Abstract: A system is provided for use with a nuclear reactor which is mounted on a barge and which floats in a water tank. The system includes at least one water pipe which extends from a source of water to the interior of the tank. The system also includes a pipe which permits the drainage of water from the water tank. Valves are imposed in the piping so that the water in the tank will have a desired level and temperature. The system also enables fresh water to be supplied to the containment interior of the reactor. Further, the system includes piping and valves to supply water to the condenser and to drain water from the condenser. The system also includes flexible and slack tubular sections positioned in the piping between the barge and the water tank which allows the barge to move while maintaining the integrity of the tubing.

Abstract: The systems and associated methods are for autonomously launching and recovering payload objects such as vessels, equipment and people by partially submerging a multi-mode unmanned vehicle in a controlled manner. Mechanical, power, signal and logical system components operate in a coordinated manner to repeatedly and reliably perform unmanned launch and recovery of payloads in a variety of conditions and sea states from a catamaran style hull with multi-mode, high-performance characteristics.

Abstract: This invention provides a means of loading, processing and conditioning raw production gas, production of CGL, storage, transport, and delivery of pipeline quality natural gas or fractionated products to market. The CGL transport vessel utilizes a pipe based containment system to hold more densely packed constituents of natural gas held within a light hydrocarbon solvent than it is possible to attain for natural gas alone under such conditions. The containment system is supported by process systems for loading and transporting the natural gas as a liquid and unloading the CGL from the containment system and then offloading it in the gaseous state. The system can also be utilized for the selective storage and transport of NGLs to provide a total service package for the movement of natural gas and associated gas production. The mode of storage is suited for both marine and land transportation and configured in modular form to suit a particular application and/or scale of operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing oil or other pollutants from the surface of water, comprising a platform having a left side wall, a right side wall, a rear wall, a front opening, a floor, and a bottom, one or more ballasts which adjust the platform floor relative to a level of oil on the water surface, wherein the oil flows from the front opening across the floor to the rear wall, a rear location near the rear wall to collect the oil from the platform floor; and a pump connected to the rear location that removes the oil from the rear location to a storage area which does not affect the ballast of the platform. The skimmer vessel can work stationary in the water, and does not require a propeller means, as the oil will continue to flow into the skimmer as the oil is pumped out of the rear by the gravity flow to the rear of the vessel.

Abstract: Provided is a methanol plant that can obtain fresh water from sea water by using, in a seawater desalination device, the exhaust heat discharged in a step for producing methanol from natural gas. The methanol plant is provided with: a heat exchanger (4) that recovers into a thermal medium (for example, seawater) the exhaust heat discharged from a step for producing methanol from a feed stock (for example, natural gas); and a seawater desalinization device (6) that obtains freshwater from seawater using the exhaust heat recovered by means of the thermal medium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disposing of drill cuttings 500 from an oil and/or gas well drilling platform 510, comprising (a) transporting the drill cuttings 520 to a cuttings collection area 530 on the platform 510; (b) providing a barge 10, the barge 10 having at least one storage area 30, a cover 100 operably connected to the at least one storage area 30, and covering the at least one storage area 30; (c) placing the cover 100 in a first open state so that cuttings 500 can be placed in the at least one storage area 30; (d) transporting the drill cuttings 500 from the cuttings collection area 530 to the at least one storage area of the barge 10; (e) placing the cover 100 in a closed state so that the cuttings 520 in the storage area 30 of the barge 10 are contained; (f) transporting the barge 10 from the drilling platform 510 to a collection site 540; (g) placing the cover 100 in a second open state so that the cuttings 520 in the storage area 30 can be removed; and (h) removing the cuttings 520 from the sto

Abstract: A floating LNG plant including a first and a second converted LNG carrier each provided with a hull and at least one LNG storage tank wherein the floating LNG plant further includes: a connection structure for connecting the hull of the first and the second converted LNG carrier in order to obtain a twin-hull vessel; process equipment for LNG processing on the floating LNG plant; and a mooring system for mooring the floating LNG plant to the seabed, wherein the at least first and second converted LNG carrier each include an LNG carrier, originally provided with a plurality of LNG tanks, wherein at least one LNG tank has been deactivated and/or removed from at least one LNG carrier to create space on the floating LNG plant for installing the process equipment for LNG processing.

