Abstract: Heat treatment system and methods to decontaminate ballast fluid includes ballast tank(s) each having a temperature sensor. A heat source transfers heat to ballast fluid when circulated therethrough. Diverter valves provide selective direction of fluid flow to either the onboard heat source or external auxiliary heat source when connected. A pump moves ballast fluid between the ballast tank(s) and the heat source, recirculating ballast fluid for iterative heating. The temperature sensor provides ballast fluid temperature information in the ballast tank(s). Recirculation is stopped when ballast fluid meets predetermined ballast temperature conditions. A display provides decontamination status to an operator. A control unit monitors all sensors, valves and pumps to coordinate the performance of the heat treatment process and provide history report confirming decontamination.

Abstract: A portable, pumpless water ballast system can be constructed of a flexible water-proof membrane molded or formed of welded panels to make a desired shape, such as cube-shaped when filled with water. Along the top side is an opening for filling the container. A water-proof closure is provided in the opening to prevent water leaking out. An air release valve can be installed near the top area of the container's top or side panels. A handle or strap can also be provided on one or more of the adjacent sides of the container. A plastic threaded drain and closure can be provided on one or more sides to allow for emptying of the container or to attach other features like a hose or other accessory.

Abstract: A ballast water treatment method includes: a step of supplying a sterilizing component to a ballast pipe while taking ballast water into a ballast tank through the ballast pipe; a first measurement step of measuring the concentration of the sterilizing component in the ballast water after the sterilizing component is supplied; a circulation step of returning the ballast water stored in the ballast tank to the ballast pipe through a circulation pipe; a second measurement step of measuring the concentration of the sterilizing component contained in the ballast water returned to the ballast pipe; and a step of supplying the sterilizing component to the ballast pipe 2 when the concentration of the sterilizing component measured in the second measurement step is less than 0.2 times the concentration of the sterilizing component measured in the first measurement step.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to configuring a watercraft propulsion system and control surface to generate a higher rate flow and a lower rate flow governed by the watercraft's yaw slip angle, adjusting the rate difference between the higher rate flow and the lower rate flow based on adjusting the yaw slip angle determined as a function of the control surface position and the propulsion system thrust vector, and directing by the watercraft the higher rate flow to converge with the lower rate flow to create a wave. The propulsion system may be a plurality of independently adjustable propulsion methods permitting propulsion system differential thrust vector adjustment. The control surface may be adjustable 360 degrees in the plane of the watercraft longitudinal axis. The yaw slip angle may be adjusted based on sensor information. Exemplary implementations may increase wave quality and improve maneuverability of a watercraft configured to create waves.

Abstract: A Method and Apparatus for Wake Enlargement System have been disclosed. By using water pick-ups that are mounted on a boat, controlled filling of ballast tanks is possible without the use of pumps.

Abstract: Stabilization system for a system subjected to external stresses, in particular for a floating support structure, the stabilization system comprising at least three damping devices (1), in form of U-shaped tubes, made up of liquid reserves (2) and a connecting tube (3). At least two of the damping devices are not parallel to one another. The invention further relates to a floating support structure comprising such a stabilization system.

Abstract: Wakeboat ballast pump systems and methods are provided to monitor the operational condition and parameters of wakeboat ballast components. Systems and methods for sensing and measurement are provided to detect parameters associated with wakeboat ballast pumps and compartments, including systems and methods that can economically retrofit into existing wakeboat ballast systems. Systems and methods are also provided to enable automated action based on various operational conditions and parameters to improve the safety, automation, performance, convenience, and marketing advantage of wakeboat ballast pumps.

Abstract: Recreational watercraft and methods of operating recreational watercraft are described. Recreational watercraft can include an aluminum hull, a plurality of ballast tanks, a first surface defining a first opening that extends from an interior of a ballast tank of the plurality of ballast tanks to an exterior of the hull, a valve configured to selectively open or close the first opening, and a second surface defining a second opening that is fixed permanently open and extends from an interior of the ballast tank through a bottom portion of the hull to an exterior of the hull.

