Abstract: An amphibious air cushion vehicle includes an air cushion supported hull configured for travel on water and smooth land; a deck supported by the hull; and a dual-rail cargo system having tracks arranged longitudinally on along the hull cargo deck from an aft end. The tracks include (1) guide rails and rollers providing for guided sliding movement of palletized cargo along the tracks, and (2) locks for locking pallets in position during transport, The track is configured at the aft end for an unloading operation in which the locks are disengaged and the palletized cargo slides off the aft end onto underlying land as the vehicle is moving forward thereon. The track may be the one track of a single-track variant, or one of a pair of tracks in a two-track variant.

Abstract: Techniques involve utilizing a multi-track cargo handling assembly to guide individual cargo items in parallel tracks to an aft end of a deck of an amphibious air cushion vehicle when unloading from the aft end. Such a multi-track cargo handling assembly includes a framework constructed and arranged to couple with the deck of the amphibious air cushion vehicle, and a set of guide rails coupled with the framework. The set of guide rails defines the parallel tracks and is constructed and arranged to constrain movement of the cargo items along the parallel tracks.

Abstract: A marine vessel or watercraft may be provided with an aft extension that, in one configuration of the watercraft, alters the wake of the watercraft, for example by reducing the height of the wake, and which may include a sealable opening to provide crew or payload access into or out of the watercraft at a location (e.g., aft of the transom) that may be difficult for an observer to perceive. The aft extension may be positioned above the watercraft's waterline when the watercraft is in another configuration such that it does not contact with the water to reduce adverse impact on performance characteristics, such as drag, of the hull when the watercraft is in that configuration. The watercraft may transition between the two configuration by selectively varying the displacement of the watercraft or by articulating of the aft extension.

Abstract: A maritime alignment and connection system allows a boat to be recovered and docked while a host vessel is underway. Components form a cradle to guide and slow an approaching boat into a desirable orientation such that the boat will be held in place in the cradle. Once captured, the boat can be locked in position to prevent it from inadvertently slipping its berth.

Abstract: A watercraft according to the present disclosure may include an outer hull that defines an interior or hull cavity, and a ballast system located within the hull cavity. The ballast system may include at least three ballast tanks longitudinally distributed along the hull cavity, and each of the tanks being configured to be independently operated enabling selective entrapment of ballast at three or more different longitudinal locations to enable an intentional shifting of the longitudinal center of gravity (LCG) of the watercraft relative to the design location of the LCG of the watercraft. The watercraft may include at least a forward, a center, and an aft ballast tank, and in some embodiments, additional tanks, in some cases in sponsons, may be included and/or one or more of the forward, center and aft tanks, may be further subdivided for additional active LCG control.

Abstract: A jack-up platform is described having a horizontal working deck that may be jacked up out of the water by moving its legs to a position wherein they take support on an underwater bottom. The jack-up platform further includes a higher level deck and a lower level deck that define a receiving space for a barge, optionally suitable for carrying parts for construction of a wind turbine, and further a deballasting system configured to bring the floating hull between a receiving position at which the hull is ballasted to a receiving draft in which the lower level deck is submerged underwater and the barge may be received in the receiving space through an opening in the hull, and an operational smaller draft where substantially no water can flow on either of the lower and higher level decks. The receiving space has a centralizing system configured to substantially centralize the received floating barge in the receiving space.

Abstract: An object of the present disclosure is to provide a gas-electric parallel-serial hybrid marine power train system with LNG cooling, including a gas engine, an electric generator, a motor, a natural gas storage supplier. The gas engine is connected to the shaft belt motor through a gearbox, the motor is connected to the gearbox through a clutch, propellers are connected to the motor, and an engine cooling system and a fuel cell cooling system are connected to an LNG vaporization heat exchange apparatus; the electrical energy sources are the fuel cell, the electric generator and a storage battery. The arrangement of multiple power sources according to the present disclosure can meet ship requirements under various environments and circumstances, improve operating efficiencies of the gas engine, the shaft belt motor and the electric motor.