Abstract: A catamaran type vessel for use in a wastewater facility for servicing submerged air diffusers is disclosed. The vessel has spaced apart pontoon having an A-frame spanning between the upper decks of the pontoon and connecting the pontoons. A hook connected to a winch is secured to a cross header above the space between the pontoons. The hook is lowered into water and lifts an air header, to which the air diffusers are connected. An air diffuser is then pulled on the pontoons and serviced. The vessel is then propelled to a position to service other air diffusers in the pontoon.

Abstract: A catamaran type vessel for use in a wastewater facility for servicing submerged air diffusers is disclosed. The vessel has spaced apart pontoon having an A-frame spanning between the upper decks of the pontoon and connecting the pontoons. A hook connected to a winch is secured to a cross header above the space between the pontoons. The hook is lowered into water and lifts an air header, to which the air diffusers are connected. An air diffuser is then pulled on the pontoons and serviced. The vessel is then propelled to a position to service other air diffusers in the pontoon.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a transport-cargo vessel system configured for travel on water. The vessel system either includes a tug boat section and a barge section configured to interlock. The barge section is configured to carry liquefied natural was (LNG) and includes an LNG electric generator. In some embodiments, the barge section is configured to carry LNG and at least one additional cargo. The additional cargo may include a cargo for resupplying another vessel. The tug boat includes a propulsion system with an electric motor configured to receive electric power generated from multiple fuels. Electricity from the barge's generator is provided to the tug boat's motor via a power umbilical line.

Abstract: There is provided high power laser systems, high power laser tools, and methods of using these tools and systems for cutting, sectioning and removing structures objects, and materials, and in particular, for doing so in difficult to access locations and environments, such as offshore, underwater, or in hazardous environments, such as nuclear and chemical facilities. Thus, there is also provided high power laser systems, high power laser tools, and methods of using these systems and tools for removing structures, objects, and materials located offshore, under bodies of water and under the seafloor.

Abstract: A device for transporting and placing a bridge (1) of an offshore oil rig onto a floating or stationary mounting structure (3). The device has two parallel floating barges (10) for mounting the bridge (1). Each barge has a set of vertical movement rams (11) that move the bridge between a position of bearing on the barges (10) and a position of bearing on the structure (3). Each barge (10) has at least one assembly (15) for controlling the roll of each barge (10) in relation to the bridge (1) during the placement of the bridge onto the mounting structure (3). The assembly includes at least two rams (16) that are carried by the barge (10) and are located on both sides of the longitudinal axis of the barge (10). Each ram (16) is connected to the bridge (1) by a connecting member (17) that has rigid pull and flexible compression.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disposing of drill cuttings 500 from an oil and/or gas well drilling platform 510, comprising (a) transporting the drill cuttings 520 to a cuttings collection area 530 on the platform 510; (b) providing a barge 10, the barge 10 having at least one storage area 30, a cover 100 operably connected to the at least one storage area 30, and covering the at least one storage area 30; (c) placing the cover 100 in a first open state so that cuttings 500 can be placed in the at least one storage area 30; (d) transporting the drill cuttings 500 from the cuttings collection area 530 to the at least one storage area of the barge 10; (e) placing the cover 100 in a closed state so that the cuttings 520 in the storage area 30 of the barge 10 are contained; (f) transporting the barge 10 from the drilling platform 510 to a collection site 540; (g) placing the cover 100 in a second open state so that the cuttings 520 in the storage area 30 can be removed; and (h) removing the cuttings 520 from the sto

Abstract: A mobile floating deck barge system is provided for use in performing work on the underside of a bridge or other structure extending over a body of water.

