Abstract: In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a crustacean trap can include a cage configured to trap one or more crustaceans, and a propulsion system connected to the cage and configured to provide propulsion to the cage. In certain embodiments, the trap can include a controller configured to control the propulsion system to autonomously pilot the trap.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus, method and system for utilizing commercial cargo containers. The present invention utilizes containers made autonomous by coupling a container with a detachable propulsion system, having a motor and navigation and steering controls, permitting the rapid, controlled, efficient and safe delivery of cargo containers individually by water. Ballast units, deployment systems and control via remote units are also disclosed. The containers, utilizing their inherent buoyancy, can move autonomously according to a preplanned or remote controlled route to a specific location.

Abstract: A subsea production unit for subsea treatment of oil has a frame that supports an onboard multiphase separation system for separating gas and water from a wellstream containing oil. The subsea production unit also includes an onboard water treatment system for cleaning oil from water that is produced by the separation system.

Abstract: A Very Large Bag (VLB) suitable for containing and transporting various liquids is disclosed that includes solar arrays to generate electric power. The VLB further comprises various features useful in the transportation, navigation, and storage of liquids on very large bodies of water, such as an ocean. Such features include navigational and positioning devices, powered by solar arrays that include perovskite materials with efficiencies that exceed silicon based solar arrays. Aspects of embodiments of the present invention further include features useful for purifying or preserving the purity of the fluid being transported.

Abstract: Ultra-large marine submersible transport boats and arrangements for aqueous bulk liquids transportation, including fresh water and irrigation drainage, from specifically configured supply stations to specifically configured delivery stations. Boats present rigid hydrodynamic shaped double-walled submersible hulls incorporating a plurality of inside-reinforced impervious ballast chambers and also present radial reinforcing elements and hollow interior cavities that enclose collapsible bulk liquid bladders for transporting bulk liquids. Hulls can be made of reinforced concrete. Hull openings permit seawater circulation, avoiding transportation of bulk ballast seawater. Submersible cruising reduces structural loads and drag. An on-board hydro-pneumatic ballasting system adds to and removes reusable hull ballast water from, the ballast chambers controlling the hull's depth, pitch, and roll.

Abstract: Waves introduce stresses in a floating object, such as a pontoon. The stresses can be introduced by multiple mechanisms, such as waves crashing onto the pontoon, an imbalance in buoyancy and weight load causing hogging and sagging Alternating movements and stresses may result in fatigue in the material. Multiple pontoons can be moored next to each other. When placed on a body of water with a higher wave intensity, such as open sea, the wave induced motions and stresses may cause failures in the pontoons or connections between individual pontoons. A network of pontoons is provided, interconnected with connection modules. The connection modules allow the network of pontoons to resist the loads and movements from the waves or to follow the shape of the, thus preventing failures in the connection modules and in the pontoons. The pontoons may be used to provide a mounting surface for photovoltaic panels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device to collect rain water, and during favorable conditions, condense humidity out from the air during night time by using a foldable membrane and a hose to bring the water out to a transport container. To obtain mobility the supporting walls of the equipment are inflatable and may be temporarily connected to the ground but also to a boat or similar when floating.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a crustacean trap can include a cage configured to trap one or more crustaceans, and a propulsion system connected to the cage and configured to provide propulsion to the cage. In certain embodiments, the trap can include a controller configured to control the propulsion system to autonomously pilot the trap.

Abstract: Disclosed is a float, notably for an offshore wind turbine including at least four columns, including a central column and three exterior columns that are connected to the central column by branches forming pontoons. The columns have a fixing-collar forming unit for fixing the columns to corresponding assembly portions of the branch forming pontoon, and the float includes a unit for centering the columns in the assembled position on the corresponding assembly portions of the branch forming pontoon.

