Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacing existing ballast water in a ballast tank of a ship while the ship is underway in the sea includes a seawater inlet port associated with the ballast tank in the sidewall of the ship's hull and admits water into the ballast tank when the ship is moving by producing a pressure that is greater than the pressure of the ballast water that is to be replaced. The incoming seawater from the inlet port is directed into the ballast tank, and an ejector located on a lower portion of the ballast tank discharges the existing ballast water via an outlet port coupled to the ejector that is located aft of the inlet on the side of the ship's hull.

Abstract: A tank installation for the storage of liquids, especially oil in a floating storage or production installation, including a number of tanks which are connected to pipe systems for supply of liquid to or removal of liquid from the tanks. The installation includes a central section around which the tanks are arranged in such a manner that each tank has an inner sidewall portion bordering on the central section, and the pipe systems are arranged in the central section and include radially extending pipe lengths that are connected to respective tanks.

Abstract: A hollow ballast tank contains within it a plurality of flexible bags for storing fluids such as fuel, freshwater and grey water. These fluids serve as functional ballast weight to complement the ballast weight provided by seawater which fills the remaining volume of the ballast tank upon being drawn into the tank through an intake pipe. Hoses run from each bag and emerge from a hatch in the upper surface of the ballast tank to service the boat. As fuel and freshwater are consumed, seawater is drawn into the ballast tank to compensate for the lost volume. Grey water may also be returned to a bag in the tank to serve as ballast weight.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ballasting and de-ballasting a vessel having a hull with several watertight ballast compartments. In a first embodiment, a pressure tank is isolatably and fluidly coupled to a common sea chest, to the atmosphere, to ballast compartments via a distribution manifold, and to a source of compressed gas. The pressure tank is first vented and filled with water from the sea chest, then isolated. The filled tank is then coupled to a ballast tank and the source of compressed gas, which displaces water from the tank to the ballast compartment. In other embodiments, ballasting is by venting and flooding compartments using individual sea chests located within the ballast compartments or a firewater system. For de-ballasting, compressed gas displaces ballast water through overboard discharges, through the common sea chest via the pressure tank, or through individual sea chests located within the ballast compartments.

Abstract: A kayak ballast system is comprised of a cradle member configured to be fitted within the interior of the kayak. The cradle member defines a receiving unit for securely receiving weight, thereby providing a ready means for adding weight to a kayak and increasing the center of gravity and overall stability of the vessel. The ballast system is used to increase the boats center of gravity in the inventive method. The ballast system may be positioned throughout the interior of the kayak including the forward end of the cockpit and the cargo holds.

Abstract: The invention discloses a wastewater ballast method that includes the steps of collecting wastewater, treating the collected wastewater, storing the treated wastewater, and discharging the treated wastewater during ballast operations.

Abstract: A freshwater supply system that stores fresh water transported by transport ships in storage devices and takes out the fresh water from the freshwater storage devices at need to use the same. The system comprises management device that puts management information together and sends and receives various information of countries for demand of the fresh water, analysis information of the fresh water, and various information of transportation device for transportation of the fresh water to the countries. Magnitudes of movements, prices, origins of movement, and destinations of movement of the fresh water are decided from the information from the management device.

Abstract: The invention discloses a wastewater ballast method that includes the steps of collecting wastewater, treating the collected wastewater, storing the treated wastewater, and discharging the treated wastewater during ballast operations.

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 semi-submersible hunting vessel is provided. A hunter can move the vessel to a designated hunting area and partially submerge the vessel to reduce the visibility of the vessel and hunter to flying game. The vessel includes a hull, at least one ballast chamber, a dry chamber, and one or more pumps for filling and evacuating the ballast chamber. In another embodiment, the vessel contains fore and aft ballast chambers for added stabilization. Additionally, the vessel may be equipped with a motor, which vertically adjusts to the level of the water by sliding up or down along one or more float guides, along with camouflaging, such as a canopy or a device for installing natural vegetation.