Abstract: A gas supply marine vessel and a refueling facility are described. The gas supply marine vessel includes a hull with an upper deck having an elongated cargo cavity formed therein. Gas interface modules are disposed in the cavity and extend between hull sides, each module having a plurality of fuel vessel docking stations. A plurality of stacked fuel container assemblies are fluidically coupled to the docking stations. A gantry, is movable along the length of the cavity, straddles the cargo cavity between hull sides. An articulating crane is mounted on the gantry and it utilized to move fuel container assemblies to a fuel container depression formed in the deck of a floating refueling facility. The floating refueling facility includes a concave side to facilitate mooring adjacent a shoreline, the concave side forming angled extensions at corners of the deck with a linkspan extending from each of the angled extensions.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a vessel ramp assembly system includes a ramp assembly configured to assist with ingress and egress of an individual with respect to the vessel, a deployment system configured to move the ramp assembly between a stowed position with respect to the vessel and a deployed position with respect to the vessel, and a positioning system configured to move the ramp assembly to move a first end of the ramp assembly with respect to a deck of the vessel and provide a second end of the ramp assembly at an appropriate position where the individual may use the ramp assembly for the ingress and egress with respect to the vessel.

Abstract: A floating and mobile carrying platform device, including: a load-bearing deck trunk including an upper surface and a lower surface; a semi-submersible tower disposed on the upper surface of the load-bearing deck trunk; a column-type buoyancy pier connected to the lower surface of the load-bearing deck trunk; rest piers disposed on the upper surface of the load-bearing deck trunk; a console disposed in the semi-submersible tower; a slideway disposed on the upper surface of the load-bearing deck trunk; and a connection member disposed between the load-bearing deck trunk and the semi-submersible tower. The load-bearing deck trunk adopts a box structure, and the box structure includes a top plate, a bottom plate, side plates, a plurality of cross rib plates, and vent holes. The plurality of cross rib plates is disposed between the top plate and the bottom plate to support the top plate.

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 receiving assembly for receiving a seagoing vessel is provided, to be suspended from an articulated arm of a handling structure which is provided with a lifting cable that is intended to carry a seagoing vessel and to move the vessel in a vertical direction to deploy and/or recover the vessel from the sea from a floating building on which the handling structure is secured, the receiving assembly comprising a lower part which comprises receiving means of the vessel, the receiving means having a passage for the cable and defining a cavity capable of receiving the vessel when the vessel is suspended from the lifting cable and arranged to ensure blocking of rotational and translational movements in the vertical direction upward of a seagoing vessel which is generally tubular in form, in relation to the receiving means, when the seagoing vessel is received by the cavity and comes to bear.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides in at least one embodiment a rotatable keel skirt assembly on a rectangular-shaped keel pontoon. The rectangular-shaped keel pontoon reduces the maximum hull width by a significant percentage compared to a circular-shaped keel pontoon while maintaining the same hull motion performance. The rotatable keel skirt assembly allows the size of the pontoon to define the width of the hull during some fabrication phases of the platform, rather than the additional width of the keel skirt assembly. Thus, the outreach of the crane and other equipment can be effectively used as if the keel skirt assembly was not present. After fabrication, the hull can be moved away from the quayside and the keel skirt assembly can be rotated into position for service. Various systems and methods are disclosed for articulating the keel skirt assembly about the hull.

Abstract: A method for pulling an autonomous submersible vehicle into a mother ship. The method includes the steps of letting out a floating line from the mother ship, allowing at least part of a capturing line to rise from the submersible vehicle using a capturing buoy, to cause the submersible vehicle to cross under the floating line in such a way that the capturing line with the capturing buoy becomes caught on the floating line, and to draw the submersible vehicle to the mother ship by pulling in the floating line.

Abstract: A watercraft includes a hull provided with a stern compartment inside the hull, the compartment being closed at least on the bottom by a movable portion of a stern platform arranged at one end of the compartment itself which opens up astern of the watercraft, wherein the movable portion can be lowered relative to the hull into the water where the watercraft is floating. The movable portion of the stern platform shifts with a translational motion along the hull without moving away therefrom.

Abstract: This invention relates to an integrated heavy lift and logistics vessel for receiving another vessel. Further the integrated heavy lift and logistics vessel is able to provide logistical support to the other vessel in remote locations. More particularly, this invention relates to an integrated heavy lift and logistics vessel that is designed to carry out heavy lifting and logistic supply functions in a stable manner. The integrated heavy lift and logistics vessel is also equipped with safe refuge quarters, helipad(s), various forms of storage, and areas for storage.