Abstract: This publication relates to a shallow water terminal, preferably for storing and loading or unloading hydrocarbons, such as LNG, oil or gas. The base structure comprises a floatable, and removable seabed substructure (10) intended to be supported by a seabed (30), the seabed substructure (10) comprising a base structure (11) provided preferably with an upwards extending wall structure (22), arranged along at least a part of the periphery of the base structure (11), the base structure (10) preferably also being provided with an opening (23) in the wall structure (22) for allowing the floatable module to be berthed in and supported by the seabed substructure (10). The base structure (10) is provided with strong points (24) configured to receive the ends of preinstalled vertical piles (14) for at least temporary support of the base structure (11) during a piling operation for permanent piling of the base structure (10) to the sea bed (30).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a service station that is transportable over a predetermined roadway or by water. The service station has a base having a stern, bow, and two lateral sides. The base is configured to displace a volume of water so as to render the service station buoyant. A tank is disposed on the base and is configured to contain fuel. The tank is configured to comply with U.S. Government requirements for transportation of fuel over roadways. A pump is disposed on the base, and is configured to dispense liquid fuel to supply vehicles. An axle assembly is coupled to the base and has at least one wheel, the at least one wheel and axle assembly moveable between an engaged position and a stored position. The least one wheel is in contact with a surface and partially supports the base over the surface in an engaged position.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a column floater with extended cylinder and a ring buoy-group, which comprises an upright buoy at a water surface, an extended cylinder, a positioning system and a topsides. The top of the upright buoy is above the water surface and a moonpool is either set or not in the center of the upright buoy through the top to the bottom. The extended cylinder, connecting to the bottom of the upright buoy and extending downwards, includes two types of fixed and sliding to form a column floater with fixed extended cylinder and a column floater with sliding extended cylinder respectively. The positioning system is one or two combined of mooring system and DP system. The column floater with extended cylinder is a new type floating platform with multi-purpose, combining advantages of the spar platform and the current cylindrical FPSO, high performance, safety and reliability.

Abstract: A system for in-situ measurement of an apparent spectrum of a water body includes a floating device, and an optical sensing and conduction device, an electronic measurement device, a control circuit, and a power supply device which are loaded on the floating device. The floating device includes a floating body ring and an optical probe mounting frame on the floating body ring in a direction perpendicular to a ring surface. The optical probe mounting frame includes a vertical mounting assembly and a horizontal connecting assembly. The horizontal connecting assembly is provided radially along the ring shape of the floating body ring. One end of the horizontal connecting assembly is connected to the vertical mounting assembly and the other end thereof is connected to the floating body ring.

Abstract: An improved system and method of storing water for a closed-loop pumped storage hydroelectric system is provided. The method includes providing a floating reservoir, positioning the floating reservoir in a waterbody, loading the floating reservoir with a volume of water from a source other than the surrounding waterbody, and transferring water from within the floating reservoir to an upper or lower reservoir of a pumped storage hydroelectric system. The floating reservoir includes a flexible membrane defining one or more reservoir cells including a vertically collapsible sidewall, such that each reservoir cell defines a depth varying in proportion to its internal volume of water. Each reservoir cell is buoyed by pontoons adjacent an outer periphery of the reservoir cell and is anchored to the shore or streambed.

Abstract: A heave compensation and riser tensioning system and method for an offshore drilling or production operation. The system includes at least one motor assembly, wherein the motor assembly further includes at least one motor; a drum assembly bracket; at least one wire drum; and at least one wire rope. The at least one wire rope has a first end fixedly attached to the wire drum, and a second end fixedly attached to a riser tension ring. The at least one motor is coupled to the at least one wire drum via a gear assembly.

Abstract: A floating drilling platform for offshore oil/gas drilling and exploration in ice-infested polar areas comprises a deck module, a hard compartment, and a soft compartment sequentially connected from top to bottom. The bottom of the deck module is connected to the top of the hard compartment by evenly distributed column. Both the hard and the soft compartments are cylinders centrally arranged with center wells. The deck module is also centrally arranged with a center well. The hard compartment, the soft compartment and the deck module are coincident with a centerline. The outer diameter of the soft compartment, as well as that of the deck module, is larger than that of the hard compartment. The top of the hard compartment is designed with a circular inclined plane upwardly and outwardly arranged at the outer edge. The top of the circular inclined plane is connected to the bottom of the deck module.

Abstract: An offshore floating rocket launch platform (12) is disclosed. The platform (12) floats on the surface of a body of water (14). A rocket (16) and a rocket launch support tower (18) are shown on the top surface (19) of the platform (12) in preparation for launch. The platform (12) includes a statically buoyant chamber 20) and more than one variable buoyancy-generating variable buoyancy-generating chambers (22). A number of variable buoying-generating variable buoyancy-generating chambers (22) are capable of being pressurized with a fluid to provide counter-acting forces that compensate for position changes of the platform incurred by natural forces. Other embodiment of the invention may be used for floating offshore structures like buildings (26), bridges (46) and wind turbines (50).

