Mono Semi-Submersible Platform
An offshore marine port including a plurality of individual modules of the same dimensions and alike size and shape, being attached to form a singular large platform and having apparatus either fixed or mobile, robotic or manned, pertaining to the handling and efficient movement of bulk; break bulk; liquids or cargo containers while being off-loaded or on-loaded to either bulk or break bulk vessels or barges; liquids vessels or barges; or cargo container vessels or barges. The ‘modules’ are constructed in a way as to most effectively provide for the movement of bulk; break bulk; liquids or cargo containers while transiting through the intended structure. The mono semi-submersible sections of each module, serves to allow for more usable arrears for below main deck operations, while still providing for ample research and development spaces and supporting laboratories.
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This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/363,258 filed Jul. 11, 2010
This application claims in part, the benefits of U.S. Pat. No. 7,436,324. Dated Oct. 14, 2008 by the same inventor, Stephan V. Kroecker
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to maritime transportation and infrastructure and, particularly, to a method and apparatus for expanding existing ports, limited in channel depth and critical dockage infrastructure, that is not readily available to these existing ports or height hindrances from existing bridge structures crossing channels or entrances to these ports.
It is recognized that there are ancillary purposes for this invention including, but not limited to, port security; supply chain security; reallocation of specific funding relating to the aforementioned security issues, as well as the increase use for underutilized intermodal regional ports; redistribution and delivery of goods closer to an end user; relief and repair for the existing highway and bridge infrastructure supporting the existing ports; an increase of unrealized revenues by the regions served by the invention; and, an increase of regional employment.
The present invention contemplates one or more modules that would be connected and placed twenty to twenty-five nautical miles outside of the primary regional port in international waters, that would supply to the shipping lines utilizing Ultra Large Container Carrier Vessels, or Ultra Large Vessels, as well as future larger vessel classes, containing bulk, break bulk, liquids; or, Liquid Gases; a fully operational Seaport structure whereby these vessels can arrive and disembark their goods for redistribution; resupply and maintain the vessel; and, embark with goods for another port destination.
The invention would provide living quarters for management and crew; would provide a module that is specifically set aside for the purposes of Command and Control of the invention; would provide a module that is specifically set-aside for the purpose of a Hotel / Resort complex that would accommodate public visits to the modules; and, the remaining modules would be specifically utilized for the operations related to either container; bulk; break bulk; or, liquids and Liquid Gases being delivered for redistribution to the end user.
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While the invention has been described in what is presently considered to be a preferred embodiment, various modifications and improvements will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. It is therefore intended that the invention not be limited to this specific disclosed embodiment but be interpreted within the scope of the underlying concept.
Claims
1. A semi-submersible marine platform comprised of:
- a. the module or series of modules of varying sizes positioned at specific offshore ocean sites capable of servicing multiple ports including all major and intermodal ports incorporated in that region;
- b. the module is made from marine steel; composite materials; aluminum; and other materials commonly utilized in structure construction;
- c. the modules contain various non-specific lifting apparatuses which are specific to containerized cargo; bulk cargo; liquids cargo; and other specialized cargo, for removing and reloading cargo from various types of vessels arriving and departing the platform structure;
- d. the module or series of modules is attached to the sea bed utilizing a anchoring technology and geosynchronous positioning system to maintain a desired position;
- e. a propulsion system and or towing system for any kind of movement or repositioning;
- f. shaft locking mechanisms and steel weldments for connection to adjacent modules, providing for connectivity and structural support of the module structure as a whole, while also providing for the capabilities of future expansion of said module structures;
- g. an anti-biologic coating for offshore environment so that module is extremely tolerant of the offshore ocean environment including but not limited to the most marine contaminate biologics from ballast waters, currents, waves, wind, weather, air temperature or water temperature;
- h. includes a command and traffic control center for vessels transiting, arriving and departing the module structure and surrounding waterways;
- i. a docking system that can harbor multiple vessels for the purpose of unloading and loading passengers and cargo;
- j. specialized high speed cranes, elevators and container moving equipment to work in conjunction with cargo ships;
- k. a crews quarters to safely house personnel and visiting crews.
2. The system of claim 1 and the capability to electronically and non-intrusively check cargo and manifests arriving, moving through and departing the module structure, and
3. The system of claim 2 and the capability to move the cargos throughout the module structure in an automated, robotic and computer controlled manner, increasing efficiency and reducing costs, and
4. The system of claim 3 and the capability to redistribute the cargos below the module structure utilizing ocean going, high speed container shuttle vessels capable of operating in harmony with the platform structure, and
5. The system of claim 4 and the capability of electronically acquire, analyze and report autonomously and securely the cargos transiting through the module structure to all entities having involvement with the cargos, and
6. The system of claim 5 and will redistribute cargo of various types, reducing stresses on the structure and infrastructure both inside and outside of the regional existing ports, and
7. The system of claim 6 and that module structure will meet or exceed guidelines of all required governing agencies, classification agencies, and
8. The system of claim 7 and that the module structure will be positioned in waters capable of, maximizing and servicing efficiently all regional ports, either in national or international waters, and
9. The system of claim 8 and that the module structure is capable of supporting all aspects of vertical flight operations, utilizing helicopter pads, to and from the shore side, and
10. The system of claim 9 and that the module structure will serve to enhance distribution of the global supply chain, and
11. The system of claim 10 and that the module structure can be configured to efficiently distribute cargo that is described or classified as ‘bulk’ or ‘liquids’, and
12. The system of claim 11 and that the module structures can be positioned to further the overall efficiency of cargo movement through out the worldwide system by leveling the costs of transportation of goods to all participating system members, and
13. The system of claim 12 and that the module structures can be configured to house and carry out all operations endemic to oil refinery operations and gas liquification and de-liquification operations, and
14. The system of claim 13 and that the module structures can be configured to accommodate metropolitan and suburban expansion, and
15. The system of claim 14 and that the module structure can be used for additional services including but not limited to bulk cargoes, liquid cargoes, specialized oversized cargoes, research and development operations, on-going off-shore business operations, vessel husbandry and chandlery services, aqua farming, Emergency Staging for natural disasters, educational opportunities, ancillary business opportunities and conference and meeting places.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 26, 2011
Publication Date: May 30, 2013
Applicant: (Titusville, FL)
Inventor: Stephan Vincent Kroecker (Titusville, FL)
Application Number: 13/304,633
International Classification: B63B 35/50 (20060101); B63B 35/44 (20060101);