Abstract: A watercraft with lifting apparatus including a watercraft and a lifting apparatus. The lifting apparatus includes a frame, a lift frame assembly, a first engagement mechanism, a second engagement mechanism and a pivot mechanism. The frame is mounted to the watercraft. The lift frame assembly has a first end and a second end. The first engagement mechanism is capable of causing the first end of the lift frame assembly to engage the frame. The second engagement mechanism is capable of causing the second end of the lift frame assembly to engage the frame. The pivot mechanism causes the lift frame assembly to pivot with respect to the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for a water vessel, wherein the water vessel includes at least one container configured to transport at least one vehicle, wherein the at least one container is configured to transport the at least one vehicle while the at least one container is in a body of water. The water vessel includes one or more buoyancy floats configured to maintain the at least one container afloat in the body of water. The water vessel includes a propulsion unit configured to navigate the at least one container and the at least one vehicle through the body of water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ship, in particular a ship comprising at least one sail rotor. According to the invention, the ship has a front part that has a height-adjustable and/or pivotable panel.

Abstract: This invention is to offer the floating structure to change oil tanker and oil barge of single hull into that of double hull by simple method. This floating structure is provided with central tanks, wing tanks on right and left of central tank and gate at the end of the floating structure. This floating structure can change the oil tanker or oil barge of the single hull to double hull by leading-in and fixing oil tanker or oil barge of single hull in concave portion formed between the central tanks, wing tanks and the gate. The gate has the connecting coupler with tugboat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for launching and recovering an object by a host vessel while the host vessel is in motion. The recovery system utilizes a tethered capture system for connecting with the object and then directing the object to the host vessel where it is secured. The tethered capture system includes one or more side planers that direct a capture cable away from the host vessel. The capture cable is preferably disposed below the waterline through the use of a diving rig or extended cable struts so that the cable does not foul the propeller of the object to be recovered. The side planer itself may include a ramped surface for loading the object prior to securing to the host vessel. After the capture, the object may be secured by way of a boom attached to the host vessel or by a lifting cradle that selectively extends aft of the host vessel.

Abstract: A barge unit includes LNG receptacle and a first power generation apparatus including a first combustion engine that is operated at least partly by LNG boil-off gas and a first generator that is driven by the first combustion engine. A tug unit includes a propulsion system and a second power generation apparatus for providing power to the propulsion system. In a first operating mode of the barge and tug units the tug unit is connected to the barge unit for propelling the barge unit and the propulsion system of the tug unit is powered at least partly by the first power generation apparatus.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for transporting fluids in containers are provided. Such improved systems and methods include floatable container vessels having one or more fluid containers and self-propelled marine transportation vessels that are adapted to be ballasted downwardly to permit the floatable container vessels to be floated onto or off of the marine transportation vessels, and are adapted to be deballasted so as to raise the floatable container vessels out of the water for transportation to another location.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an offshore lifting construction with means for controllable buoyancy for the lifting of jackets (13) for offshore platforms. The lifting construction is designed such that it can be ballasted for raising and lowering and such that it can take several positions. The lifting construction is designed as an arm (1) equipped with a joint (10) for attachment to a vessel (2). The arm (1) comprises two substantially parallel longitudinal elements (5) with intermediate supporting elements (6). One of the ends of the arm comprises at least two tubular branches (8) substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the substantially parallel longitudinal elements (5). At least one of the elements of the arm (1) comprises at least one ballastable tank. The arm (1) is equipped with means (9) for attachment to the jacket (13) that is to be lifted. A method for rising jackets (13) or jacket legs for offshore platforms is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a barge with an open top container for receiving a cargo mounted on the deck characterised in that the container is pivotally mounted on the deck such that cargo (e.g. marine sand) can be discharged from the barge by tilting of the container about the pivotal axis. The barge is particularly useful for use in land reclamation projects and the invention further relates to a method of reclaiming land utilising such barges.

Abstract: A bore well in a seabed (27) may be established and/or operated by a drilling barge (10). The barge may be pulled onto a larger vessel (11) and transported to a drilling site. Alternatively, the larger vessel is divided longitudinally into a pair of sub-vessels, which are then re-united at the drilling site, where the barge is pulled into position on the larger vessel. The combined drilling vessel (10, 11) may thereafter be anchored in the desired position relative to the bore well by submerging the larger vessel to rest on the seabed. The barge may be arranged on top of the larger vessel by submerging one end of the larger vessel, towing the barge into a desired position relative to the larger vessel, and raising the submerged end of the larger vessel so as to bring the deck of the larger vessel into contact with the bottom of the barge and to lift the barge out of the water.