Abstract: A water craft having a bow and a stern including an engine of sufficient thrust to create an enlarged wake at the stern of the boat as the boat moves along the surface of a body of water. The water tight compartment is positioned to carry water below the water line and essentially astride the centerline or keel of the boat. The compartment is adapted to contain liquid water in an amount sufficient to enhance or equalize the size of the boat wake. The compartment extends from a point forward of the transom and engine, and extends to a point forward of the midpoint between the bow and the stern, and terminates short of the bow while serving to exert downward force on the bow against the water when the water craft is underway and the compartment carries water.

Abstract: An extendable draft offshore oil and gas drilling and production platform (“EDP”) includes a buoyant deck having a central opening, an adjustably buoyant pontoon, and a single, adjustably buoyant column. The column is mounted upright on the pontoon, and is vertically movable through the central opening of the deck. The deck is supported on an upper end of the column above a body of water for offshore operations. The pontoon, and optionally, the column, have compartments with a buoyancy that is adjustable by pumps or sea water ballast and pressurized air. In one embodiment, the compartments can comprise a plurality of tubes. In another embodiment, a lower end of the column may comprise an open truss structure. The platform combines the advantages of a SPAR platform with those of a deep draft extendable draft platform.

Abstract: A sea chest cover for providing access to the sea chest of a ship. The sea chest cover includes both a cover element and a liner element received within the interior of the sea chest and is fabricated essentially entirely of one or more viscoelastic materials, preferably either polyethylene or polyurethane. Materials can be also made of copolymers, which may be laminated, and compression molded or portions may be blow molded. Fabrication of the sea chest cover from a viscoelastic material reduces or eliminates corrosion and erosion problems. It also minimizes marine organism and ice build-up. The result is a reduction in the expense of associated with maintaining such covers. The sea chest cover can also include an additive to reduce bacteria and algae growth and be irradiated with gamma rays for increased strength.

Abstract: A method to treat ballast water comprises injecting ozone into water loading into a sea faring vessel prior to charging the water into a ballast tank; and charging the ozone injected water into the ballast tank. A system for treating ballast water comprises a sea faring vessel including at least one ballast tank; an ozone generator that generates ozone, a ballast water conduit that uptakes water through a loading port of a sea faring vessel and conducts the water to load the ballast tank; and an ozone feed line that injects ozone from the generator into water in the conduit at an injection point located upstream to an intersection of the conduit with the ballast tank.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ballasting and de-ballasting a vessel having a hull with a plurality of watertight ballast compartments wherein each ballast compartment has an individual pump caisson extending vertically to the top of the hull, but the ballast/de-ballast system contains no valves within the hull. An external caisson is used to provide a source of seawater. Several submersible pumps are available for rigging into and out of the internal and external caissons and provide the ballast and de-ballast operations via an installed manifold system at the top of the columns. Venting of the ballast tanks may be accomplished through a connection to atmosphere near the top of the pump caissons.

Abstract: A ballast water monitoring and reporting system for seagoing vessels includes a sensor for monitoring a selected parameter of a ballast water system component and transmitting an electronic signal indicative of a condition of the parameter, a distal acoustic modem for receiving the signal from the sensor and for transmitting an acoustic signal equivalent to the electronic signal received, a shipboard metal structure extending substantially throughout the vessel and adapted to carry the acoustic signal, a proximal acoustic modem adapted to receive the acoustic signal from the metal structure and to transmit an electronic equivalent thereof, and a shipboard data acquisition computer adapted to receive the electronic signal from the proximal acoustic modem and to generate at least one of a display, a report relative to the selected parameter, and a recording of data relative to the selected parameter.

Abstract: A method is provided for quantifying design parameters for a moving mass ship roll stimulation system given a maximum angle of roll &thgr;MAX to be induced for a ship, a righting moment RM per degree of list for the ship, a natural roll period TN, a damping ratio &zgr; for the ship and a center of gravity for the ship. A total induced moment expression at the natural roll period TN is determined for the moving mass ship roll stimulation system as a function of a plurality of design parameters therefor. The total induced moment expression is equated to 2&zgr;&thgr;MAXRM and values for the design parameters are selected to satisfy the equality.