Abstract: A flotation system for an offshore power generation platform comprises: multiple buoyant bodies each containing a high-pressure air and ballast water therein to create buoyancy; connecting members connecting the multiple buoyant bodies to each other; ballast water flowing tubes through which the ballast water contained in the multiple buoyant bodies flows with respect to each other; a high-pressure tank supplying the high-pressure air into the multiple buoyant bodies; a compressor replenishing air pressure present in the high-pressure tank; an equilibrium sensor sensing an equilibrium state of each of the multiple buoyant bodies and transmitting a signal; and a controller controlling, in response to the signal from the equilibrium sensor, an amount of air supplied from the high-pressure tank to the buoyant body and an amount of air discharged from the buoyant body.

Abstract: A flood water retention assembly for reducing flood damage includes a plurality of repositories that is each positioned proximate a lowland area prone to flooding. A plurality of drain conduits is each fluidly coupled to a respective one of the repositories. Each of the drain conduits is in fluid communication with a drainage area to drain the water into the drainage area. A plurality of inlet conduits is each fluidly coupled to a respective one of the repositories. Each of the inlet conduits is in fluid communication with a body of water to receive water from the body of water. A pump is fluidly coupled to each of the inlet conduits and the pump is positioned adjacent to the body of water. The pump pumps the water into the repositories when the pump is turned on. In this way the repositories contain flood waters thereby reducing flood damage to surrounding areas.

Abstract: A motion compensator system for use on a floating vessel including a compensator cylinder assembly, a guide cylinder assembly, an upper carriage affixed to an upper end of both cylinder assemblies, a lower carriage affixed to a lower end of both cylinder assemblies, and a safety shutoff assembly. The compensator cylinder assembly includes three or more compensator cylinders. The safety shutoff assembly includes a compensator manifold and three or more compensator valves. Each compensator valve is in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source through the compensator manifold and in fluid communication with a lower chamber of one of the compensator cylinders. The safety shutoff assembly is configured to isolate a failed compensator cylinder by setting the associated compensator valve to a vent setting and continuing normal operation of the remaining compensator cylinders. The motion compensator system optionally includes a lock system for securing the system in a retracted position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a maritime transport system for oil and the derivatives thereof, which includes a tractor unit with a device for driving at least one floating, rotary spheroid container. The at least one container has two semi-spherical domes, an upper one and a lower one, that are closed at the base end and open at the other, the base of each containing a flat surface. Both domes are assembled with the open ends facing one another and are joined at the circular perimeter thereof by a fitting belt with securing device and a gasket, both being solidly joined together. Inside the container are disposed an upper structure and a lower structure that are solidly connected to connecting beams, defining a self-supporting cube-shaped cage with projecting rotating devices and multiple individual housing cells for at least one tank of fluid to be transported.

Abstract: Compressed gas energy storage systems, which include an integrated thermal energy storage component, are provided. The systems include a compression stage, a heat transfer unit, and a gas storage reservoir, serially linked in fluid communication. The system may include one, two, or three compression stages and heat transfer units. Each heat transfer unit may include two or more thermal energy storage stages. Each thermal energy storage stage may include one or more phase change materials. A method of storing compressed gas energy, which includes compressing a gas through a compression stage to produce a compressed gas; passing the compressed gas through a heat transfer unit to produce a heat removed gas; and transferring the heat removed gas to a gas storage reservoir.

Abstract: A housing unit with a pontoon having a plurality of shipping containers arranged thereon. The shipping containers have been adapted to be habitable by providing at least one door and at least one window in the shipping containers and by insulating the shipping containers. The pontoon has a flat top, three or more of shipping containers placed on the flat top in a first polygon arrangement with an atrium formed inside the first polygon arrangement. Three or more shipping containers are placed on top the first polygon arrangement to form a second polygon arrangement. The second polygon arrangement is preferably being displaced relative to the first polygon arrangement to obtain a star shaped arrangement.

Abstract: A subsea vessel includes filler material, which may be enclosed by an outer shell and may provide the vessel with a density for floatation. Exemplary applications for the vessels include buoyancy and tanks to hold fluids for operations subsea. The filler may include thermoplastic materials and/or concrete, which may be formed to create internal void spaces.

Abstract: A system for collection of rainwater in the open ocean may include: (a) one or more ocean-going vessels, wherein each ocean-going vessel is configured for collection and storage of rainwater, wherein each ocean-going vessel is configured to drift with surface ocean currents in order to navigate to one or more delivery locations, wherein each delivery location is on or near to a land mass; and (b) one or more delivery stations located at the one or more delivery locations, wherein each delivery station is configured to receive stored rainwater from one or more of the ocean-going vessels.