Abstract: A transporter for removing an offshore platform has an oblong structure with a U-shaped cross section, rotatable by ballasting. The transporter is adapted to remove and carry both a jacket and a topsides simultaneously.

Abstract: A logistics system for the collection and delivery of ocean freight which includes a carrying vessel adapted to hold a plurality of barge-like cargo modules individually suited for the carriage of containers or autos or liquid or dry bulk or deck cargo. Rather than berth at the ports served in its deployment, the carrying vessel anchors in close proximity to the origin or destination port, and floats off inbound barge modules which are immediately replaced by outbound barge modules, similarly floated on. Therefore, in a short period of time, the carrying vessel can exchange its entire cargo capacity. Harbor tugs ferry the barge-like cargo modules to and from a plurality of marine terminals for stevedoring operations. Meanwhile, the newly loaded carrying vessel is already on its way to its next port of call.

Abstract: A transporter for use in a method for removing a jacket for an offshore platform includes an oblong structure rotatable by ballasting, with a sliding saddle which is movable in the longitudinal direction of the oblong structure and adapted for securing the jacket, thus enabling the jacket to be moved in relation to the transporter by the sliding saddle after being attached to the sliding saddle and released from the seabed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an airport and a method of operating an airport in which, when an aircraft lands on a runway of the airport, the aircraft drives onto or otherwise boards a vehicle and is transported on the vehicle to a disembarking/embarking site. Here, inbound passengers leave the vehicle and proceed to a terminal building. In addition, outbound passengers board the vehicle, which then transports the aircraft to the runway from where it takes off. Various activities take place whilst the aircraft is on the vehicle. Thus, passengers embark/disembark the vehicle, pass through immigration and check-in areas and their baggage is unloaded/loaded. In addition, the aircraft is serviced whilst on the vehicle.

Abstract: Sea-based transportation and load handling system, comprising a ship of the catamaran type, having two hulls being arranged at a distance from each other and a deck (4) connecting the upper portions of the hulls, where the hull sides of the hulls are facing each other and being adapted for moving a load unit (2) in between the hulls, the load unit (2) substantially occupying the space between the hulls, and couplings (5) being arranged in the sides of the load unit (2) and in the hull sides to ensure interconnection of a load unit (2) with the two hulls of the catamaran.

Abstract: A ship's hull has a cargo deck which is located adjacent a waterline and which is intended to carry a number of barges. The cargo deck is open toward the stern of the vessel. An interior of the hull accommodates one or more ballast tanks and a device for emptying and filling the ballast tanks with water, either completely or partially, thereby enabling the hull to be brought to a shallow draft waterline or to a deeper draft waterline. An air-compressing device generates an air flow which can be delivered to the outer surfaces of the hull by a pipe system which discharges beneath the waterline. At least a part of the lowermost surface region of the hull is flat and extends horizontally. Arranged within this region is a downwardly open cavity of small height and large surface extension. The pipe system discharges at least into the cavity. Air bubbles that are generated will also reduce friction against side-related hull surfaces, even when the hull heels steeply in heavy swells.

Abstract: A contacting structure with respect to a spherical bump in which the spherical bump is to be contacted with a contact pin, the contact pin includes a contacting portion supported by a resilient support element, and the contacting portion is arranged in opposite relation to that part of a spherical surface of the spherical bump other than a lower-most point thereof. The contacting portion has a projection capable of pressing into the spherical surface of the spherical bump, and also has a pressure receiving surface for setting an amount by which the projection presses into the spherical surface.

Abstract: A method of connecting a semiconductor chip assembly having at least first and second contacts to a connection component including at least first and second connection leads by means of a tool consisting of the steps of juxtaposing moving and connecting the leads to the corresponding contacts. The connection component is juxtaposed with the semiconductor chip assembly so that the first and second connection leads are aligned with the first and second contacts in such a manner that the first connection lead is offset from the first contact in the first direction and the second connection lead is offset from the second contact in the same first direction.

