Abstract: A fluid cargo handling system includes a quick release manifold system mounted on a floating marine platform. The quick release manifold system has a first valve in fluid communication with the first end of a first fluid transfer hose to control fluid flow within the first fluid transfer hose. A first coupler is attached to the first valve. The first coupler has a first port in fluid communication with the first valve, a second port, a purging fluid inlet and a waste fluid outlet. A drain tank is in fluid communication with the first coupler via the waste fluid outlet, and a pressurized fluid source carried is in fluid communication with the first coupler via the purging fluid inlet.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus configured to provide assistance in the inspection of an object such as but not limited to a petrochemical vessel or pipeline. The inspection apparatus of the present invention includes a support pole wherein the support pole has an inspection assembly mounted to the second end thereof. The inspection assembly includes a base mount having an upper mounting plate and a lower mounting plate secured to the upper surface and lower surface respectively. A plurality of light mounts are secured to the upper mounting plate and the lower mounting plate each having a light secured thereto. The inspection assembly is moveably mounted to the support pole utilizing a first arm assembly and a second arm assembly. An additional pole member having a reel assembly with a steel cable is further included to provide control and manipulation of the inspection assembly.

Abstract: A shipboard apparatus (300) for heat treating wood chips, for service in the trade and for export to receivers within the forest products industries and the biomass energy sectors. The purpose of heat treating wood fiber is to provide certification to meet the phytosanitary requirements of wood fiber importing countries, infusion of moisture laden, saturated heated air using a closed loop system (301, 303a, 303b, 304a, 304b, 305, 310) within the holds of the ship with the heating apparatus being situated on the quay while the ship is being loaded with wood chips. The completed heat treating process renders the cargo acceptable for issuance of a phytosanitary certificate.

Abstract: There is described an equipment for unloading a bulk carrier, comprising a plurality of structures fastened to a fixed platform, the plurality of structures is fastened to the fixed platform mutually parallel, each structure comprising a mobile element endowed with fastening elements which are associated to a projection of at least a removable hold of a bulk carrier, the mobile element being displaced from a first position (A) to a second position (B) so as to tilt at least a removable hold onto an apron feeder and then to a system of conveyor belts. There is also described a bulk carrier, comprising at least a removable hold which consists of a compartment for transporting bulk products, endowed with a plurality of projections disposed in a longitudinal line and mutually parallel at a first end of the removable hold and an articulation mechanism disposed along a second end of the removable hold parallely opposite the first end.

Abstract: A complete double-hull cargo containment vessel includes a primary hull and a secondary hull disposed within the primary hull. The primary hull includes a topside deck structural member. The secondary hull includes an interior cargo containment tank. The secondary hull includes a topside structural member configured to seal the cargo containment tank. The primary hull is configured to serve as a first boundary between an operating environment of the vessel and the cargo. The secondary hull is configured to serve as a second boundary between the operating environment of the vessel and the cargo. The topside deck member of the primary hull and the topside structural member of the secondary hull are configured to provide a double-hull on the topside of the cargo containment tank.

Abstract: There are disclosed systems and methods for supporting cargo tanks within the hold of a liquefied gas carrier by establishing a series of spaced-apart pedestals along the longitudinal axis of a tank, said pedestals positioned in conjunction with the ship's structural components. These pedestals are of wood or other suitable thermal insulating and load bearing material fixed to the tank below its circumferential diameter along both the starboard and port tank sides. The pedestals rest on structural longitudinal stringers laying port and starboard in the horizontal plane and fixed and supported by the ship's hull structure. Longitudinal and transverse pedestal movement is controlled by stops attached to the stringers at one or more of the pedestals. The stops contact the pedestals via bearing pads which constrain the pedestal in one direction but permit its movement in another.

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: The present invention relates to a barge with an open top container for receiving a cargo mounted on the deck characterized in that the container is pivotally mounted on the deck such that cargo (e.g. marine sand) can be discharged from the barge by tilting of the container about the pivotal axis. The barge is particularly useful for use in land reclamation projects and the invention further relates to a method of reclaiming land utilizing such barges.

Abstract: Submarines with air-charged cargo holds are provided. The pressurize hull of a traditional submarine's cargo hold is replaced by non-pressurized hull, which lowers costs for transporting dry cargo and solves strength and seal problems raised when providing large openings for hatches. The dive depth of the air-charged cargo submarines is not large, so the pressure and volume of the charged air in the cargo hold are limited. This allows problems associated with ensuring the safety of the crew and properly operating the submarine to be easily solved.