Abstract: A watercraft includes a vessel body, a marine propulsion device and a guide. The marine propulsion device is attached to the vessel body and includes a water stream generator that propels the vessel body. The guide is provided on the vessel body and extends astern of the vessel body and toward a center of the vessel body in a width direction of the vessel body from a position located sideward of the water stream generator. The guide inwardly directs water flowing on one lateral side of the vessel body such that confluent timing of the water flowing on the one lateral side of the vessel body and water flowing on the other lateral side of the vessel body is caused to occur earlier than when the guide is not provided on the vessel body.

Abstract: A crane includes a crane structure defining a substantially vertical rotation axis; a boom connected with a first end to the crane structure to be rotatable about the vertical rotation axis; a trolley moveable along the boom in longitudinal direction of the boom; a hoisting cable and a load connector. The load connector is arranged at a free end of the hoisting cable to be connected to a load for hoisting purposes. The trolley includes a cable guide to guide the hoisting cable and an attachment configured to temporarily attach the load connector to the trolley to fix the position of the load connector relative to the trolley.

Abstract: An offshore structure has an upending device for upending an elongate suppo structure from a substantially horizontal loading position on a deck of the offshore structure to a substantially vertical launch position outboard of the offshore structure. The upending device has a pivot axis situated near a side of the offshore structure for pivoting the upending device between the loading position and the launch position. A first end of the upending device has a connector member for pivotally connecting to the elongate support structure. The connector member in the launch position is in a position outboard from the side of the offshore structure. A second end of the upending device is attached to a pulling device that is located on the deck of the offshore structure. The upending device is within reach of one or more hoisting means for the elongate support structure.

Abstract: Wakeboat hull control systems and methods are provided to monitor the orientation of the wakeboat hull in the surrounding water, and to automatically control wakeboat ballast components to achieve or maintain desired hull orientations. Systems and methods are provided to measure, store, and recall hull orientation. Systems and methods are also provided to enable automated action to improve the safety, automation, performance, convenience, and marketing advantage of wakeboat ballast systems.

Abstract: Stabilization system (1) for a system subjected to external stresses, in particular for a floating support structure, the stabilization system comprising at least three liquid reserves (2) and at least three connecting tubes (3). The liquid reserves are spatially distributed. Furthermore, the connecting tubes provide circulation of the liquid between all the liquid reserves. The invention further relates to a floating support structure comprising such a stabilization system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented of operating a seawater system to reduce fouling. The seawater system may be installed in a waterborne vessel. A method comprises establishing suction in a first manifold, drawing seawater through a first manifold port, and discharging seawater through a second manifold simultaneous to drawing fluid through the first manifold port. The first manifold is in fluid communication with a first manifold port defined by a cover assembly. The second manifold is in fluid communication with a second manifold port defined by the cover assembly. The cover assembly is positioned in contact with a body of seawater.

Abstract: A Method and Apparatus for Wake Enlargement System have been disclosed. By using water pick-ups that are mounted on a boat, controlled filling of ballast tanks is possible without the use of pumps.

Abstract: Device for a structure designed to tilt from one side to the opposite side, with the device comprising: at least one intermediate chamber (17) between the first and second edges, first and second side tanks (15a, 15b) communicating with the intermediate chamber(s) to manage liquid inputs and outputs, the side tanks each including a wall (19) which delimits them externally and being located towards the two extremities of the intermediate chamber, characterised with each side tank comprising: an upper section positioned so that it receives the liquid in line with the elongation direction (17a) of the intermediate chamber which supplies it, and a lower section which will connect to the upper section, with each of the upper and lower sections connected to the intermediate chamber(s) for the liquid inlets and outlets.

Abstract: Methods for controlling tension in mooring lines of a floating offshore structure having a buoyancy structure including one or more water tanks and the buoyancy structure providing excess buoyancy are provided. The methods comprise varying the mass and/or the center of gravity of the floating offshore structure by varying the quantity of water in one or more of the water tanks. Also, floating offshore structures are disclosed, the structures comprising a buoyancy structure having one or more floater tanks providing excess buoyancy, and a plurality of tensioned mooring lines, and further comprising a control system for increasing and decreasing a quantity of water in one or more of the floater tanks. Also, possible uses of floating offshore structures are provided wherein under standard operating conditions, the floater tanks are at least partially filled with water.

