Abstract: A multi-hulled vessel for upward ice-breaking is disclosed. The vessel has side hulls that are at least partially submerged while the vessel is underway. The side hulls each have a ridge on their upper surface. To break through ice at sea, the side hulls are positioned under the ice and the trim is adjusted for an upward trim angle. As the vessel moves forward, the ice is lifted and force concentrates along the ridge on the side hulls. The ice breaks along this force concentration, aided by the weight of the ice itself.

Abstract: A vertical translation mechanism for reconfiguring the hull form of a reconfigurable vessel having independently movably side hulls and a center hull is disclosed. The vertical translation mechanism includes a hydraulic-force actuator and a nonmetallic bearing. The hydraulic force actuator comprises a rod that is disposed within a hydraulic cylinder. Responsive to changes in hydraulic pressure in the cylinder, the rod is extended or retracted therefrom. Movement of the rod controls the vertical translation of the center hull and its rotational attitude relative to the side hulls.

Abstract: A method for reconfiguring the hull form of a reconfigurable variable-draft vessel having a side hull and a center hull. In a method in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, ballasting and de-ballasting operations assist in the vertical translation of the center hull relative to the side hull.

Abstract: A ship-to-shore interface includes a shipside ramp and a shoreside ramp. The shoreside ramp is securely fixed to the shoreline. The shoreside ramp has one or more physical adaptations that enable it to passively engage the shipside ramp. In the illustrative embodiment, the physical adaptation is a plurality of recesses that receive a lug that depends from the shoreside end of the shipside ramp.