Abstract: Systems and methods for effectively and economically annihilating non-indigenous marine species and pathogenic bacteria in ship ballast water. A preferred embodiment comprises adding a killing agent to ballast water tanks and subsequently adding a reducing agent to the container. Oxygen is subsequently introduced to the ballast water to eliminate any excess reducing agent, and to ensure compliance with the dissolved oxygen discharge requirements of the receiving water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacing existing ballast water in the ballast tanks of a ship while the ship is underway in the sea utilizes a seawater inlet port in the bow of the ship that admits water when the ship is moving to produce a pressure that is greater than the pressure of the ballast water that is to be replaced, with the incoming seawater from the inlet port being directed into the bottom portion of the ballast tanks where it rises to displace the existing ballast water from outlet ports located in a top portion of the ballast tanks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacing existing ballast water in the ballast tanks of a ship while the ship is underway in the sea utilizes a seawater inlet port in the bow of the ship that admits water when the ship is moving to produce a pressure that is greater than the pressure of the ballast water that is to be replaced, with the incoming seawater from the inlet port being directed into the bottom portion of the ballast tanks where it rises to displace the existing ballast water from outlet ports located in a top portion of the ballast tanks.

Abstract: An amphibious catamaran is characterised by the inclusion of two spaced apart hulls (1,2); a framework (3) supporting the hulls; a motor (14) supported by the framework; a drive unit (21) for water propulsion actuated by the motor (14) in use; at least (3) land wheels such as (40-44); two sub-frames (44, 45), each supporting one or more land wheels (40-44); height adjustment means (46; 47) enabling in use one sub-frame, and preferably both sub-frames (44, 45), to be moved with respect to the framework (3) from a position where the land wheels (40-44) stably support the catamaran for travel on land, with the hulls (1, 2) clear of the land, and a position where those of the land wheels (40-44) associated with the moveable sub-frame are raised upwardly above the bottoms of the hulls (1, 2); drive means (not shown but including motor (14)) for land propulsion coacting with one or more of said land wheels (40-44); steering means (not shown) for steering the craft on water and on land; and an input station (59) for

Abstract: An apparatus and method for changing the volume of the watertight hull of a ship in the light or no cargo condition to achieve the required ballast drafts. At least one trunk extending longitudinally from a first end at a bow of the ship to a second end at a stern of the ship. The first and second ends of the trunk connectible to the water surrounding the ship by operation of an inlet valve and an outlet valve adjacent each end. When in the light condition, or no cargo condition, the valves at each end of the trunk or trunks are moved to an opened position to reduce the volume of the watertight hull in order to achieve the desired ballast draft. While the ship is in motion, sufficient pressure differential exits between the bow and the stern of the ship to exchange the volume of water in the trunks over a period of time. Preferably, the fluid flow through the trunks exchanges the water at least approximately every hour when the ship is moving at normal speed.

Abstract: A sea chest cover for providing access to the sea chest of a ship. The sea chest cover includes both a cover element and a liner element received within the interior of the sea chest and is fabricated essentially entirely of one or more viscoelastic materials, preferably either polyethylene or polyurethane. Materials can be also made of copolymers, which may be laminated, and compression molded or portions may be blow molded. Fabrication of the sea chest cover from a viscoelastic material reduces or eliminates corrosion and erosion problems. It also minimizes marine organism and ice build-up. The result is a reduction in the expense of associated with maintaining such covers. The sea chest cover can also include an additive to reduce bacteria and algae growth and be irradiated with gamma rays for increased strength.

Abstract: A platform topsides can be transferred from a substructure to a transporter by ballasting the transporter, locating the transporter underneath the topsides and deballasting the transporter, causing load transfer units of the transporter to lift the topsides off the substructure. Each load transfer unit comprises a compression spring which rests on a layer of particulate material located in a drum, the particulate material in turn rests on a releasable hatch-cover. The springs provide a flexible connection between the transporter and the topsides. During the deballasting of the transporter, the hatch-covers are released to suddenly let out the particulate material from the drums, thereby lowering and relieving the springs, causing a direct contact and a stiff connection between the transporter and the topsides.