Abstract: A sectional barge assembly and a hydraulic thruster apparatus for maneuvering the sectional barge assembly. The hydraulic thruster apparatus includes a hydraulic power unit and a thruster unit. The hydraulic power unit includes an engine and a hydraulic pump connected to the engine. The thruster unit includes a hydraulic motor and a propeller drivingly connected to the hydraulic motor to provide a thrust force that acts to move the sectional barge assembly. The sectional barge assembly includes a plurality of barges interconnected by connector devices that are also used to interconnect the thruster unit to the sectional barge assembly. Further, a hydraulic connection panel is mounted on the thruster unit and includes a plurality of hydraulic connectors which allow a plurality of hydraulic lines to be removably connectable thereto, respectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disposing of drill cuttings 500 from an oil and/or gas well drilling platform 510, comprising providing a barge 10, the barge 10 having at least one storage area 30, a cover 100 operably connected to the at least one storage area placing the cover 100 in a first open state so that cuttings 500 can be placed in the at least one storage area 30; transporting the drill cuttings placing the cover 100 in a closed state so that the cuttings 520 in the storage area 30 of the barge 10 are contained; transporting the barge 10 from the drilling platform 510 to a collection site 540; placing the cover 100 in a second open state so that the cuttings 520 in the storage area 30 can be removed; and removing the cuttings 520 from the storage area 30.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disposing of drill cuttings 500 from an oil and/or gas well drilling platform 510, comprising (a) transporting the drill cuttings 520 to a cuttings collection area 530 on the platform 510; (b) providing a barge 10, the barge 10 having at least one storage area 30, a cover 100 operably connected to the at least one storage area 30, and covering the at least one storage area 30; (c) placing the cover 100 in a first open state so that cuttings 500 can be placed in the at least one storage area 30; (d) transporting the drill cuttings 500 from the cuttings collection area 530 to the at least one storage area of the barge 10; (e) placing the cover 100 in a closed state so that the cuttings 520 in the storage area 30 of the barge 10 are contained; (f) transporting the barge 10 from the drilling platform 510 to a collection site 540; (g) placing the cover 100 in a second open state so that the cuttings 520 in the storage area 30 can be removed; and (h) removing the cuttings 520 from the sto

Abstract: A device for transporting and placing a bridge (1) of an offshore oil rig onto a floating or stationary mounting structure (3). The device has two parallel floating barges (10) for mounting the bridge (1). Each barge has a set of vertical movement rams (11) that move the bridge between a position of bearing on the barges (10) and a position of bearing on the structure (3). Each barge (10) has at least one assembly (15) for monitoring the roll of each barge (10) in relation to the bridge (1) during the placement of the bridge onto the mounting structure (3). The assembly includes at least two rams (16) that are carried by the barge (10) and are located on both sides of the longitudinal axis of the barge (10). Each ram (16) is connected to the bridge (1) by a connecting member (17) that has rigid pull and flexible compression.

Abstract: The present invention provides a perimeter frame system for use in forming the top and/or bottom surface of a construction barge. In one exemplary embodiment, the perimeter frame system is used in conjunction with support panels that are manufactured from extruded or roll form materials, such as extruded aluminum or roll form steel. The use of the perimeter frame system of the present invention eliminates the need to modify the perimeter edge portions of the extrusions forming the deck of the barge.

Abstract: A catamaran type vessel for use in a wastewater facility for servicing submerged air diffusers is disclosed. The vessel has spaced apart pontoon having an A-frame spanning between the upper decks of the pontoon and connecting the pontoons. A hook connected to a winch is secured to a cross header above the space between the pontoons. The hook is lowered into water and lifts an air header, to which the air diffusers are connected. An air diffuser is then pulled on the pontoons and serviced. The vessel is then propelled to a position to service other air diffusers in the pontoon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disposing of drill cuttings 500 from an oil and/or gas well drilling platform 510, comprising (a) transporting the drill cuttings 520 to a cuttings collection area 530 on the platform 510; (b) providing a barge 10, the barge 10 having at least one storage area 30, a cover 100 operably connected to the at least one storage area 30, and covering the at least one storage area 30; (c) placing the cover 100 in a first open state so that cuttings 500 can be placed in the at least one storage area 30; (d) transporting the drill cuttings 500 from the cuttings collection area 530 to the at least one storage area of the barge 10; (e) placing the cover 100 in a closed state so that the cuttings 520 in the storage area 30 of the barge 10 are contained; (f) transporting the barge 10 from the drilling platform 510 to a collection site 540; (g) placing the cover 100 in a second open state so that the cuttings 520 in the storage area 30 can be removed; and (h) removing the cuttings 520 from the sto

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the invention relates to supplying ships in a harbor with external energy in order to prevent the formation of soot and CO2. For this purpose it is already known to supply ships with power from the wharfage. One problem in such a power supply provided from the wharf is that differences in the harbor's water level must be balanced for the power supply of a ship in the harbor. Furthermore, the operational readiness of such a power supply on land may be adversely affected, such as in the case of high water. At least one embodiment of the invention proposes a buoyant harbor power supply, e.g. the components of the harbor power supply are disposed on or in a buoyant device, particularly a barge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ship that is to be coupled electrically to a terminal, and also to a method and a method and a device for connecting an electrical power line (1) between a ship (3) and a terminal (5), comprising: unwinder means (7) for unwinding a traction cable (13) from the ship (3) towards a connection end (15) of said electrical power line (1); lashing means (9) for lashing said traction cable (13) to said connection end (15); and traction means (11) for pulling said electrical power line towards the ship (3) so as to connect said connection end (15) with an electrical interface (17a) of the ship (3).