Abstract: A modular foundation design for supporting a wind turbine or telecommunication tower, comprised of pre-cast concrete modules offering advantages of off-site manufacture and ease of transportation, but which deign is simple to construct. A base slab is provided comprised of sub-modules/base members arranged together in juxtaposed position which together provide a horizontal surface on which pre-cast pipe members may be stacked in end-to-end position to form a pedestal. Anchor rods extend through the pipe members into screw retainers in the base members, which rods serve to not only post-tension the pipe members and secure them together, but further advantageously serve to retain the base members together thereby assisting in distributing forces and loads applied to one sub-module/base member over the entire base slab. Coupling means to further couple the base members together may be added to better retain the base members together and still further improve distribution of forces.

Abstract: A buoyant structure has a hull having a main deck, a lower inwardly-tapering frustoconical side section that extends from the main deck, a lower generally round section extending from the lower inwardly-tapering frustroconical side section, a keel having an n-polytope shape, a plurality of separate tunnels between columns extending from the keel having an n-polytope shape and a fin-shaped appendage is secured to a lower and an outer portion of the hull. The at least one tunnel contains water at operational depth of the buoyant structure.

Abstract: Embodiments include a retrofit pontoon system including a pontoon, the pontoon having a pontoon body defining a first cavity, a retrofit assembly, the retrofit assembly including a tube, wherein the tube is sized to pass through a first aperture formed in the pontoon body and a selectively fillable container, where the tube is operably coupled with the selectively fillable container, and a pump, the pump being coupled with the tube such that operation of the pump selectively fills and drains water from the selectively fillable container, where filling the selectively fillable container lowers the profile of the pontoon in the water and emptying the selectively fillable container raises the profile of the pontoon in the water.

Abstract: A Method and Apparatus for Wake Enlargement System have been disclosed. By using water pick ups that are mounted on a boat controlled filling of ballast tanks is possible without the use of pumps.

Abstract: A method of constructing and assembling a floating wind turbine platform includes constructing pre-stressed concrete sections of a floating wind turbine platform base, assembling the floating wind turbine platform base sections to form the base at a first location in a floating wind turbine platform assembly area, and moving the base to a second location in the floating wind turbine platform assembly area. Pre-stressed concrete sections of floating wind turbine platform columns are constructed, and the column sections are assembled to form a center column and a plurality of outer columns on the base to define a hull at the second location in the floating wind turbine platform assembly area. The hull is then moved to a third location in the floating wind turbine platform assembly area. Secondary structures are mounted on and within the hull, and the hull is moved to a fourth location in the floating wind turbine platform assembly area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, apparatus and computer program products for coordinating the control of a floating wind turbine (101) between a wind turbine controller (111) and a platform controller (110). One or more wind turbine control systems and/or one or more platform control systems may be altered based on said coordinated control of said floating wind turbine (101).

Abstract: A buoyant structure contains a hull having a main deck, a lower inwardly-tapering frustoconical side section that extends from the main deck, a lower ellipsoidal section extending from the lower inwardly-tapering frustroconical side section, a keel having an n-polytope shape, a fin-shaped appendage secured to a lower and an outer portion of the exterior of the keel having the n-polytope shape, and a plurality of columns connected between the keel having the n-polytope shape and the main deck forming one or more tunnels between the plurality of columns.

Abstract: A planning boat includes at least one tank provided on a bottom of the boat. The tank has, at a stern side, a wall through which a through hole is provided below a waterline. A hull of the planning boat includes a bottom plate that forms the bottom of the boat, right and left side plates that form sides of the boat and a bow, a transom plate that forms a stern, and a plurality of longitudinal vertical plates. The plurality of longitudinal vertical plates each extend between the transom plate and forward portions of the side plates along a sailing direction and each have a lower surface that is fixed to an upper surface of the bottom plate. The tank is formed by using the pair of longitudinal vertical plates of the existing planning boat.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide recirculation-based alternating blowdown sea chest. The sea chest has a cover assembly with a plurality of grates thereon. Each grate is connected with a pipe in fluid communication with a pump. The pump provides suction while a plurality of valves modulate the flow of water through the system. A recirculation pipe promotes the blowdown of fluids within the system and permits tandem function of water intake and expulsion resulting in maximum efficiency of the sea chest with continuous functionality while in use.

