Abstract: A passenger vessel 10 configured to moor along an improved or unimproved shoreline to load or unload the vessel via the bow includes a hull 20 having a movable, openable bow member 24 configured to be moved between a closed state and an open state which exposes the hull's interior volume and an extendable and steerable ramp assembly 14 including an elongated extendable ramp member 78 configured to be stowed in the hull's interior when the bow member is in the closed state. The ramp member is extendable by being conveyed forwardly through the bow opening to define a distally projecting ramp extension supported and steerable (vertically and laterally) from a pivot or swing mount frame 84 affixed within the hull 20.

Abstract: A floating parking barge includes a floatable hull and a housing. The hull includes a bow end, a stern end, and a support surface extending from the bow end to the stern end. The housing is mounted on the support surface and includes a frame and cladding. The frame includes side supports and top supports, and the cladding is supported on the frame and encloses the frame such that the housing defines a housing space configured to accommodate a plurality of vehicles. The cladding covering the side supports extends at an angle relative to the support surface that is less than 90 degrees.

Abstract: A ferry bridge having two sets of posts anchored on either side of a thoroughfare, support at height a deck over which a carriage moves, wherein a pod is suspended from said carriage for providing the transport of vehicles and passengers between two ferry docks on either side of said thoroughfare, the platform of said pod being divided into a central area dedicated to the transport of vehicles and two side areas dedicated to the transport of passengers. the entrances to the passenger transport areas are arranged on the outer lateral sides of the pod relative to the axis of movement (A) of the pod. The entrances to the vehicle transport area are arranged on the sides opposite said lateral sides, and the ferry docks for the pod comprise a means for separating the vehicles and the passengers into two streams directed toward the specific entrances thereof, respectively.

Abstract: A water vessel is provided. The water vessel includes a hull, a deck, and a ramp. The hull has a front end, an aft end, a starboard side, a port side, a bottom, a bow at the front end, and a stern at the aft end. The bow is movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The deck is in the region of the bow. The ramp is located between the bottom of the hull and the deck in a retracted position. When the bow is in the open configuration, the ramp is movable to an extended position in which the ramp extends from the front end of the hull.

Abstract: A module for making a modular ferry and/or a floating bridge including a floatation tank, where the floatation tank is made in the form of two floatation half-tanks hinged together around a hinged line between an opening position in which the two half-tanks are substantially aligned and form the floatation tank, and a closing position in which a half-tank is folded back upon the other half-tank such as a lid thus forming a container box able to enclose all or part of the elements for making the ferry or floating bridge

Abstract: An improved landing craft includes a hull that supports bow and stern ramps for enabling vehicles to drive through during loading and unloading. The drive-through arrangement also enables the crew to load and unload the craft much faster and more easily than existing vessels. A ballasting arrangement can be used to trim the hull when it is to be beached or to be extracted and/or during loading/unloading.

Abstract: On a ship, a folding structure serves a dual function of a stern door in its folded position and a ramp in its unfolded position. The first and second decks of the ship have internal ramps which angularly swing up and down to accommodate different heights of the ship relative to the pier. The folding structure may be coupled to the internal ramp on either deck. The capability of coupling the folding structure ramp to either movable internal ramp allows the ship to be loaded or unloaded over wide variations of tide and draft.

Abstract: A ship comprising a hull in which vehicles can be readily loaded and unloaded from at least two ramps at about the same level, the ramps communicating with a cargo-carrying portion extending through two decks and comprising fully separated cargo volumes, in which straight blind alleys emanating from lobbies within the hull at opposite ends of the hull communicate with mutually inclined decks extending upwardly and downwardly forward-aft and aft-forward, respectively, and in communication with respective opposite lobbies.

Abstract: A floating campgrounds comprises one or more barge type units which are coupled together to form an integral camping system. A typical floating campground would include fenced areas on the upper surface thereof where recreational vehicles are secured, storage facilities in the hull for automobiles, camping support facilities and a tug or tow type vessel to move the barge units over waterways. The various barges would also include facilities such as a swimming pool, restaurant and recreational and living facilities. The barge system would travel over inland waterways, while campers live in their vehicles and enjoy the facilities provided on board. This transport arrangement would result in considerable fuel savings while providing a unique flexible vacation environment.