Abstract: The present invention provides a capturing mechanism and method for the recovery of at least one vessel to at least one marine platform; the at least one vessel having at least one engagement device either permanently or at least partially reversibly connectable to the same; the capturing mechanism including: a. at least one tensioned capturing line connected to the at least one marine platform; and b, at least one line maneuvering mechanism configured to displace the at least one tensioned capturing line in at least one direction selected from a group of up, down, left, right, forward, backward, playable into the at least one marine plat form, playable out of the at least one marine platform, playable into and out of the water and any combination thereof.

Abstract: A mine neutralizing device that includes a buoy. The buoy includes a mine neutralizing device capable of swimming to an undersea mine to neutralize it. A method for neutralizing undersea mines includes locating an undersea mine, placing a buoy containing a mine neutralizer near the mine, and swimming the mine neutralizer to the undersea mine.

Abstract: Marine lift apparatus for raising and lowering vessels, platforms, and cargo are disclosed. A lift apparatus comprises a multi-component structure capable of movement, at least one flexible member, and at least one piston device. In some aspects, marine lift apparatus facilitates the level raising, lowering, and storing of vessels, platforms, and cargo. Lift apparatus mountable onto multi-hull vessels, such as catamarans, configured for lifting a combination swim and dinghy platform are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lifting block and a method of using it for supporting a load from a first lifting device or sharing the load between the first lifting device and a second lifting device, particularly for use on a vessel and deep water applications, are disclosed. The lifting block, with at least one sheave, has first and second connection elements associated with it. In one arrangement (single fall) a lifting wire or rope is fed around the sheave and terminated in an end stop which also provides the first connection element. When the first lifting device is operated alone, the end stop rests on the block. When the second connection element, secured to the lifting wire or rope of a second lifting device, is joined to the first connection element the load is snared between the two lifting devices which can then be operated in unison to position the load at a required, deeper position.

Abstract: A method and a device for hoisting an item at sea with a hoisting device comprises moving the item between a plurality of different height levels. In addition, the method comprises alternately supporting the load of the item with a first hoisting rope and a second hoisting rope while moving the item between the plurality of different height levels. Further, the method comprises arranging the first hoisting rope and the second hoisting rope to extend in parallel along at least part of the distance between the item and the hoisting device. Still further, the method comprises releasably connecting the first hoisting rope to the second hoisting rope. Moreover, the method comprises suspending the second hoisting rope from a hanger when the second hoisting rope is supporting the load of the item. The method also comprises connecting the hanger to an arm of the hoisting device.

Abstract: A device for using technical equipment underwater includes at least one guide rail configured to extend vertically underwater on an edifice from above a waterline. At least one device carriage is provided and includes a basic unit having a reception flange configured to couple the technical equipment thereto, and at least one running unit that abuts against the guide rail via guide rollers. A press-on unit is disposed on a first side of the device carriage and includes a lever pivotable on an axis of the device carriage so as to generate a pressing force of the device carriage against the guide rail. The lever includes a support roller at a first end and a weight packet at a second end so as to exert a downward drifting force underwater that is greater than a buoyancy of the device carriage. At least two spacers are each disposed at a first end on the at least one device carriage and abutting the edifice at a second end.

Abstract: An offshore structure for deploying and retrieving underwater electrical power generators that converts energy derived from water currents into electrical energy. The offshore structural platform includes a pair of vertical guide rails to guide a propulsion device lowering said generator underwater onto a seabed propulsion device. The seabed propulsion device is engaged on an underwater seabed rail system and transports the generator onto one of many unique frames specifically designed to support underwater generators. Securing devices are utilized to ensure the generators remain anchored to each propulsion device and to the unique frame. Rail transferring elements are also utilized for a smooth and safe transition during the transport process.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for capturing a target object from a body of water. A first rail is proximate to a second rail. A first gap portion is formed between at least a portion of the first and second rail. The first gap portion is configured to align and receive at least a portion of the target object as a distance between the first gap portion and at least the portion of the target object decreases. A second gap portion is formed between at least the portion of the first and second rail. The first and second rail are further configured to align and receive at least the portion of the target object with the second gap portion as a distance between the second gap portion and at least the portion of the target object decreases.

Abstract: An apparatus for launching and recovering at least one water vehicle includes a frame supported by a base. The base may be mounted to the deck of a boat. The frame includes an elongate stand for supporting the water vehicle. The frame is mounted for being moved relative to the base between a stowed position and a deployed position, so that a rear end of the stand is at a lower elevation in the deployed position than in the stowed position. A guide is carried by the frame and adapted for being moved back and forth along the stand. The guide is for mechanically guiding the water vehicle along the stand.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for lifting and lowering a load in water, including a hoisting gear with a first hoisting rope and a storage drum with a second hoisting rope, which preferably are arranged on a floating unit. In accordance with the present disclosure, a hoisting gear frame is fastened to the first hoisting rope, whose buoyancy in water is variably adjustable. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a method for lifting and lowering a load in water by using such a device.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system for loading/unloading a vehicle into/from a carrier ship through at least one opening provided in the rear of said ship comprising an angled vehicle-receiving ramp combined with a motor-driven means for loading/unloading the vehicle, characterized in that the motor-driven means for loading/unloading the vehicle comprises a crossbeam-shaped means for the ship that extends above the ramp and is combined with a vehicle-hoisting/releasing cable, which is in turn combined with a first drive means for hoisting/releasing the vehicle, and in that the crossbeam-shaped means is longitudinally movable, by means of a second drive means above the ramp, between a rear position for hoisting/releasing the vehicle and a front position for storing the vehicle on the ramp in the ship.