Abstract: A ballast water monitoring and reporting system for seagoing vessels includes a sensor for monitoring a selected parameter of a ballast water system component and transmitting an electronic signal indicative of a condition of the parameter, a distal acoustic modem for receiving the signal from the sensor and for transmitting an acoustic signal equivalent to the electronic signal received, a shipboard metal structure extending substantially throughout the vessel and adapted to carry the acoustic signal, a proximal acoustic modem adapted to receive the acoustic signal from the metal structure and to transmit an electronic equivalent thereof, and a shipboard data acquisition computer adapted to receive the electronic signal from the proximal acoustic modem and to generate at least one of a display, a report relative to the selected parameter, and a recording of data relative to the selected parameter.

Abstract: A water craft having a bow and a stern including an engine of sufficient thrust to create an enlarged wake at the stern of the boat as the boat moves along the surface of a body of water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of deactivatable biocides in ballast water aboard a vessel. The present invention relates to methods of limiting the transfer of one or more life forms via ballast water comprising mixing an effective amount of the deactivatable biocide with the ballast water and irreversibly deactivating the deactivatable biocides before or upon discharge of the ballast water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of deactivatable biocides in ballast water aboard a vessel. The present invention relates to methods of limiting the transfer of one or more life forms via ballast water comprising mixing an effective amount of the deactivatable biocide with the ballast water and irreversibly deactivating the deactivatable biocides before or upon discharge of the ballast water.

Abstract: A precast, modular marine structure and method of constructing the same for offshore use, including but not limited to drilling, oil and gas production, and oil storage in a variety of water depths. The marine structure includes an equalized pressure system and concrete modular components cast with at least one cell and a central longitudinal passageway. The equalized pressure system fluidly connects the cell(s) to the adjacent body of water by at least one substantially vertical segmented water column to equalize the hydrostatic pressure differential experienced at a wall of the marine structure. A truss section may be attached to the concrete portion of the marine structure to form a truss spar. A mooring and tether system may be included to maintain the marine structure's station and attitude.

Abstract: A ballast-water treatment system is provided. An ozone generator is operated by a supply of voltage, which is regulated by a voltage controller. Ozone is provided to a ballast tank through an ozone-transport system. The system may include a pressure generation system to regulate a flow pressure such that the flow pressure is substantially ambient at an exit end of the ozone generator and has a positive pressure when reaching the ballast tank.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for changing the volume of the watertight hull of a ship in the light or no cargo condition to achieve the required ballast drafts. At least one trunk extending longitudinally from a first end at a bow of the ship to a second end at a stern of the ship. The first and second ends of the trunk connectible to the water surrounding the ship by operation of an inlet valve and an outlet valve adjacent each end. When in the light condition, or no cargo condition, the valves at each end of the trunk or trunks are moved to an opened position to reduce the volume of the watertight hull in order to achieve the desired ballast draft. While the ship is in motion, sufficient pressure differential exits between the bow and the stern of the ship to exchange the volume of water in the trunks over a period of time. Preferably, the fluid flow through the trunks exchanges the water at least approximately every hour when the ship is moving at normal speed.

Abstract: The wake behind a water vessel may be enhanced for wake boarding or water skiing by providing a fluid fillable chair in the rear of the water vessel to act as ballast so as to increase the wake of the water vessel. As the water vessel moves through the water, the towed individual experiences an increased wake, thereby improving enjoyment of the activity. In a preferred embodiment, the chair of the present invention includes a seat portion and a back portion and wherein the seat portion is adapted to be filled with a volume of water. The back may be filled with water or air. By filling at least the seat portion with water, the weight of the chair is increased such that when the chair is positioned in the rear portion of a boat, a relatively large wake may be created as the boat moves through a body of water.

Abstract: The ullage space gases of a ship's ballast tanks (i) are depressurized to a pressure less than atmosphere—called an “underpressurized” condition—of most preferably about 14.7 PSIA or lower, simultaneously that (ii) they are inerted, preferably to <4% O2 and more preferably to <2% O2. Oxygen within the ballast water is rapidly, preferably within hours, substantially depleted, preferably to <1% PPM and more preferably to <0.6 PPM, by circulating these inerted ullage space gases through the ballast water as bubbles, removing oxygen from the ballast water more by outgassing than by diffusion. The rapidly de-oxygenated ballast water is preferably so maintained for the substantial portion of the ship's voyage, which is effective in killing most aerobic aquatic life within the ballast water.