Abstract: Wakeboat ballast pump systems and methods are provided to monitor the operational condition and parameters of wakeboat ballast components. Systems and methods for sensing and measurement are provided to detect parameters associated with wakeboat ballast pumps and compartments, including systems and methods that can economically retrofit into existing wakeboat ballast systems. Systems and methods are also provided to enable automated action based on various operational conditions and parameters to improve the safety, automation, performance, convenience, and marketing advantage of wakeboat ballast pumps.

Abstract: A floating boat lift having flotation tanks positioned under sides of a frame of the boat lift and a transverse flotation tank that communicates with the flotation tanks. Water flow is regulated so that tanks fill from near the center of the boat lift. Water is accepted into or pumped from the flotation tanks, allowing the frame of the boat lift to fall or rise relative to the surface of the water.

Abstract: A wakeboat creates a wake, the performance level of the wake varying depending upon the mass of the wakeboat, the wakeboat including a hull; an engine supported by the hull; a controller supported by the hull; a processor coupled to the controller; a memory coupled to the processor; a sensor configured to measure at least one parameter of the wakeboat, the controller being coupled to the sensor and being configured to receive data from the sensor, the controller being configured to derive the present mass of the wakeboat from said sensor data, the controller being configured to determine the present wake performance level of the wakeboat based on the present mass of the wakeboat; anda display coupled to the controller, the controller being configured to use the display to indicate the present wake performance level of the wakeboat.

Abstract: A boat leveling system includes a boat that has a port side, a starboard side, a port fuel tank, a starboard fuel tank, a port fuel line, a starboard fuel line, an engine, an engine fuel return line and a fuel vent line. A leveling unit is positioned within the boat. The leveling unit is in fluid communication with the engine fuel return line to receive fuel. The leveling unit is in fluid communication with each of the port fuel line and the starboard fuel line. The leveling unit diverts the fuel to the port fuel line when the boat is listing to the starboard side. Thus, the port fuel unit receives additional fuel to level the boat. The leveling unit diverts the fuel to the starboard fuel line when the boat is listing to the port side. Thus, the starboard fuel unit receives additional fuel to level the boat.

Abstract: A boom protection system prevents damage to an insulated boom section. The boom protection system has a static strain-detection assembly, a pressure-detection assembly, and an alarm. The static strain-detection assembly is configured to determine a load disposed from an implement at a distal end of said insulated boom section. The static strain-detection assembly includes a subject plate presenting a void therein, a traversing member spanning the void, and a strain gauge disposed adjacent to the traversing member. The pressure-detection assembly is configured to detect pressure within a hydraulic cylinder that is associated with the insulated boom section. The pressure detection assembly comprises a first pressure gauge at a distal end of the hydraulic cylinder, and a second pressure gauge at a proximal end of the hydraulic cylinder. The alarm is configured to alert a user of potential structural damage to the insulated boom section.

Abstract: An apparatus includes first and second tanks each configured to receive and store a refrigerant under pressure. The apparatus also includes at least one generator configured to receive flows of the refrigerant between the tanks and to generate electrical power based on the flows of the refrigerant. The apparatus further includes first and second hydraulic drives associated with the first and second tanks, respectively. Each hydraulic drive includes a first piston within the associated tank, a channel fluidly coupled to the associated tank and configured to contain hydraulic fluid, and a second piston within the channel and configured to move within the channel in order to vary an amount of the hydraulic fluid within the associated tank and vary a position of the first piston within the associated tank. The channel of each hydraulic drive has a cross-sectional area that is less than a cross-sectional area of the associated tank.

Abstract: A jet propulsion watercraft includes a vessel body, an engine, a jet propulsion unit, a weight information obtaining processor, an engine controller, and a target rotational speed determining processor. The engine is accommodated in the vessel body. The jet propulsion unit is driven by the engine and propels the vessel body. The weight information obtaining processor obtains weight information regarding a weight of the vessel body. The engine controller controls an engine rotational speed such that a vessel velocity reaches a predetermined set velocity. The target rotational speed determining processor determines a target engine rotational speed corresponding to the set velocity in accordance with the weight information. The engine controller controls the engine rotational speed such that the vessel velocity reaches the set velocity based on the target engine rotational speed determined in accordance with the weight information.

