Abstract: Described is a device for lifting an object from a deck of a vessel subject to movements in a heave direction. The device comprises a support surface for the object provided at a first height in the heave direction relative to the deck. A lifting crane is configured to take up the object from the support surface at a lifting point thereof at a lifting speed. An actuator system is configured to lower the support surface relative to the deck at the instant in time at which the object is lifted from the surface to a second height in the heave direction at a lowering speed. A method using the device is also described.

Abstract: A maneuvering autonomous rotorcraft cargo attachment system for engaging two mating elements of a coupling mechanism includes a first system on a ship deck to position a first coupling mechanism element in response to positioning commands and a second system attached to a rotorcraft hoist cable to position the second coupling mechanism element in response to positioning commands. A controller calculates and issues the positioning commands to the first and second positioning systems thereby effecting engagement of the two coupling elements.

Abstract: A method for transferring fluids and personnel between a work vessel and an offshore marine platform includes the placement of an elongated self-supporting frame between the work vessel and the marine platform. A walkway is provided on the frame. Pipe racks are provided on the frame, one pipe rack on each side of the frame so that a pair of pipe racks are on opposing sides of the frame. Hand rails are mounted in between the walkway and each pipe rack. A fluid holding pan extends under the walkway and the flowlines. In this fashion, fluid that falls from either a pipe rack or a walkway to the pan can travel through a common drain or collection area.

Abstract: A non-permanent system for the unloading and loading of ocean-going cargo vessels is described using a cargo transfer system which is supported by dirigibles or airships. The cargo transfer system is comprised of a moving transfer cable, a cargo lifting device and a cargo staging device. The system is used to transfer cargo between at least one sea terminus and at least one land terminus. Cargo is moved along the transfer cable from one terminus to another by means of dirigibles or airships. The sea-terminus of the system may be a floating temporary dock or a large ocean vessel such as an aircraft carrier. The system can be developed so that it is fully transportable and can be assembled and launched from a large ship, as well as recovered for movement to another location. The system may also be used at inland ports. The system can be sized to the port requirements using one transfer system or multiple systems.

Abstract: The invention concerns an autonomous container ship comprising a hull, a propulsion system, loading and unloading systems for loading and unloading containers, and a balancing system. The ship transports containers from larger ports equipped with facilities for loading and unloading containers to smaller ports which may not provide such equipment and may be less than 4 meters deep. The ship includes a propulsion system to propel the ship to cruising speed on the high seas and at lower speeds in estuaries and ports, loading and unloading systems adapted to ports not provided with appropriate equipment, and a balancing system for balancing the ship at sea by providing stability and trim during container handling operations.

Abstract: The invention concerns an autonomous container ship comprising a hull, a propulsion system, loading and unloading systems for loading and unloading containers, and a balancing system. The ship transports containers from larger ports equipped with facilities for loading and unloading containers to smaller ports which may not provide such equipment and may be less than 4 meters deep. The ship includes a propulsion system to propel the ship to cruising speed on the high seas and at lower speeds in estuaries and ports, loading and unloading systems adapted to ports not provided with appropriate equipment, and a balancing system for balancing the ship at sea by providing stability and trim during container handling operations.