Abstract: There is provided a tanker for carrying petroleum products, including crude oil, chemicals or other potentially environmentally harmful materials, having an inner hull and an outer hull and where the void between the inner hull and outer hull at the bottom of the tanker is at or near the minimum spacing required by U.S. and international regulations. The tanker has side tanks for holding ballast, which extend upward from near to or above the ballast water line. The dimensions of each side tank are large enough to hold a sufficient volume of ballast water to keep the tanker in ballast condition meeting U.S. and international regulations for ballast draft. The cross-sectional shape of the side tank is substantially rectangular in the preferred embodiment, although other shapes to most efficiently utilize the space available on the tanker ship also can be used.

Abstract: A high speed hybrid marine vessel with integrated hydrodynamic lift-generating, roll stabilizing and pitch controlling wings, or hydrofoils, operable in two distinctly different modes, namely a hydrostatic stable low speed mode, featuring a positive GM-value with at least three submerged hull elements; and a hydrostatic unstable high speed mode, featuring a negative GM-value with only one submerged hull element, the hull elements being integrated to the vessel via an integrated deck construction connecting the side hulls to the main hull.

Abstract: A remotely operated filtering system for ballast tanks used on naval vessels. A basket shaped filtering net is used in connection with the tanks and is controlled by a remote control operated by a human operator. The operator controls the movement and the operation of the filter when filtering is needed. The system includes a video monitor and an illumination means in connection with the filter structure.

Abstract: The subject invention is a wake enhancement assembly to vary a configuration of a wake produced by the hull of a boat. The assembly preferably includes three or four fluid chambers adapted to be disposed within the hull of the boat. The fluid chambers can be filled to provide added weight in selected areas of the hull. The added weight alters how the hull rides within a body of water and as such will alter the wake of the boat. A plurality of hoses are mounted to and in fluid communication with the fluid chambers for selectively filling and draining the fluid chambers. The assembly is characterized by a manifold having an inlet and a plurality of outlets. Each of the outlets has a valve disposed in fluid communication therewith. The filling hoses are connected to the outlets such that the valves of the manifold control a flow of fluid to and from the fluid chambers independently of each other. The valves and manifold electronically and remotely control the selective filling and draining of the fluid chambers.

Abstract: A ballast-water treatment system is provided. An ozone generator is operated by a supply of voltage, which is regulated by a voltage controller. Ozone is provided to a ballast tank through an ozone-transport system. The system may include a pressure generation system to regulate a flow pressure such that the flow pressure is substantially ambient at an exit end of the ozone generator and has a positive pressure when reaching the ballast tank.

Abstract: A simplified ballast system designed for a tension leg platform from which drilling and/or production activities are to be performed in a body of water provides for rapid deballasting via large capacity dump valve(s) and for ballasting for trim operations by use of an eductor at the bottom of a drain well fluidly connected by drain lines to ballast compartments.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device on a platform, especially a semi submersible platform (10), comprising a number of pontoons (16), and a platform deck (12), which is connected to the topside surface of the pontoons by way of a number of columns (18, 20) or legs. The device is characterized in that in connection to the topside surface (34) of each pontoon (16), upward extending wall sections (26) are formed so that an upward open chamber (28) is defined.

Abstract: A precast, modular spar system (10) having a cylindrical open-ended spar of relatively uniform cross section. The spar has a freeboard section (50), a buoyancy section (70), and a ballast section (90). The sections are formed by joining arcuate segments and stacking the sections. A pressurizing system allows for the injection of air into the segments to vary the buoyancy of the modular spar system.

Abstract: A water craft including an engine of sufficient thrust to create an enlarged wake at the stern of the boat as the boat moves along the surface of a body of water, and at least one water tight compartment positioned below the waterline having a sealable opening at the stern of the boat below the water line. The compartment extends from the stern to a point forward of the engine. The compartment is adapted to contain liquid water in an amount sufficient to enhance or equalize the size of the boat wake. The opening is adapted to be opened to drain out the water.