Abstract: The multi-mode ship uses bulk cargo flow-through vehicle decks that are capable of supporting commercial vehicles, military vehicles, and other general cargo. Bulk cargo is loaded into the multi-mode ship with a bulk cargo transport system. Bulk cargo is loaded on board the multi-mode ship and is discharged from some or all of the vehicle decks, where the bulk cargo flows downward through the vehicle decks and settles on the bottom of the multi-mode ship. The bulk cargo then piles upward through the vehicle decks until it reaches the desired load. The bulk cargo transport system includes conveyors, upper and lower, and at least one vertical conveyor for transporting bulk cargo to, from, and within a cargo hold of the multi-mode ship.

Abstract: A storage and retrieval system is provided that automates the process of handling a mixed inventory of palletized and containerized items. The invention is particularly useful in handling cargo and weapons within a ship's hold or magazine. When used on a ship, the invention provides for the stowing and unstowing of loads quickly and efficiently, to automatically secure such payloads for sea and to achieve high stowage density, while retaining the capability to select and retrieve any ordered payload, move it to and load it on elevator trays under computer control.

Abstract: A vessel of the OBO or bulk carrier type for transportation of bulk cargo, comprising transverse bulkheads (1, 2), is provided with at least one longitudinal centreline bulkhead (100) intersecting the transverse bulkheads (1, 2), the transverse bulkheads and the longitudinal centreline bulkhead (100) forming longitudinal cargo holds (11), and the cargo holds (11) are provided with hatch openings (21) which essentially cover the tank top area (41) of the respective cargo holds (11), providing a substantially “open hatch”, which hatch openings (21) are provided with single piece hatch covers (31).

Abstract: The present invention relates in particular to an autonomous container ship of the type having a hull, propulsion means, and loading and unloading means, characterized by having ballasting means and means (11, 12, 5) for varying the air draft without changing the draft.

Abstract: A cargo holding system is provided for a marine freight vessel. The system includes a plurality of filament composite walls defining a cargo holding cavity of the vessel. A liquid impervious liner is disposed about the cavity within the walls for holding liquid cargo. The liner is collapsible to allow solid cargo to be loaded into the holding cavity.

Abstract: A container assembly comprising a square frame as viewed in plan formed of four vertical corner frame components and a plurality of horizontal frame components with a generally cylindrical dry bulk receiving container mounted within the square frame with the dimensions of the square frame being such that longitudinal and transverse rows of the container assemblies can be snugly, but removably, received within the cargo carrying space of conventional barges.

Abstract: A self-loading, self-discharging, bulk cargo transhipper 20 comprising a buoyant vessel 21 capable of receiving water as ballast inside the buoyant vessel 21, a bulk material receiving system 22, a bulk material distribution system 25 and a bulk material holding system 28, which transhipper 20 is a deep sea transhipper for the transfer of bulk cargo between vessels or between a port without deep draft loading facilities and a vessel at sea. The invention also relates to method of material transfer between vessels at sea or between a port without deep draft loading facilities and a vessel at sea.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for sea transport of liquids including a first enclosure, an at least partially flexible second enclosure disposed within the first enclosure and being adapted when filled, to generally fill the first enclosure, one of the first and second enclosures being a light liquid enclosure and the other of the first and second enclosures being a sea water enclosure, a light liquid port coupled to the light liquid enclosure for selectably filling it with a liquid lighter than sea water and a sea water port coupled to the sea water enclosure for selectably allowing sea water to fill it, thereby causing light liquid to be expelled against the force of gravity from the light liquid enclosure.

Abstract: A sea faring transshipper for transferring cargo from a bulk carrier to a secondary vessel comprises a pair of units provided with mutually engaging connectors for connecting the units together along a direction of travel of the transshipper. Each unit comprises a pair of spaced buoyant vessels, a platform supported by the buoyant vessels in a raised position above the buoyant vessels through wall members extending upwardly from the buoyant vessels and a hull contacting member extending between the buoyant vessels for contacting the underside of a bulk carrier being unloaded. The platform, wall members and hull contacting member define an opening for surrounding the bulk carrier being unloaded. The transshipper also includes a ballasting system for maintaining the hull contacting member in contact with the hull of the bulk carrier being unloaded. A method of unloading cargo from a bulk carrier using the transshipper is also provided.