Abstract: A high current cursor comprises a outer frame in which a center carriage travels. The center carriage travels between the top and bottom of the outer frame. Movement of the center carriage is limited within the outer frame constraints and its own locking mechanism. Center carriage carries a bend restrictor for an umbilical or lift line. When the center carriage travels down to a predetermined position within the high current cursor, equipment is allowed to exit the high current cursor or is retrieved back into the high current cursor when the bend restrictor reaches a predetermined position within the outer frame, e.g. at its lowest point, allowing dispersal and/or retrieval without obstruction back to a fixed recovery point.

Abstract: The invention comprises of a tenderlift (1) for watercraft with a high safety standard, such as the safe picking up of the tender (7) by means of guide sticks (9a, b), curved elements (9c), deadrise elements (10), tender locking (11) as well as for an easier positioning of the tender on the platform (8) with an integrated revolving plate (12) which) can be accordingly turned by coercion adjustment or by means of an operating cylinder (19). In addition the swivel arms (3a, b) are concealed, so that no gap (3c) can occur and no bruising of limbs or other means can occur.

Abstract: A tailpipe stone dumping vessel (1) for stone dumping through a fallpipe suspended from the vessel, comprising: • of a hull (1a), • a fallpipe section storage for storing fallpipe sections (2), • a tower (20) at least comprising fallpipe support means (40) for supporting the suspended fallpipe, said tower (20) being adapted for assembly and disassembly of the fallpipe by addition of a fallpipe section to the upper end of the suspended fallpipe or removal of a fallpipe section from the suspended fallpipe, respectively, • a tower gimbal structure (22) provided between the hull and the tower providing a pivotal mode for the tower (20) wherein the tower is pivotable about at least one pivot axis with respect to the hull so that the tower—and the fallpipe suspended there from—has in a plane associated with said at least one pivot axis an orientation essentially independent from sea-state induced vessel motions, • hoist means (31, 32, 33, 34) for lowering and raising the suspended fallpipe, • fallpipe section handl

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing debris from an ocean floor or seabed employs a subsea debris basket. The basket eliminates the absolute necessity of a cargo barge or any other supporting vessel that might be required to remain in a field until the objects on the ocean floor can be lifted. The present invention provides a non-weather sensitive solution. The present invention affords the safe operation in that all lifting and lowering is performed in a subsea environment next to the ocean floor or seabed. The present invention enables operation to be completed with the use of an ROV or remotely operated vehicle. The present invention provides improved offshore efficiency, less time being required to recover debris from the seabed to the underwater salvage basket or debris basket. The present invention enables the possibility of use of an A-frame or simple crane to lower debris into a subsea basket. The basket can be reused or redeployed in the field if desired.

Abstract: A method, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, includes positioning an elevated handling beam in a slip of a marine vessel, the handling beam extending from an inboard position to a outboard positioned proximate to an open slipway; and moveably positioning a handling winch on the handling beam, the handling winch capable of selectively connecting with a gun assembly and moving the gun assembly vertically and laterally relative to the handling beam.

Abstract: A deployment system (12) for deploying equipment from a vessel (10), such as sea going vessel, comprises a support structure (18) adapted to be mounted on the deck (14) of a vessel (10) and a cradle (20) mounted on the support structure (18) and adapted to be support equipment (16) to be deployed, wherein the cradle (20) is configurable between storage configuration and a deployment configuration. A carriage (22) is mounted on the cradle (20) and is adapted to engage equipment (16) to be deployed, wherein the carriage (22) is translatable relative to the cradle (20) to move equipment (16) between stored and deployed positions. In one disclosed embodiment, the deployment system (12) is arrangement for use in deploying an elongate structure, such as a subsea well intervention system, for a sea going vessel (10).

Abstract: The disclosure provides an efficient system to obtain a pile from a storage location on a vessel and shift the pile across the vessel without significant rotation of the pile. The pile can be transferred into an assembly that can lower the pile and launch the pile. The disclosure provides a method of translating and launching a pile for a marine application, comprising: storing at least a first pile on a rack located on a vessel; transporting the pile to an installation site; lifting the pile from the rack with a cart; supporting the pile on the cart; shifting the cart and the pile to a launch arm assembly; transferring the pile from the cart to a first portion of the launch arm assembly adjacent a side of the vessel; lowering the first portion with the pile; and releasing the pile from the first portion into a marine environment.