Abstract: An apparatus for removing oil from sea ice comprises modular crusher units which may be pivotally mounted on a barge or other vessel. A rotating, toothed drum crushes the ice against a grating and mixes it with warmed, recycled water to form an ice/water slurry which is conveyed by means of an auger to one or more melting units. The liquid phase output of the melting units is first conveyed to a surge tank and then to a separator unit which separates the oil from the water. The oil is conveyed to a storage tank for subsequent offloading and disposal and the water is returned in a recycle line to sprayers mounted in the crusher unit(s) for deicing the intake section of the crusher and mixing with the crushed sea ice to form an ice/water slurry for subsequent, on-board treatment. The modular design of the apparatus permits a plurality of units to be mounted on a vessel in a side-by-side array such that substantially the entire beam of the vessel at the stern (or bow) may be covered and used for ice intake.

Abstract: This invention is a method of capturing renewable energy, using power from ocean waves approaching the continental shores of the world as they build to greater height and power on impact with the shallower waters, and the purpose of this invention is to extract from these waves the maximum amount of energy possible by utilizing pitching vessels in the form of barges anchored perpendicular to the incoming swells and in turn causing large heavy masses in the form of liquids or massive steel balls to shift backwards and forward as the waves pass under the vessel creating a free surface effect to either generate power, convert salt water to fresh, or a combination of both—with a goal of generating 1 megawatt of power per barge providing an average wave height of 5 ft.

Abstract: A boat including a having a first side, a second side, a bottom coupled to the first side and the second side. Each of the first and second sides and bottom can include a plurality of hollow beams welded along seams to form a double hulled boat.

Abstract: A boat including a having a first side, a second side, a bottom coupled to the first side and the second side. Each of the first and second sides and bottom can include a plurality of hollow beams welded along seams to form a double hulled boat.

Abstract: A trailing hose system is disclosed for the application of materials (liquid or granular pesticides, nutrient inactivation, water quality improvement compounds) in a water body. The trailing hose or hoses release the material (liquid or granular pesticides, nutrient inactivation, water quality improvement compounds) at the desired depth within the water column. The current technology for the subsurface application of these materials is surface injection, granular spreaders, and the use of weighted hoses deployed from a vessel (boat). Surface injection of these materials below the thermocline, or to the bottom of a water body in sufficient concentrations to control the target pest, to deactivate nutrients, and or enhance water quality is required in the industry. The current technology that utilizes the use of weighted hose is cumbersome, and is a slow process that allows for the application of these materials at approximately 1-2 miles per hour.

Abstract: A system for protecting a modular barge, which includes a plurality of modular barge sections assembled together using male and female connections, is provided. Each modular barge section has a top surface, a bottom surface, a side wall extending between the top and bottom surfaces, and at least one male connector projecting from the side wall. Some of the male connectors are exposed at an outer peripheral of the barge. A bumper is coupled with the at least one exposed male connector. The bumper extends between the top and bottom surfaces of the modular barge section to which it is attached.

Abstract: A wave-powered device having enhanced motion. The device including first, second, and third barges, with the second barge having a first reservoir and a second reservoir. The first and second reservoirs being coupled by a first passageway to permit a first fluid to selectively and passively move between the first and second reservoirs in a predetermined manner to increase the pitching moment of the second barge while the second barge pitches while floating over waves. A first coupling mechanism is coupled between the first and second barges to enable the first and second barges to move relative to one another, and a second coupling mechanism is coupled between the second and third barges to enable the second and third barges to move relative to one another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disposing of drill cuttings 500 from an oil and/or gas well drilling platform 510, comprising (a) transporting the drill cuttings 520 to a cuttings collection area 530 on the platform 510; (b) providing a barge 10, the barge 10 having at least one storage area 30, a cover 100 operably connected to the at least one storage area 30, and covering the at least one storage area 30; (c) placing the cover 100 in a first open state so that cuttings 500 can be placed in the at least one storage area 30; (d) transporting the drill cuttings 500 from the cuttings collection area 530 to the at least one storage area of the barge 10; (e) placing the cover 100 in a closed state so that the cuttings 520 in the storage area 30 of the barge 10 are contained; (f) transporting the barge 10 from the drilling platform 510 to a collection site 540; (g) placing the cover 100 in a second open state so that the cuttings 520 in the storage area 30 can be removed; and (h) removing the cuttings 520 from the sto