Abstract: The cargo ship (SL) as seagoing or inland waterway ship or pushed lighter, is fitted with a pallet high bay shelving system which has both sides of at least one bay row (RG) has a number of storage bays (cells) (1) placed either above one another or side for the pallets units, and has a drivable pallet vehicle (RFZ) to store and remove the pallet units (PE) in the bay rows (RG). The pallet vehicle (RFZ) is fitted with a vertical, central mast (2) on its chassis (3) and accommodates on one or both sides of the mast a satellite vehicle (4) capable of extending into or out of the storage bays (1) transversely to the travel direction (f) of the transversely or longitudinally propellable pallet vehicle (RFZ), and the satellite vehicles (4) can travel right up to the respective ship's side walls (5), and over them in the case of cargo space overbuilt to the outside (SL), for storage and removal of the pallet units (PE).

Abstract: A vessel which can convert from a deep draft configuration to a shallow draft configuration.

Abstract: A waste-disposing sea-going vessel includes a vessel body that carries solid waste-holding containers to a site at sea far away from land. The vessel body further has an incinerator to incinerate the solid wastes of the containers, a scrubbing chamber to scrub the smoke produced by the incinerator via sea-water, and a neutralization chamber to spray an alkaline solution onto the products produced by the scrubbing chamber, thereby removing hazardous particles before the incinerated wastes are discharged into the sea. A smoke-conveying pipe is further provided to connect a chimney of the incinerator to the scrubbing chamber, and a catalyst converter is provided in the smoke conveying pipe to remove some hazardous smoke particles by filtration and chemical conversion before the post-treatments conducted by the scrubbing chamber and the neutralization chamber.

Abstract: A shipshaped vessel adapted to transport cargo, in an arrangement: to retard free fall of slurry kind cargo loading pivotally mounted clamshell bucket halves, to transport slurry in clamshell buckets immersed below sea surface, to moor above a ballast-ladened dock immersed at a terminal, to angularly open clamshell halves to discharge slurry upon porous hoppers atop the lock, with the vessel departed deballast the dock to buoyantly surface hoppers to drain off water, to remotely open hopper bottomed gate valves to selectively load conveyor belts for cargo discharge into terminal hopper.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in shipboard apparatus for heat-treating pieces of wood or wood products, such as logs, lumber wood chips or wood strands with steam or hot water to kill any plant pests present in the wood or wood products. The pieces are loaded into a hold of a ship. The ship is equipped with a heater or boiler for producing steam or hot water, and piping and associated equipment such as nozzles for introducing the steam or hot water into the hold. In some embodiments, the ship is also equipped with piping for recycling the spent steam or water back to the heater or boiler for producing the steam or hot water. As the steam or hot water is introduced into the hold, the wood pieces are contacted with the steam or hot water to raise the temperature of the pieces to a sufficient level for a sufficient period of time to kill any plant pests that might be present.

Abstract: A bladder is disclosed for providing a liquid impervious liner for the cargo compartments of vessels used to transport liquids such as petroleum and petroleum products. The bladder prevents spillage of the liquid cargo in the event the hull is breached and facilitates cleaning of the cargo compartments without environmental impairment.

Abstract: A water-tight hopper assembly for a self-unloading marine vessel of the type that transports bulk cargo includes a hopper chute formed from a plurality of interconnected wall members converging toward one another in the downward vertical direction, a discharge opening connected to the lower end of the hopper chute, a cargo discharge gate mounted at the lower end of the discharge opening, and a water-control gate mounted within the discharge opening. The water-control gate includes a fixed sealing flange depending inwardly from the plate members forming the discharge opening and a seal member pivotally connected to the sealing flange. The seal member is movable between a closed position and an open position, the seal member cooperating with the sealing flange to prevent passage of water through the discharge opening while in its closed position. The seal member is locked in its closed position by latching dogs pivotally mounted on the exterior of the discharge opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bulkhead door arrangement for sealingly closing an opening which is located between two mutually adjacent spaces and through which a conveyor belt extends. The arrangement includes a vertically moveable door part provided with a sealing strip on the side thereof facing towards the conveyor belt. When the door arrangement is in its closed position, the door part presses the conveyor belt into abutment with a sealing strip provided in the bottom of the opening, and separate sealing devices abut the side edges of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: There is disclosed an inspection device which can be disassembled into a compact configuration permitting it to be moved into and out of the cargo and ballast tanks of an ocean going vessel through the conventional hatches. The invention comprises a carriage support column which is formed by several cables which are stretched vertically between support plates which are temporarily installed on the bottom of the tank or cargo hold and beneath the vessel's decking. A carriage is mounted on the support column for vertical movement thereon, and the carriage preferably carries a remotely controlled drive motor which can rotate the carriage, preferably in a full 360.degree. arc. A remotely controlled television camera and the necessary lights are mounted on the carriage and can be panned around the column to observe and record the visual appearance of the interior structural members.