Abstract: Tanker loading assembly includes a first on-board hose arrangement with first coupling portion and a second submerged buoyant hose arrangement provided with second coupling portion for cooperation with the first coupling portion for obtaining a fluid-tight connection between the first and second hose arrangements. The first coupling portion is positioned in an internal vertical passage of the tanker, wherein a lifting device is provided for engaging the second coupling portion and lifting it towards the position for engaging the first coupling portion.

Abstract: A method of building a levee or an island is disclosed. The method includes dredging material from a surface of a body of water with a dredge assembly mounted to a hull and supporting a hopper with the hull. The hopper is adapted to receive the material. The hopper includes a floor with a portion of the floor moveable to permit movement of the material in the hopper, and depositing at a desired location dredge material from the dredge using a transfer conveyor.

Abstract: A multi-purpose vessel for use when recovering material from a bottom surface of a body of water. The vessel includes a hull and a dredge assembly mounted to the hull. The dredge assembly is adapted to recover the material from the bottom surface. A conveyor system is provided, with the conveyor system including a first portion adapted to receive the material from the dredge assembly, a moveable second portion, and a distribution portion. The second portion is moveable to a first position in which the second portion is adapted to receive the material from the first portion and to convey the material to a first desired location disposed a first distance away from the hull. The second portion is further moveable to a second position in which the second portion is adapted to convey the material to the distribution portion. The distribution portion is adapted to convey the material a second distance greater than the first distance away from the hull.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a active-over-passive coordinated motion winch designed to be used in combination with a class of existing offshore lifting systems such as A-Frames, booms or cranes to minimize the relative movement between a payload position and a destination position occurring commonly in offshore operations. The configuration of this system allows a remote operated vehicle (ROV) or any other launched load to be firmly captured until it is delivered to the desired destination. The configuration of the system also permits towed loads, such as sonar devices, to closely maintain level tow paths along the sea floor.

Abstract: A barge for replacing foam blocks that support floating docks. The barge is provided with a float sinker that removably attaches to the barge via a boom. The float sinker can be moved from side to side via the boom and can be rotated. The float sinker has clamp arms with movable flat plates for releasably grasping foam blocks. The float sinker has hollow chambers that can be flooded as a means of pulling the blocks downward in the water and has means for expelling the water from the chambers to allow the blocks to rise to the surface of the water. Controls are provided on the deck of the barge for operating the barge and for remotely operating the float sinker from the barge.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for supporting the hull of a watercraft using a flexible bunk beam and a convex cushion attached to the beam using locking elements. The beam has a longitudinal recess with a narrow upper neck portion and a larger lower anchor portion, and the cushion has an elongated cushion locking member lockably insertable into the recess. The cushion locking member has a narrow upper neck portion and a larger lower portion sized to snuggly fit within the recess. The cushion includes internal voids and walls. The beam includes sidewalls with bores forming bearing surfaces.

Abstract: A method for placing at least one windmill on open water, wherein the windmill is built up at least for the greater part on or near land and is supported in a stage; the windmill with the stage is placed on a vessel and transported with the vessel to a set-up position; the windmill is taken with a hoisting device from the vessel, preferably stabilized by means of legs, and is placed on a foundation mounted in the water.

Abstract: A boat lift for attachment to the aft transom of a larger boat for lifting and lowering smaller water craft, utilizes a single double acting hydraulic cylinder to move a truck horizontally within an enclosure. Cables fixed to the truck cause movement of vertically disposed connectors attached to a intermediate vertically moveable members which in turn include cables attached to vertically moveable support posts which carry water craft support arms.

Abstract: A method for loading and unloading of a solid substance having a high degree of water content from a cargo hold of a bulk carrier is disclosed. The degree of water content of the solid substance is such that a layer of liquid is formed above the solid substance. In accordance with the method, a predetermined volumetric ratio of solid substance and water is pumped out of the cargo hold by a pump that is seated on a float freely movable on the layer of liquid, at the same time as water is fed into the cargo hold at a volumetric rate substantially the same as the volumetric rate of water being pumped out.

Abstract: In a load handling device for use with a load having a lifting attachment, the lifting attachment being so attached to the load that, when the load is suspended by means of the lifting attachment, the load is free to pivot relative to the lifting attachment about at least one axis, the load handling device comprises means for engaging the lifting attachment, raising means for raising the load, so that it is suspended by the lifting attachment, and for lowering it, and a stabiliser movable between a retracted position in which it is substantially clear of the load and an extended position in which it contacts the load on either side of the said axis to limit or control pivoting movement of the load about that axis. The stabiliser may be moveable by a plurality of hydraulic rams connected in a closed loop system. Restriction of the flow of the hydraulic fluid between the rams acts to damp movement of the load.

Abstract: A bow loading arrangement for shuttle tankers where the mooring winch drum and hose handling winch drum are operated both together and independently of each other by the same drive unit. The winch may be placed on the main deck, and by using guide pulleys both the hose handling rope and the mooring hawser can be guided to the respective drums.