Abstract: Ballast water treatment apparatus and methods for preventing foreign aquatic invasive species form entering marine ecological zones by translocation in ship's ballast water. The apparatus includes a housing, a filter member, and UV water treatment chambers. Methods include use of a ship's fire hydrant system or ballast water discharge port for moving ballast water from the ship's ballast tanks into the apparatus for filtration and treatment. In-port service vessels and barges as well as dock-side service vehicles are equipped with the various treatment and filtration apparatus to provided in-port or dock-side ballast water treatment services. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to marine transport systems and processing structures in furtherance thereof. More particularly, the invention relates to a marine transport system in which cargo of all types is transported between shallow draft brown water ports and deep draft blue water ports on the route, and a processing in which the cargo is marshaled onto and the transport vessel at the first port, carried through defined channels and locks, copes with sea states in blue water and discharges the cargo at the second port with no transshipment in between ports. In addition by matching the elements of the vessel, the channel, the lock, the slip, and the crane; more efficient trade, business and markets for cargo served by water links can now be utilized.

Abstract: A sectional, self-propelled barge for use in lake, island and waterfront communities for the transportation of equipment and supplies to construction sites, for example, to a site where a septic system is to be installed and methods of use thereof. The barge is operable with a vacuum tank and transportable therewith to a waterfront property for draining a septic system at the waterfront property. A containment box is provided for confining potential leaks from the vacuum tank.

Abstract: This invention is a road towed ferry with a hull system with a central hull and multiple outboard hulls having adjustable positions relative to the central hull. A first outboard hull position corresponds with a road tow configuration wherein the ferry may be towed over a road by a tow vehicle; the second position corresponds with a ferry configuration adapted to ferry the tow vehicle over water. The ferry in the tow configuration has a width, height, length, weight conforming with certain public road regulations without requiring special permits. In the ferry configuration the ferry is adapted to ferry heavy loads over water, such as in one configuration up to at least 16 tons, or in another configuration up to at least 19 tons.

Abstract: A sectional, self-propelled barge for use in lake, island and waterfront communities for the transportation of equipment and supplies to construction sites, for example, to a site where a septic system is to be installed and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A self-contained, floating, waterway supplied and moveable synthetic fuel plant includes apparatus for receiving components of and for making synthetic fuel of coal and binder for energy consumers. Processes are disclosed.

Abstract: A sectional, self-propelled barge for use in lake, island and waterfront communities for the transportation of equipment and supplies to construction sites, for example, to a site where a septic system is to be installed and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: This invention is a road towed ferry with a hull system with a central hull and multiple outboard hulls having adjustable positions relative to the central hull. A first outboard hull position corresponds with a road tow configuration wherein the ferry may be towed over a road by a tow vehicle; the second position corresponds with a ferry configuration adapted to ferry the tow vehicle over water. The ferry in the tow configuration has a width, height, length, weight conforming with certain public road regulations without requiring special permits. In the ferry configuration the ferry is adapted to ferry heavy loads over water, such as in one configuration up to at least 16 tons, or in another configuration up to at least 19 tons.

Abstract: The road-towed heavy-load ferry may be produced in larger or smaller versions using the same design. Its basic embodiment can transport afloat loads exceeding 16 metric tons (17.6 tons) including its tow vehicle. The ferry essentially comprises three longitudinal hulls. Outboard hulls (12) pivot outward and inward to rest atop central hull (10). Thereby, the ferry is reduced to a width suitable for towing on public roads. Equipment for road towing includes telescoping towing tongue (32), and pneumatic-tired wheels (28) which remain intact afloat. Winch (40) enables kedging across shoal water or ground. The wheels extend below the deployed outboard hulls to assist in kedging by reducing friction, suction, and risk of hull damage. A water-ballast system counterbalances on-board loads and otherwise improves stability in adverse winds, waves, and currents. Hinged gunwales provide additional freeboard.

