the flange section, and a raising/lowering device configured to raise and lower the floating structure.

Abstract: A dual pumping system for use on a movable flood control barrier structure to allow the structure to be swung into the opening of a waterway and sunk to prevent flooding during storms and then floated and swung out of the waterway after the storm is disclosed. A buoyant generally rectangular barge may be employed as the movable flood control barrier. A centrifugal pumping system pumps water into compartments within the barrier structure so it sinks to the bottom of the waterway while the same pumping system pumps water back to the waterway to float the structure. A hydraulic pumping system operates hydraulic winches to move the structure into and out of the channel using cables. The two pumping systems are capable of operating both the water pumping system and hydraulic winch system simultaneously or independently with a single engine.

Abstract: A system includes a turbine lift. The turbine lift includes a mounting base configured to mount to a non-stable structure. The turbine lift also includes an arm coupled to the mounting base. The turbine lift further includes a stabilizing head coupled to the arm, wherein the stabilizing head is configured to connect with a turbine engine, and the stabilizing head is configured to stabilize the turbine engine while moving the turbine engine.

Abstract: A method for maintenance of a unit which is arranged in a watertight hoisting chamber and closes an opening in a vessel hull is described. The unit is adapted to extend into the water below the vessel. The method includes clamping of the unit in its mounted position by a clamping means so that fixing means of the unit can be removed while the unit is held clamped in position. After the hoisting chamber is flooded to a desired level, the clamping of the unit can be completely released and no unintentional movement of the unit will occur. Guide means may be provided together with the apparatus and an automatic design of the clamping means can also be provided. Especially using such elements, mounting of the unit becomes easy, when the unit is lowered under water to its mounted position, is clamped there by the clamping means so as to tightly close the opening and after removing the water from the hoisting chamber, the fixing means can be applied in a dry environment.

Abstract: A lift assembly is provided for a platform such as used on a ship. The platform can have four spaced apart hitch points. In one embodiment, the lift assembly includes four trolley drive assemblies, each trolley drive assembly including a trolley guidable along a guide rail, and a drive configured to displace the trolley along the guide rails, each trolley being coupled to at least one hitch point. In a second embodiment, a tension leveling assembly is provided in a trolley drive assembly and is configured to couple each of the wire ropes to the trolley and maintain substantially the same amount of tension in each wire rope. In a third embodiment, the lift assembly can be provided on a ship that also includes a vessel for holding water.

Abstract: A device and a method for lowering or raising the end of an undersea pipe between a vessel and the sea bottom by a carriage moving along an inclined J-lay tower and co-operating with chain-locking devices connecting the top end of the pipe to a storage area by passing over a deflector sheave secured to said carriage. A first chain-locking device is secured to the carriage and serves to lock the abandonment chain while lowering the carriage and the top end of the pipe at the end of the chain, a second locking device then being in an open position at the base of the tower. Thereafter, the abandonment chain is locked at the low portion of the tower with the help of the second chain-locking device, with the first chain-locking device being in the open position while the carriage is being raised.

Abstract: Method for installing (or replacing) a unit on the tower of an offshore wind turbine, which unit comprises a rotor including a hub and one or two rotor blades, and a nacelle receiving a gearbox and a generator. The method is characterized by pre-assembling the substantially functional unit ashore or on a platform, placing the functional unit on a watercraft in such a manner that the center of gravitation of the unit lies in the region of the longitudinal axis of the watercraft and the rotor blades extend in the longitudinal direction of the watercraft, transporting the functional unit to the site of the offshore wind turbine, lifting the functional unit from the watercraft using a crane aboard the watercraft, placing the functional unit on the tower of the offshore wind turbine, and fastening the functional unit on the tower of the offshore wind turbine.

Abstract: A workboat comprises a floatable body having a bow and a stern, a mast having at least two rails mounted at the bow, a carriage that is movable longitudinally along the rails of the mast, and at least two forks extending outwardly from the carriage for lifting items in the water.

Abstract: A catamaran lifting apparatus includes first and second vessels that are spaced apart during use. First and second frames span between the vessels. The first frame connects to the first vessel with a universal joint and to the second vessel with a hinged connection. The second frame connects to the second vessel with a universal joint and to the first vessel with a hinged or pinned connection. The catamaran hull arrangement provides longitudinal flexibility in a quartering sea state due to the unique universal joint and hinge placement between the frames or trusses and the hulls or barges. Each of the frames extends upwardly in an inverted u-shape, providing a space under the frame and in between the barges that enables a marine vessel to be positioned in between the barges. An object that has been salvaged from the seabed can be placed upon the marine vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a singlehanded means, by the use of a lift arm mechanism, to lift a small yacht tender or dinghy from the water and stow and retrieve the tender or dinghy from the roof (or suitable support structure) above the yacht's cockpit. The lift arm mechanism includes a pair of lift arm members which are connected with a pivotable connection between the stern of the host vessel and the transom of the tender. Pivot connections permit upward and downward pivoting of the lift arm members with respect to the stern of the host vessel as well as permit pivoting upward and downward of the tender relative to the lift arm members. The mechanism permits the outboard motor of the tender to be easily removed and allows full use of the swim platform when the tender is in the stowed position.