Abstract: A ring-wing floating platform is disclosed. The ring-wing floating platform includes a floating hull, a top of the floating hull being above a sea surface and its geometry at a water plane is centrally symmetric, a ring-wing surrounding a perimeter of a bottom of the floating hull with a horizontal projection of concentric annular geometries, a positioning system located at the bottom of the floating hull, and a topsides located above the floating hull and connected to the floating hull by deck legs or installed directly on the top of the floating hull. The axes of the ring-wing and the floating hull are collinear, and their bottoms are in a same horizontal plane. The ring-wing and the floating hull are connected together as a unitary structure by multiple connecting components with an annular gap in-between.

Abstract: An oil storage apparatus (111) comprising a buoyant hull (102) comprising a single column of circular or polygonal cross-section. The interior of said hull (102) comprises at least one oil-over-water tank (103), and said oil storage apparatus (111) further comprises means for maintaining said tank in pressed full condition.

Abstract: Systems and methods for storing and retrieving thermo-mechanical energy are disclosed. The systems and methods include a thermodynamic cycle (e.g., a reversible transcritical, trilateral, Brayton or Rankine/vapor compression cycle) that includes a plurality of loops and works as a heat pump in charging mode and as a heat engine in discharging mode. Each loop in the thermodynamic cycle includes pressure increasing and decreasing devices, high and low pressure heat exchanging devices, and the same or different working fluid. The system further includes one or more heat storage chains with hot and cold storage reservoirs and a heat storage fluid. At least one of the high and low pressure heat exchanging devices is a gradient heat exchanging device that exchanges heat with the heat storage chain. Also, at least one other high or low pressure heat exchanging device exchanges heat with a separate heat storage device or a heat source or sink.

Abstract: Underwater gas pressurization units and liquefaction systems, as well as pressurization and liquefaction methods and gas field development methods are provided. Gas is compressed hydraulically by seawater introduced into vessels and separated from the gas by a water immiscible liquid layer. Tall, possibly vertical helical vessels are used to reach a high compression ratio that lowers the liquefaction temperature. Cooling units are used to liquefy the compressed gas, possibly by a coolant which is itself pressurized by a similar mechanism. The coolant may be selected to be liquefied under surrounding seawater temperatures. The seawater which is used to pressurize the gas may be used after evacuation from the vessels to pressurize intrastratal gas in the production stages and broaden the gas field development.

Abstract: A deployment and recovery assembly for use on a vessel that includes a tiltable ramp section mountable to a vessel to tilt into and out of the water. The ramp section is configured to support the craft. A capture and release assembly that includes a rotatable tire and wheel assembly is mounted to the ramp section to tilt therewith and is disposed on the ramp section so as to engage a hull of the craft. The capture and release assembly further includes a one-way clutch assembly coupled to the tire and wheel assembly allowing free rotation of the tire and wheel assembly in a first direction and retarding or inhibiting rotation in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A system for collection of rainwater in the open ocean may include: (a) one or more ocean-going vessels, wherein each ocean-going vessel is configured for collection and storage of rainwater, wherein each ocean-going vessel is configured to drift with surface ocean currents in order to navigate to one or more delivery locations, wherein each delivery location is on or near to a land mass; and (b) one or more delivery stations located at the one or more delivery locations, wherein each delivery station is configured to receive stored rainwater from one or more of the ocean-going vessels.

Abstract: Technology for determining a point-to-point separation between a first ship (e.g., guide ship) and a second ship (e.g., following ship) is disclosed. One approach can include maritime autonomous station keeping (MASK) interactive device comprising a communication module and a processor. The communication module can be configured to receive a following ship reference point (SRP) generated by at least one differential global positioning system (DGPS) receiver on a following ship relative to a guide SRP generated by at least one DGPS receiver on a guide ship. The processor can be configured to generate a plurality of fixed following reference edge points (REPs) relative to the following SRP representing a following ship hull, generate a plurality of fixed guide REPs relative to the guide SRP representing a guide ship hull, and monitor a plurality of distances between the plurality of following REPs and the plurality of guide REPs.