Abstract: An ocean-going single-hulled barge with an isolated sunken or recessed area that supports storage vessels and mixing equipment capable of processing, storing and transporting hazardous materials. The recessed area includes dedicated drains which collect all associated hazardous spills and fluids for appropriate disposal and processing. The barge can also be adapted to hold a complete liquid mud plant within the recessed area.

Abstract: The process according to the invention, for transporting extraction fluids, such as, for example, natural gas, oil or water, comprises the following operations: (a) hydraulically connecting the underwater vehicle (1) to the head of an extraction well; (b) transferring and storing the extracted fluid, such as, for example, natural gas, oil or water, on the vehicle (1), subjecting said fluid to one or more of the following processes through plants installed onboard the same vehicle (1): b.1) mechanical, electrical or chemical separation; b.2) separation of the gases or more volatile fractions of the extracted fluid; b.3) separation of predetermined phases or substances from the rest of the extracted fluid; b.4) extraction and elimination of acid gases, such as, for example, carbon dioxide or hydrogen sulphide; b.5) re-injection into geological formations; (c) transporting the extracted fluid(s) subjected to one or more of the processes b.1-b.5) causing the underwater vehicle to advance in immersion.

Abstract: Wakeboarding performance is improved using a vessel having an operator station located generally amidships, a vertical support unit fitted across a beam of the vessel near the operator station, and adjustable ballast. An upper portion of the vertical support is at a height substantially above a level of the operator station, and a container is onboard and proximate the starboard and port sides, wherein water from a body of water within which the vessel is operating is directed into the container for weighing down a stern of the vessel to provide the ballast so as to modify a wake created for a wakeboarder or the like being towed by the vessel using a tow rope attached to the upper portion of the vertical support.

Abstract: A Method and Apparatus for Wake Enlargement System have been disclosed. By using water pick ups that are mounted or deployable on a boat controlled filling of ballast tanks is possible without the use of pumps.

Abstract: A life raft is provided having a base having a top side and a bottom side, one or more buoyancy elements attached to the top side of the base, and a righting-device attached to the bottom side of the base, the righting-device is configured to shift a center of gravity of the life raft. When the life raft is subject to an instability event, the righting-device is configured to provide a shifted center of gravity such that a righting moment is generated to automatically return the life raft to an upright position.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder is provided. The hydraulic cylinder includes a casing with a longitudinal axis defined therethrough, a first fluid inlet defined in the casing, a second fluid inlet defined in the casing, a first fluid outlet defined in the casing, a second fluid outlet defined in the casing, a shaft extending along the longitudinal axis, a first switching valve mounted to the shaft, a second switching valve mounted to the shaft, and a piston mounted to the shaft between the first switching valve and the second switching valve, wherein the hydraulic cylinder is configured such that when a fluid is supplied to the first and second fluid inlets, the shaft, the first and second switching valves, and the piston oscillate back and forth along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method to utilize an ice-breaker (10) in a novel way such that tanks of the anti-roll system and/or tanks (21, 22, 23 and 24) of the heeling system are used for recovering and/or processing oil (16) to be recovered from water. The oil is separated from water in a tank of the anti-roll system and/or a tank (21) of the heeling system of the ice-breaker, which tank contains warm water (15) and steam heat pipes (19). The tanks of the anti-roll system and/or tanks of the heeling system of the ice-breaker have separate oil recovery piping which is used when the heeling tanks of the ice-breaker are used for responding to an oil spill.

Abstract: A method for heating a cargo on a watergoing vessel using an energy source (such as a heat source) on another watergoing vessel. The vessels may be underway. The energy may be transferred to the cargo via energy umbilicals configured to carry energy in a transfer fluid. The transfer fluid may be circulated in a cargo heat exchanger configured to move energy into the hot cargo. The energy source on the another watergoing vessel may be a propulsion motor, exhaust heat, or non-propulsion heat source. The method may include heating the hot cargo. The method may also include switching between heat sources when both vessels are configured to heat the hot cargo.