Abstract: A vessel (2) for handling subsea equipment comprising a subsea equipment hoist system including a winch and a hoist cable (3) for lowering and retrieving subsea equipment (5) in a hoist area of the vessel, a subsea equipment motion restraining and guidance system for restraining subsea equipment motion relative to the vessel in the hoist area. The subsea equipment motion restraining and guidance system includes a main trolley (7), an auxiliary trolley (8) and a vertical trolley guide structure (9) mounted on the hull of the vessel that allows for vertical travel of the trolleys and further a top end engagement member (10), which is movably supported by said main trolley and which is adapted to engage on a top end of the subsea equipment, and one or more rail engaging members (3a) mounted on said auxiliary trolley, each adapted to engage on a vertical rail (11) mounted on said subsea equipment as said subsea equipment passes vertically by said auxiliary trolley.

Abstract: A device for handling a load hoisted between two locations offset both vertically and horizontally is described. In particular the device is useful for transferring an outboard motor between an operating location on a dinghy and a storage location on a larger boat. The device makes use of existing lifting devices such as sail halyards and winches and provides both guidance and stabilization of the motor during the transfer.

Abstract: A drill ship is provided for conducting subsea operations, including intervention, maintenance and workover operations. The ship includes a hull having a substantially wide beam-to-length ratio and a deckspace. An automated system for handling tubulars and risers is mounted to the deck space, along with a pipe racking system. The deckspace includes a heavy-lift heave crane for handling seafloor operations and a medium duty crane mounted over the deckspace. The ship is configured to provide heavy lift subsea construction operations including 16-inch riser well intervention and workover programs, connected riser completion operations, and riserless tophole drilling and casing operations. The ship is also able to perform connected riser remedial drilling and slim hole well construction. The ship maximizes environmental efficiency in both construction and use, and provides a stable and safe work and living environment for operations personnel.

Abstract: A single heavy lift system is made of modular units, each of which has a pair of supporting legs carrying a transverse beam therebetween. The beam is engaged to the supporting legs through jackup units that allow the transverse beams of several modular units move in unison and thus increase lifting capacity of the system. The modular units can be formed as modular, self-propelled units, transported to the site, where the lifting task is to be performed if necessary. The system can be positioned in a dry dock or offshore.

Abstract: A workboat comprises a floatable body having a bow and a stern, a mast having at least two rails mounted at the bow, a carriage that is movable longitudinally along the rails of the mast, and at least two forks extending outwardly from the carriage for lifting items in the water.

Abstract: A monohull offshore drilling vessel comprising: a hull having a moonpool; —a multiple firing line hoist system mounted on the hull at said moonpool, the multiple firing line hoist system comprising: —a mast having a top side and a base connected to the hull of the drilling vessel, wherein the mast has a hollow construction with a first side and an opposed second side, —a first hoisting device supported by the mast and having load attachment means displaceable along a first firing line, which extends on the outside of and adjacent to the first side of the mast; —a second hoisting device supported by the mast and having load attachment means displaceable along a second firing line, which on the outside of and adjacent to the second side of the mast; wherein the first and second hoisting devices each include one or more cables and one or more associated winches, the winches preferably disposed in the hollow construction of the mast, to manipulate the position of each of the load attachment devices relative to th

Abstract: A pipe handling system for handling the pipes from a cargo hull includes a gantry beam and a guide mast assembly having an essentially vertical guide mast. The guide mast assembly is moveably connected to the gantry beam, allowing movement of the guide mast assembly in a vertical direction between a lowered mast position and a lifted mast position relative to the gantry beam. A lifting part includes a device configured to engage a pipe. The lifting part is moveable by one or more hoists in a vertical direction between a lowered lifting part position for picking up the pipe and a lifted lifting part position. The lifted part engages on the guide mast assembly, such that the guide mast assembly causes vertical guidance of the lifting part when the guide mast assembly with the engaged lifting part is moved between the lowered mast position and the lifted mast position.

Abstract: A power or manually operated winch mechanism for handling the running rigging lines of a sailing yacht. The winch includes a winding drum, which winds and stores the line during line retrieving operations and controllably releases the line when desired. The new winch, while intended to be driven by on-board electric or hydraulic power, includes a novel mechanism, actuated by a conventional winch handle, for converting the winch to a multi-speed manual operating mode in the event of failure of the on-board power system. A clutch mechanism enables controlled release of line from the winding drum during manual operation, and enables adjustments and emergency release operation when operating in a power mode. Novel level wind features enable the lines to be appropriately tensioned during retrieval, and positively drawn from the drum when the line is not under load. Significant improvement in the safety and convenience of the crew is enabled.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel methods and apparatus for the design, installation, use, recovery, and reuse of a Self Supporting Riser (SSR) for wells that are not under a platform. The SSR of the present invention uses standardized joints that can be recovered, potentially warehoused, and recombined in different configurations for different purposes or locations. Emphasis is on methods and apparatus that use relatively small vessels subject to high motions in the installation, use and recovery of the SSR. The SSR is adapted for high current and/or deep water applications for purposes of downhole well intervention and subsea equipment installation. In contrast to the apparatus and processes of the prior art, this invention addresses a comprehensive system design.

Abstract: A ship s fender system and method of deployment and retrieval comprising a group of fenders (12) linked together to lie on the surface of the water adjacent a ship s hull (11) with hauling lines (14) connected by davits (15) to winches to lower and raise the fenders. Each hauling line (14) is connected to its respective fender by a two-part ball and tape connector so that connection and release of the hauling lines (14) is carried out automatically and remotely thus avoiding the need for the conventional hazardous procedure whereby the lines are connected and disconnected manually by a crew in a boat. The system may be used to deploy and retrieve other floatable objects such as working platforms or submersible vehicles.