Abstract: A buoyant structure or floating driller having a hull, a planar keel, a lower frustoconical portion disposed above the planar keel with an inwardly sloping wall and an upper frustoconical portion connected to the lower frustoconical portion with an outwardly sloping wall forming a hull neck. The buoyant structure has a main deck and a moon pool, at least one external tank and a plurality of ballast compartments. The buoyant structure defines a low center of gravity, wherein the combination of the upper frustoconical portion and the lower frustoconical portion provide an inherent stability to the buoyant structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floating platform (1) comprising at least three floating or semi-submersible peripheral units (2; 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) arranged connected to a floating or semi-submersible central unit (3) by at least one in a substantially radial direction arranged rigid and elongated radial connection member (5). The floating or semi-submersible peripheral units (2; 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) are connected to the adjacent peripheral units (2; 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) by a coupling arrangement (6) which is an elongated object variable in length arranged to allow each floating peripheral unit (2; 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) to move in relation to the adjacent peripheral unit (2; 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) at least in a direction substantially parallel to the elongation direction of the coupling arrangement (6).

Abstract: A vertical oil storage system is disclosed, having an oil tank for storing oil and water, an oil caisson coupled to the top of the oil tank, a water caisson coupled to the bottom of the oil tank, and a containment saucer at the interface between the oil and the water stored in the oil tank. Additionally, there is a water pipe extending from an upper water sump in the center well to the water caisson, a water passageway extending from the center well to the water caisson, and an oil pipe extending from the topside facility to the oil caisson.

Abstract: A liquid proving system is provided with a small volume liquid prover draining into a liquid holding tank that has capacity for multiple proving measurements. The small volume liquid prover is top-filled and bottom-drained. A liquid holding tank baffle assembly contains saturated vapor from an initial number of fills of the liquid holding tank within the small volume prover to improve overall accuracy of the proving measurements. When liquid is pumped into the prover evaporation of the liquid being pumped into the prover, and release of vapors from the prover and into the entire holding tank, is inhibited due to the saturated vapor environment established by a saturated vapor volume in the prover, which results in a more accurate prover measurement of liquid pumped into the prover.

Abstract: A fueling system including a ship or air deployable automated fueling station and one or more sea surface water vessels. The fueling station including a ballast arrangement to maintain an optimal freeboard for fueling the one or more water vessels, the fueling station and the one or more water vessels including a communication arrangement for communications between the fueling station and the one or more water vessels. The fueling station including a plurality of nozzles for simultaneously fueling a plurality of water vessels.

Abstract: An apparatus for servicing one or more water vessels, in particular, the invention is directed towards an autonomous replenishment buoy for fueling one or more water vessels. The autonomous replenishment buoy has a first configuration when not servicing water vessels, and a second configuration when performing fueling or other servicing functions. The autonomous replenishment buoy may float at the surface of the water, or may be moored beneath the surface of the water in the first configuration when not servicing water vessels. The autonomous replenishment buoy may transform from the first configuration to the second configuration to perform fueling and other services on water vessels.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods by which one can safely and effectively store fluids in undersea environments. Fluid is stored in a flexible bladder that is at least partially enclosed in a vessel. The bladder is coupled to a support, which supports the weight of the bladder with the aid of a support driver. A sensor may be used to monitor the position of the support, allowing determination of the volume of the bladder.

Abstract: A liquid storage tank comprising an outer container wherein the outer container is rigid and has at least two inner containers disposed within the outer container. The first inner container contains seawater, and the second inner container contains at least one stored liquid. The at least two inner containers are flexible and pressure balanced while the volume of the outer container remains fixed, and the volumes of the at least two inner containers are variable. The liquid storage tank is provided for disposal and installation in a subsea environment.

Abstract: This invention provides a vessel system and methodology that can be used to promote growth of phytoplankton in the oceans. Unmanned self-controlled wave-powered vessels are equipped with storage units for dispensing a fertilizer, and with sensors to monitor ocean conditions and effects. Fleets of vessels move autonomously by on-board processing of GPS and directional information, piloting a path that is coordinated by a central processing unit. The vessels travel through a defined target area, creating a detailed survey of chemical and biological characteristics that affect grown. The data are processed in a computer model to identify precise locations and precise amounts of fertilizer that will produce the best results. Projected benefits of fertilizing plankton include sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere, and enhancing the marine food chain to improve the fish stock in and around the treated area.

Abstract: A gas collection receptacle includes a segmented top portion and one or more side portions creating a volume for collecting gases. The gas collection receptacle, configured to float on a pond, lagoon, or other area, also includes interlocking side and end portions enabling multiple receptacles to connect, thus forming a substantially continuous covering.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a semi-submersible offshore structure having storage tanks for liquefied gas, which is constructed so as to improve workability in marine offloading of the liquefied gas stored in the storage tanks while reducing an influence of sloshing. The offshore structure is anchored at sea and has liquefied gas. The offshore structure includes a storage tank storing liquefied gas, a plurality of columns partially submerged under the sea level and each having the storage tank therein, and an upper deck located on the plurality of columns to connect the columns to each other.