Abstract: The bow door (9) of a ferry consists of two sections (7) of the sides (5) on either side of the stem beneath the foredeck (4) and a section (10) of the foredeck lying thereabove. These side and foredeck sections (including the relevant section of the stem) are joined together to form an integral insert in the ship's hull (9). This insert can be pivoted from the closed position into an open position substantially above the foredeck (4) to provide a bow opening through said foredeck.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a system for launching barges from the deck of a ship, the system including: ramp means selectively positionable along the side of the ship such that a selected one of the barges may be placed on the ramp means and allowed to slide therealong by gravity into water in which the ship is floating.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the draft and increasing the load bearing area and stability of a Marine drilling barge may be temporarily or permanently mounted to the barge. The apparatus includes twin parallel hulls separated by and connected to a tension resistant truss, a support frame mounted to the twin parallel hulls, compression resistant members connected to the support frame that span between the parallel hulls, and pumps to remove water ballast from the hulls so that the apparatus can be raised and lowered in the water. The apparatus is submerged, the barge to be modified is then situated between the submerged apparatus hulls, the ballast is then removed from the submerged hulls to emerge the apparatus and lift the barge. When connected to the barge the apparatus provides a reduction in barge draft. The apparatus and barge may then be moved in combination and submerged together as a single unit. When submerged the apparatus provides additional bottom load bearing surface area and stability.

Abstract: A cargo ship construction comprises a ship which has a hull structure with at least one cargo storage space opening to at least one side both above and below the water line. A cargo storage container or warehouse of substantially the size of the cargo storage space of the vessel is insertable through the opening into the space. The container is associated with a flotation arrangement such as a separate propelled vehicle which may operate on either land or water and which is provided with a lifting section for lifting cargo storage container into the section. The device may travel on land and then float out to sea and load the cargo onto the vessel either by floating it in when the vessel is ballasted so that the opening is below the water line or the device may raise the cargo above the water level and permit it to slide into the receiving space of the vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting a marine superstructure on a vessel floating in a body of water to a working site, placing the semi submersible part of the apparatus into a body of water, lowering the semi submersible into a stable position, moving the marine superstructure from the vessel and onto the semi submersible, elevating the semi submersible with the marine superstructure over the marine structure, lowering the semi submersible vessel and marine superstructure, causing the marine superstructure to rest on the marine structure, pulling the semi submersible away from the marine structure and marine superstructure and placing the semi submersible back onto the vessel. To remove the marine superstructure from the marine structure and place the marine superstructure onto the vessel the same method is used in reverse.

Abstract: An ocean launching apparatus of space rockets comprises a launch pad platform having a floating-island structure and a semi-submersible hull for loading and transporting the launch pad platform. When the apparatus reaches an intended ocean area, a rocket set on the launch pad platform is floated from the hull in a semi-submersing state on the ocean together with the launch pad platform and moved to a launching site. In this way, it is possible to provide an ideal launching site of space rockets, increase an economical efficiency of launching of space rockets, and guarantee the safety if an accident should occur.

Abstract: A system for maritime transportation and distribution of bulk raw materials includes a series of containers, a carrier vessel, a container unloading dock for unloading material from each container, and a loading dock for loading material into each container, each container having openings in the stern and bow walls for loading and unloading materials, provided with watertight covers and/or valves, and having no hatches on deck so that the containers can be stacked one on the other, the vessel having a hold provided with a port for the flotation loading and unloading of the containers into and out of the hold, the hold comprising retention devices to lock each container to the structure of the carrier vessel, in the stowage position the containers being stacked one on the other in a multilayer arrangement, the unloading dock being a sloping bed graving dock which includes a tunnel located underneath the same in communication with the floor of the dock through openings provided with watertight covers, and a con

Abstract: In order to laterally support lighters provided with rails on their bottoms, the loading deck of a lighter-transport ship is provided with channels situated beneath and opening onto the upper surface of the deck which are adapted to receive the rails of the lighters, and cover plates associated with the channels for selectively closing the same. The cover plates are removed from the channels to open the same when lighters are supported on the deck so that the rails are received within the channel. The cover plates are shifted over the channels to close the same when wheeled loading vehicles are moved on the deck.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for transporting a lighter 136 from a floating position adjacent the stern 130 of ship 101 to a storage position in the cargo hold 138 of said ship, and for transporting lighter 136 from said storage position to said floating position. The system includes crane 102 which is adapted for fore and aft travel along spaced rails 104 and 106 which extend longitudinally along opposite sides of ship 101 and for hoisting lighter 136, and load frame 172 which is suspended by crane 102 and adapted for attachment to lighter 136. Vertically extendable and retractable load frame guide members 108, 110, 112 and 114 depend from crane 102. Removable aft guide members 118 and 120 are mountable on cantilevered beams 122 and 124. Removable fore guide members 126 and 128 are mountable on stern 130. Guide members 118 and 120 are adapted for being positioned below and coaxially aligned with guide members 108 and 110.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method of loading cargo-carrying barges into an ocean-going ship having a self-lowering capability and having facility for flooding at least one cargo-carrying space with water up to a Loading Water Line corresponding with the ballasted water line of the ship. The carrying barges are closed against entry of water, and each barge, such as B1, after being floated into the cargo-carrying space, is upended in the water and conveyed into a storage location where it is retained, for example by retaining rails 42,43. In consequence, a relatively large number of barges can be carried in the storage space.