Abstract: A floating offshore structure for use in oil or gas drilling or production operations, having apertures in its sides in order to reduce the movement of the structure as a result of undersea currents is disclosed herein. The structure contains a production platform extending above the ocean's surface, a series of buoyancy tanks providing the structure with the ability to float, apertures, surrounded by coamings, located around the structure such that ocean currents are allowed to flow laterally through the center of the structure and such that oil and gas can dissipate from the center of the structure if a rupture occurs, a fluid retention tank and ballast in order to lower the center of gravity of the structure and make it more stable, and a centerwell running through the longitudinal center of the structure which allows one or more risers to run from the ocean floor to the operating platform. The structure can then be moored to the sea floor through the use of a catenary or other mooring system.

Abstract: A method for counteracting heeling of a vessel due to a movement of first masses on the vessel, by means of movement of second masses thereon, which movements create respective static movements upon the vessel's center of gravity. The movement of the second masses is performed synchronously with the movement of the first masses by ensuring that the static movement which is generated by the movement of the second masses continuously and completely counteracts the static movement as a result of the movement of the first masses. A device is set forth for implementing the method.

Abstract: A transporter for heavy objects at sea comprises an oblong structure with a U-shaped cross section and a prismatic enveloping surface, and comprises two long sides, an intermediate underside, an opposite open top side and two short sides. Ballasting chambers are arranged in each of the structure's eight corners which are formed by the points of intersection between the long sides, the underside, the open top side and the short sides, whereby the structure can be rotated by ballasting to a desired position in the water.

Abstract: A treatment provides an effective, safe; and economical method to render ballast water free of contaminating organisms. A ballast water treatment system includes a source of ozone and a ballast tank connected to the source of ozone. In a method of controlling organisms in ballast water of a sea faring vessel, the ballast water is treated with ozone while the vessel is in transit between ports.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a boat-activated wake enhancement method and system that extends from the boat. According to one aspect, a pair of protuberances is provided on the lower stem quarter of the boat's hull, primarily along the sidewalls. The protuberances are elongated and each has a rounded surface that extends substantially laterally outward in relation to the boat hull. The protuberances help to displace more water by increasing and shifting the effective width of the boat, causing the boat to travel deeper in the water, and creating additional interference that affects the natural wakes created by the boat. Additional inverted hydrofoil members and ballasts can also be provided to cause the boat to travel deeper in the water and therefore create larger waves. The present invention is used to increase the size and enhance the shape and location of the wake and/or waves for wakeboarding and wake surfing.

Abstract: A tank within a ship providing for both fuel storage and water ballast, has external walls enclosing compartments formed between internal intersect walls having flow regulating openings therein that are located and sized to establish separate interfaced flow paths along which segregated flows of fuel and water are concentrated to minimize mixing of fuel and water during refueling operation and reduce retention of water within the tank.

Abstract: A floating pontoon structure with adjustable draft includes a lower section with an enclosed hollow hull and a lower deck connected thereto, a supporting framework extending upwardly from the lower deck, an upper deck connected to the supporting framework in parallel spaced apart relation to the lower deck, a ballast tank disposed in the hollow hull of the lower section, a valved passageway between the ballast tank and the exterior of the hull for filling and emptying the ballast tank, and one or more flotation tanks disposed between the lower deck and the upper deck to provide positive buoyancy when the ballast tank is filled. A method of connecting a plurality of pontoon structures to form a larger composite structure and a method of adjusting the draft of the larger composite structure are also provided.

Abstract: A system for automatically replacing ballast water in a ballast tank of a ship comprises a water inlet port on a part of the ship where the water pressure acting on the ship when in forward motion in the water is higher than the pressure of the ballast water being replaced, a water discharge outlet in the ballast tank and a water inlet passage extending between the water inlet port and the ballast tank for introducing water into the ballast tank at a higher pressure than the ballast water in the tank. In this way the ballast water is forced from the ballast tank through the discharge outlet to be replaced by water introduced through the inlet port. A method for replacing ballast water in the ballast tank of a ship is also provided.