Abstract: A retractable steering device for liquid/bulk cargo carrying barges includes a rectangular barge hull having a generally flat bottom and an upper deck and generally vertical port and starboard sidewalls. A cargo hold is contained at the central portion of and within the barge hull for containing a liquid or bulk cargo. Port and starboard wing tanks are positioned respectively between the port and sidewalls of the hull and the cargo hold. A pair of longitudinally extending slots are positioned adjacent the respective port and starboard wing tanks, each defining an opening that communicates at least with the barge bottom to provide an opening to the sea under the barge bottom.

Abstract: A cargo ship (10) is equipped with side port openings (34,35) for transporting freight (59) inwardly and outwardly from the ship. The ship (10) is equipped with an upper superstructure (25) in a continuous length above a fore-and-aft row of upwardly opening holds (11a-11f). The holds have maximum hatchways. There is defined in the superstructure a common, shielding transport compartment (33) for the holds which permits movement of a transport arrangement (36,37) with freight (58) fore-and-aft and transversely a distance above the holds and via a locally defined side port opening (34).

Abstract: A retractable steering device for liquid/bulk cargo carrying barges includes a rectangular barge hull having a generally flat bottom and an upper deck and generally vertical port and starboard sidewalls. A cargo hold is contained at the central portion of and within the barge hull for containing a liquid or bulk cargo. Port and starboard wing tanks are positioned respectively between the port and sidewalls of the hull and the cargo hold. A pair of longitudinally extending slots are positioned adjacent the respective port and starboard wing tanks, each defining an opening that communicates at least with the barge bottom to provide an opening to the sea under the barge bottom.

Abstract: A fish hold construction for a fishing vessel, wherein the vessel is provided with a longitudinally extending water flume fish alley. Fish move with the help of gravity and water or brine into such fish alley from a plurality of fish storage holds. Water or brine is continuously recirculated through the fish alley to urge the fish along such alley into a fish elevating conveyor for removal from the vessel. A 'tween deck located in vertical alignment with, and above, the fish alley houses pipes, pumps and refrigeration components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ship having at least one side port for loading and unloading. The main deck of the ship, which does not have any cargo hatches, supports a rectangular superstructure, the top ceiling of which supports a rail system for an overhead crane moving in the longitudinal direction of the ship, the side port being hinged at its lower end and forming a ramp which is connected to an intermediate cargo deck that moves up and down so that the ramp and the intermediate cargo deck can be aligned horizontally with the quay irrespective of the height of the quay, in which case the mixed cargo compiled into large uniform cargo units can be moved by a tractor-trailer into the ship for final positioning by the overhead crane.

Abstract: A sea-shipping system includes one or more substantially spherical vessels which may be towed behind a water going vehicle. The vessels are submergible for storage purposes.

Abstract: A ship for treating a coal slurry comprising a pair of opposed trays disposed in the vicinity of the upper deck for causing the coal slurry supplied thereto to flow forward and delivering the slurry, a slanting dewatering screen disposed below each of the trays for dewatering the coal slurry delivered from the tray to separate a particulate coal fraction having relatively large particle sizes, and conveyors for transporting to a specified position on the upper deck the particulate coal fraction dewatered and falling off the screen.

Abstract: A marine loading/unloading system for barges, etc. including a floating transfer vessel of catamaran configuration into and through which strings and tiers of barges and large single barges, empty and loaded with liquid or solid bulk product, are moved and positioned for loading and unloading. The barges are moved and controlled externally by means of moorings on endless cables running to anchor barges situated at appropriate locations upstream and downstream of the transfer vessel; and controlled internally by wheel systems positioned on the internal vertical hulls which alternatively (FIGS. 7A vs. 7B) control the movement of the barges during vertical and horizontal, lateral or longitudinal movements. The bulk product, solid or liquid, is loaded and unloaded through hopper and tank systems in the horizontal, upper bridging hull or structure, from and into vessels or ships, and from and into pipelines and other vessels through processing equipment located in the transfer vessel.

Abstract: A rotatable pontoon includes a floating cylinder provided with watertight compartments and having a hollow interior for receiving one or more vessels adapted to be overturned by rotation of the pontoon. Rotation is achieved by either external power or by successively displacing water from one compartment to another. An external platform attached to the pontoon maintains a normal upright position during rotation of the pontoon and serves to contain accessory equipment. Alternatively, this equipment is attached to a belt surrounding the pontoon and fastened to stationary flotation tanks. Floating roofs are included to allow operation during rainy days and for removing load fractions remaining after a vessel is overturned, pushing panels and helicoidal hatch-feeders are provided.