Abstract: A mooring system may comprise a station keeping apparatus having a turntable rotatably mounted thereon. The station keeping apparatus is operable to movably couple to a first vessel and to a second vessel in a side-by-side configuration. The turntable is operable to freely rotate both the first and the second vessel about the station keeping apparatus. The station keeping apparatus is securable to the second vessel using a head mooring line having a length which is adjustable for aligning a heading of both the first and the second vessel with a prevailing weather direction. Further, the mooring system may comprise a rigid yoke or a soft yoke movably coupling the turntable to the first vessel for angular adjustment between the station keeping apparatus and a longitudinal center line of the first vessel.

Abstract: Floating and towable multiple container apparatus, each container apparatus (18) attached to other container apparatus laterally and longitudinally. A Structural helical spring turns support continuous sealing wall (30) made of helix shaped plastic strip and consists of continuous multiple inflatable cavities (34) wrapped around and attached to spring turns. A helical shape clamp (32) secures the sealing wall over the spring wire turns. A connection towing bar (44) connects the clamps over each wire spring turn together and provide cable connection means. Two cap shape end covers (64) on both sides of the container with multiple external radial sealing members on its perimeter that engages the inner wall of the sealing wall (30) are pushed into the container apparatus, held with the helical spring wire turns that engage slots in the cap. Multiple water self-collecting one-way flow controls with float (86) allow water flow only into container with float held by inflated cavities in closed position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a platform of the FPSO type in the form of a mono-column, of circular or polygonal horizontal section or of a combination of circular and polygonal sections, comprising one or more central load tanks (12), which can be single or compartmented, surrounded, in an alternately and uniformly distributed manner, by permanent-ballast tanks (13) and by ballast tanks open to the sea (“moonpools”) (14).

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for loading of hydrocarbons from a floating vessel, such as a FPSO or FSO vessel, to an export tanker, where the floating vessel is spread moored to a sea bottom, and where the export tanker during the loading phase is moored in such a way that the export vessel to a greater or less degree can weathervane dependent upon the prevailing weather, wave and/or wind conditions. According to invention the floating vessel at least at one end is provided with a rotatable deck which can be turned when the heading of the export tanker changes.

Abstract: An autonomous submersible vessel employs ambient wave energy to both propel itself and to generate required onboard electrical power. The vessel combines a ballast stabilized stator portion and a wave orbit driven rotor portion. Controlled resistance to their relative rotation occurs only when the horizontal component of wave orbit motion coincides with the desired direction of navigation, so increased hydrodynamic drag at that time acts to pull the vessel forward. The vessel incorporates a means to collect and preserve plankton samples. The vessel design enables alternate operation as an oceanographic glider to also navigate in deep water and in calm seas.

Abstract: A method and associated vessel for transferring liquids from offshore tankers to an onshore storage facility. The system utilizes a flexible pipe that is heavier than the water it displaces, such that the flexible pipe sinks to the sea floor even when empty. The high weight and relatively small profile of the flexible pipe avoids the need for anchoring the pipe to the sea floor. The flexible pipe has a bending radius of no greater than five feet, such that it can be wound onto spools onboard the vessel, and can be rapidly deployed, retrieved, and reused in another location. The vessel containing the spools of flexible pipe is dynamic positioning capable, and contains the equipment required to establish a position onshore to receive the liquid being transferred; means to deploy, retrieve, and repair the flexible pipe; and means to receive liquid from a tanker vessel and pump that liquid through the flexible pipe to the onshore storage facility.

Abstract: An offshore fresh water reservoir disposed a distance from the mouth of a river. The reservoir includes a flotation portion in the salt sea that supports a downwardly extending tubular skirt that defines a barrier. A transverse intermediate-density interface having a bulk density greater than fresh water and less than salt water is provided. The interface floats on the salt water and sinks in fresh water. In an embodiment the interface includes a plurality of balls filled with a liquid having a density corresponding to a mixture of salt water and fresh water. The reservoir is anchored in position, and includes a pumping means. In a reservoir system a curtain assembly directs the fresh water effluent to a floating blanket assembly, which further directs the effluent to a pipe that transports the effluent to the reservoir.