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 subject of the invention is a ship (20) for recovering petroleum products floating at the surface of the sea, characterized in that it comprises an open front part equipped with a rotary collecting drum (24) which is partially submerged and comprises longitudinal elements (32) that can be moved with respect to the external surface of this drum (24) between two positions, one projecting, one retracted, a hopper (40) situated behind the said drum (24) for recovering the said petroleum products removed by this drum (24), and means (45) for transferring these products from the hopper (40) to at least one settling and storage tank (46). Another subject of the invention is a mobile installation for storing and transporting petroleum products recovered by recovery ships.

Abstract: A system for transporting material recovered in a dredging operation performed by a dredge is disclosed. The system includes a water-borne material distribution vessel including a conveyor system for receiving and depositing the recovered material. It also includes at least one water-borne material transportation vessel for transporting recovered material from the dredge to the material distribution vessel. The water-borne material distribution vessel can deposit the material into the waterway to form an island (which may be a levy), into another water-borne vessel, or into an on-shore station such as a wheeled transportation vehicle.

Abstract: A subject of the invention is a ship (20) for recovering petroleum products floating at the surface of the sea, characterized in that it comprises an open front part equipped with a rotary collecting drum (24) which is partially submerged and comprises longitudinal elements (32) that can be moved with respect to the external surface of this drum (24) between two positions, one projecting, one retracted, a hopper (40) situated behind the said drum (24) for recovering the said petroleum products removed by this drum (24), and means (45) for transferring these products from the hopper (40) to at least one settling and storage tank (46).

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 portable barge cover protects cargo in the hold of a barge from contaminants such as water, snow, dust, bird droppings and the like. The portable barge cover provides a removable and storable covering system that is readily assembled by three or four barge workers. Several overlapping flexible sheets are placed over spaced apart arched members which span from one side of a hold to the opposite side of the hold. The flexible sheets are secured by several straps that cross over the flexible sheets trapping the sheet between the strap and the arched member.

Abstract: A pontoon for military collapsible floating bridges and crossing ferries, including two inner floatation bodies and two outer floatation bodies, which are connected to one another by simple hinges. The outer floatation bodies have, adjacent to the inner floatation bodies, a slightly rising, level first deck section and, attached to this and forming a step, another rising, level second deck section. Furthermore, the outer bodies have a lateral wall, which forms a freeboard that acts as an over-wash protection. The inner and outer floatation bodies can be folded into a W-shape for transport. When folded the second deck section of the outer floatation bodies lies flat on the deck of the inner floatation bodies. The bottom of the outer floatation bodies is flat and is aligned with the bottom of the inner floatation bodies. The outer floatation bodies are wider than the inner floatation bodies. So that the center of buoyancy of the outer floatation bodies is as far as possible from the hinge.

Abstract: A vessel for use in the refinement or production of oil/petroleum products at sea at a location at a distance from the coast is designed as a ship (1) of the lash type, in which there are integrated a number of barges (2) which can be removed from the ship's hull and used as independent transport vessels for the transport of products to and from shore. In the ship there is integrated manufacturing or production equipment in a unit (4). This unit (4) can also be provided in a barge which is part of the lash construction. The manufacturing equipment in the unit (4) is preferably positioned close to the ship's means of propulsion and control. In the ship's construction between the barges and the production equipment (2, 4), there are integtrated transport systems for the products obtained.

Abstract: Flexible fabric barges are connected together in a string for towing. The barges are interconnected by fabric sleeves which have zipper connections. A fabric towing cone is zipper connected to the lead barge. Each barge includes an elongated opening that allows cargo to be efficiently discharged from the barge. The elongated opening can be a circumferentially elongated opening that divides the barge into front and rear sections or the elongated opening can be a longitudinal opening which divides the barge into right and left sections.

Abstract: A barge for the commercial shipping of cargo along an inland waterway having an economically optimized bow, a stern, elongated sidewalls extending between the bow and the stern, and a bottom interconnecting the bow, stern and sidewalls. The bow has a profile within a longitudinal centerline plane of symmetry defined by a fullness which is defined by a block coefficient. The bow also has a corresponding radius within the longitudinal centerline plane. The fullness and the radius of the bow are optimized for economic performance of the barge, which is dependent upon revenue generated by shipping cargo in the barge along a waterway, fuel costs associated with overcoming resistance to propel the barge along a waterway, and maintenance and repair costs associated with propelling the barge along a waterway. The barge has a block coefficient in the range of about 0.96 to about 0.988, with a corresponding radius ranging from about 10' to about 22'.