Abstract: A coal fired ship comprising a transverse bulkhead disposed between the rearmost hold in the stern and the engine room and bent or curved at its center portion to project into the engine room and thereby provide a main coal bunker between the hold and the engine room. An interior dead space of the ship is effectively utilized to provide the bunker without reducing the floor space of the engine room or the hold capacity and with the ship maintained in trim although the bunker is disposed in front of the engine room.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suction dredge barge in which the air chambers (8,9) on either side of the hold (2) can be filled with mud via an overflow (14) at the top edge of the hold (2) said air chambers (8,9) having inclined bottoms (10,11) and discharge openings (12,13) towards the hold at the lower edge of said inclined bottoms (10,11).

Abstract: An oil-collecting ship having two floating bodies which can be spread apart and which are hinged together at their rearward ends. Each of the floating bodies is a stable ship's body half. The two halves are provided with oil suction devices for picking up oil which has been pushed together by the floating bodies in a spread-apart condition. At least one locking device keeps the floating bodies in the unspread, closed state parallel to the longitudinal axis of the ship. A main drive is also provided. The bow of each ship's body half is provided with an auxiliary drive unit. Various arrangements of each body half are described.

Abstract: A vessel for carrying steel slabs or like cargoes, comprising a hull having a stern and a bow, an upper weather deck at least one cargo hold, an opening predominantly through the weather deck and communicating with the interior of the hull of the vessel, loading apparatus to transfer slabs to, and from, a wharf through the opening, at least one conveyor extending longitudinally of the vessel and past the cargo hold, the loading apparatus being adapted to deliver slabs to, and from, the conveyor, and a load transport crane within the vessel for transferring the slabs between the conveyor and the cargo hold. In a variation the weather deck has openings which are aligned with the openings to the cargo holds to allow a bulk commodity to be carried by the vessel.

Abstract: A vessel provided with a hold for transporting a cargo of slurry, such as pulverized iron ore and water, is provided with vacuum dewatering means and a device for monitoring the progress of consolidation of the solid particles. When vibration or other motion of the vessel tends to increase the rate of consolidation, the vacuum dewatering means is operated to lower the rate, so that when the vessel reaches its destination, the cargo may be more easily unloaded. A particular design of slurry/supernatant liquid interface level detector is described.

Abstract: A lumber work boat provided with an operating arm assembly at a bow portion of the boat for gathering up or moving lumber floating on the water. The boat has a recess to be opened frontwardly of the bow so that the operating arm assembly may be received within the recess, the assembly being driven by a drive mechanism disposed within the hull of the boat to transmit operating force to the operating arm assembly. The arrangement permits the entire work device to be positioned at a level lower than the upper deck, thereby providing a small type hull and enhancing mobility, while the operating arm assembly is protected since it is received in the recess when not in use, and the drive mechanism is not exposed to sea water or open air since it is encased within the hull.

Abstract: A ship for the simultaneous storage and transport of a high density flowable bulk cargo and a lower density general cargo. The ship includes a hull, a main deck and a hold below the main deck adapted to store the flowable bulk cargo therein. A plurality of loading decks are arranged fixedly above the main deck and extend over a substantial portion thereof in spaced superposed relation. Conveying devices such as mechanical conveyors or conduits and pumps are mounted beneath the main deck and extend lengthwise of the ship so as to convey the flowable bulk cargo from one end of the ship towards the other end for discharge into selected sections of the hold.

Abstract: In a ship for transporting cold pellets of iron ore a perforated piping is arranged in the holds of the ship and exhaust gas from the boiler or engine of the ship is ejected into the cold pellets loaded in the holds through the perforations of the piping thus drying and hardening the pellets during the voyage.

Abstract: A shifting tween deck structure for the holds of cargo vessels including a plurality of parallel beams movably supported between pairs of rails adjustably secured at the sides of the cargo hold. The beams span the hold and are individually movable on the rails to a central position below a cargo hatch to receive omnipallets of cargo which are supported in the hold between two adjacent beams. At least some of the omnipallets are movable on the beams, and the loaded pairs of beams are shiftable to the side of the hold. The unloaded beams are optionally shiftable to the sides of the cargo hold to convert the hold for dry bulk cargo or the beams can be removed and stowed on deck.