Abstract: A ballast water treatment device includes a ballast water treatment line, a pump for drawing and pressure feeding treatment target water, a filter, an ultraviolet reactor for irradiating filtrated treatment target water with ultraviolet, a ballast tank for storing treated water having been treated with ultraviolet, and an outboard discharger, and the pump, the filter, the ultraviolet reactor, the ballast tank, and the outboard discharger are provided on the ballast water treatment line. Treatment target water drawn for a predetermined period from start of drawing treatment target water is not caused to pass through the filter and the ultraviolet reactor but is discharged outboard by the outboard discharger, and discharging outboard by the outboard discharger is stopped at elapse of the predetermined period and treated water having been filtrated by the filter and having been treated with ultraviolet by the ultraviolet reactor is poured into the ballast tank.

Abstract: Systems and methods may include an enclosable, modular floating dry dock, which may comprise a plurality of floodable flotation modules coupled to a central support member at spaced intervals, such that gaps are formed between successive flotation modules. Each gap may be spanned by a deck and/or wall. A working volume may be defined between an interior of the floating dry dock and a supported watercraft. The working volume may be environmentally enclosed by drapes coupled to the dry dock.

Abstract: A ship whereby the hull and the mechanical propulsion device are designed such that the Froude number is larger than 0.5. In the aft ship the hull has a bottom with V-shaped bottom surfaces with a deadrise angle that is less than 40 degrees and the hull has substantially vertical sides. In the hull are a passenger compartment and a trim tank. The trim tank volume is such that the weight of a filled trim tank is more than 30% of the weight of displacement of the hull with an empty trim tank, filling the trim tank with water increases the amidships immersed width with at least 10%, and the bottom surfaces have bilge keels fully immersed when the trim tank is filled with water and the bilge keels are at least in part above the water level when the trim tank is empty.

Abstract: A multi-hull vessel including a main deck, a first hull and a second hull positioned beneath the main deck, a secondary deck, wherein the secondary deck is extendable from a first stowed position beneath a main deck of the vessel between the first hull and the second hull to a second extended position in front of the vessel, and wherein the secondary deck is further movable to a third submerged position where the secondary deck provides an underwater platform.

Abstract: This invention provides a new category of inertial sensors (linear and angular accelerometers, gyroscopes, inclinometers and seismometers) called Molecular Electronic Transducers (MET). Unlike other inertial sensors, MET sensors use a liquid electrolyte as their inertial mass. The sensors do not contain any precision mechanical parts or springs, and are relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

Abstract: Wakeboarding performance is improved using a vessel having an operator station located generally amidships, a vertical support unit fitted across a beam of the vessel near the operator station, and adjustable ballast. An upper portion of the vertical support is at a height substantially above a level of the operator station, and a container is onboard and proximate the starboard and port sides, wherein water from a body of water within which the vessel is operating is directed into the container for weighing down a stern of the vessel to provide the ballast so as to modify a wake created for a wakeboarder or the like being towed by the vessel using a tow rope attached to the upper portion of the vertical support.

Abstract: A movement inhibiting apparatus for a floating offshore wind turbine and a floating base with the apparatus. The movement inhibiting apparatus for the floating offshore wind turbine comprises at least one layer of an annular shake-reducing panel placed horizontally and surrounding the floating base. A plurality of shake-reducing fins is further arranged on the shake-reducing panel. The plurality of shake-reducing fins comprises a first set of shake-reducing fins arranged on one side of the shake-reducing panel and the shake-reducing fins of the first set are spaced apart vertically around the floating base. The movement inhibiting apparatus for the floating offshore wind turbine can effectively inhibit the movement of the floating wind turbine and is of low cost.

Abstract: A vessel is provided with a hull that includes left and right side walls, a bottom, and a plurality of decks including a freeboard deck; a plurality of rooms divided back and forth in a longitudinal direction of the hull by a bulkhead inside the hull; and flood control watertight compartments that are disposed inside the plurality of rooms, divide a space from a double bottom upper deck or the bottom below the freeboard deck to the freeboard deck, and are in contact with the side wall of a port side or the side wall of a starboard side and the bulkhead.

Abstract: A Method and Apparatus for Wake Enlargement System have been disclosed. By using water pick ups that are mounted or deployable on a boat controlled filling of ballast tanks is possible without the use of pumps.