Abstract: A floating device for transshipment of cargo from one ship to another comprises two pontoons (1,2) that are mutually connected and between which space is present for mooring one or more ships, such as barges, and that is adapted to moor alongside another ship, the pontoons supporting one or more structures on which devices are mounted for manipulating cargo, such as hoisting devices. This known device is useful only in quiet water, for instance within the shelter of a harbor. The invention improves the known device in such a manner that it also can be used in exposed places, so that it will be useful in bad weather and may remain in place for instance anchored to a mooring buoy or such. To this end, two pontoons (1,2) have such a small free board that it is swept over during bad weather conditions, the pontoons (1,2) being interconnected by a bow (3) extending higher than the upperdeck (5) of the pontoons.

Abstract: An improvement in a barge-carrying flotation-loaded waterborne vessel. A hollow interior defines upper and lower longitudinal barge holds arranged in vertical rows of aligned tiers, each hold being flooded during the time it is loaded and unloaded. There is at least one loading lock at one end of the vessel for enabling flotation loading of each vertical row of barge holds; each lock has a pair of side bulkheads and a bottom, and gate means for separating the lock from and opening it to the outside for flotation loading and unloading of one barge at a time. There is also a separate lock gate for each tier of each row for connecting a hold of each row to a lock. In each lock there are sets of barge support panels, each pivotally attached by a horizontal longitudinally extending pivot to one of the side bulkheads, at least one set being disposed on each side of the lock adjacent to and approximately on a level with each upper longitudinal barge hold.

Abstract: The disclosure of the invention pertains to a multipurpose ocean carrier into which a full cargo of barges or other vehicles can be loaded by first submerging the carrier to a point where the lower deck of the carrier is submerged deeply enough to allow barges to be floated through a lower opening in the hull through an elevator well onto the lower deck. When the lower deck is filled, the barges are floated onto an elevator platform and lifted thereby into alignment with the upper deck onto which the barges are towed by an overhead towing device. Rollers are provided on the elevator platform and the upper deck to facilitate the towing of the barges and the rollers are lowered below the surface of the platform and the upper deck after the carrier has been loaded.

Abstract: A floating vessel having a pair of inclined tracks on which one or more carriages are movably mounted and such vessel has a plurality of compartments or tanks which may be selectively flooded or pumped dry to control the trim of the vessel. When the forward tanks are flooded, the bow portion of the vessel is partially submerged and at least a portion of the carriage may be disposed under water in a position to receive a heavy floating object, after which the tanks may be emptied and the carriages raised along the rails so that the object is removed from the water and moved to a desired height.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating the entry or docking and exit or undocking of lighters into and from the docking space of a lighter-aboard-ship vessel of the floater type and for preventing entry of foreign objects into the docking space includes drawing water out of the docking space during entry of the lighter into the docking space, the docking space having been previously filled with water in an amount sufficient to permit the lighter to float therein, in an amount such that outflow of water from the docking space in the region of the gap defined between the lighter and the docking space gate is reduced to an extent whereby substantially no resistance to the entry of the lighter into the docking space will occur. During exit of the lighter from the vessel docking space, water is introduced into the docking space in an amount such that a small outflow of water from the docking space in the region of the gap defined between the lighter and the docking space gate is maintained.

Abstract: A barge-carrying vessel of the flotation loading and unloading type. Each barge-stowage hold has parallel, vertical side walls that are only slightly further apart from each other than the width of the barges to be stowed. The barges are held down against the bottom of the hold, enabling transfer of buoyancy from the barges to the vessel when the hold is flooded. For this purpose, a series of guides is secured to one side wall of the hold, each guide comprising a pair of parallel vertical tracks. In between each pair of tracks is a wedge having a sloping outer face for engagement with a barge in a wedging manner to force this barge against the opposite side wall. The wedges are raised and lowered as needed, and are positively secured in place in their barge-hold down position.