Abstract: The invention is a method for mooring a marine vessel (P) using three or more anchor lines (11a, 11b, . . . ) comprising—laying out each anchor line (11) with an anchor in a desired position relative to the platform, with a seabed anchor chain (10) extending towards the desired position of the platform (P), with the seabed chain (10) connected to a fiber rope's (20) arranged for being extended through the sea and connected to an anchor winch chain (30) and being tightended by an anchor winch (31) on the vessel (P), wherein the fiber rope (20) is prepared by being packed to a bundle or coil (21) arranged in a protective container (24) on the seafloor, and arranged for being released and pulled out of the container (24) at a predetermined pulling force, and arranged for being picked up and connected to the anchor winch chain (30).

Abstract: A wave-powered water vehicle includes a surface float, a submerged swimmer, and a tether which connects the float and the swimmer, so that the swimmer moves up and down as a result of wave motion. The swimmer includes one or more fins which interact with the water as the swimmer moves up and down, and generate forces which propel the vehicle forward. The vehicle, which need not be manned, can carry communication and control equipment so that it can follow a course directed by signals sent to it, and so that it can record or transmit data from sensors on the vehicle.

Abstract: An anchor retrieval system for manually retrieving a submerged anchor without requiring heavy pulling includes an anchor retrieval apparatus generally in the form of a clip formed from cylindrical stainless steel fabricated into a unique shape the permits the device to be quickly connected to an anchor line by a simple sliding motion. The clip is further adapted by the attachment of a buoyant member, such as a buoy, to provide a buoyant lifting force. Once the clip is connected to the anchor line anchor retrieval system is tossed into the water and travels down the anchor line as the boat motors away from the buoy until the buoyant force lifts the anchor from the sea floor, whereafter the anchor line is manually drawn in to the boat as the anchor is buoyantly suspended near the surface.

Abstract: Mooring system for a tanker, i.e. a mooring of a conventional tanker to an installation with fixed orientation, wherein a conventional tanker (3) which is to be moored to the installation is arriving in a direction favorable to wind, current and waves. By mooring a conventional tanker (3) in four points (A, B, C, D) on a tanker (3), wherein the hawsers to the points (C, D) are connected on board a platform (1) and hawsers to the points (A, B) are connected to two separate buoys (4, 5) and then tightening/slackening the hawsers until the tanker (3) has arrived in the desired/correct position.

Abstract: A dynamic anchoring system for use in stabilizing a floating platform is provided. The dynamic anchoring system includes a mooring assembly having a plurality of rodes each with an adjustable length. As waves cause the platform to rock, the length of each rode is adjusted in a manner to counteract the motion created by the waves. Thus, the platform remains substantially level. The platform supports a wind turbine on a mast. At least one motion sensor on the mast provides motion data indication the direction and speed of the hull's motion.

Abstract: A mooring system for a floating vessel such as a drilling unit is provided. The floating vessel has a platform for providing drilling, production or other operations in a marine environment, and a tower for providing ballast and stability below a water line in the marine environment. The mooring system generally includes a plurality of anchors disposed radially around the tower along a seabed, and a plurality of mooring lines. Each mooring line has a first end operatively connected to the tower, and a second end operatively connected to a respective anchor. Each mooring line further comprises at least two substantially rigid links joined together using linkages. Each joint is at least five meters in length. The mooring system is capable of maintaining station-keeping for the vessel greater than about 100 Mega-Newtons such that operations may be conducted when the marine environment is substantially iced over.

Abstract: A wave-powered water vehicle includes a surface float, a submerged swimmer, and a tether which connects the float and the swimmer, so that the swimmer moves up and down as a result of wave motion. The swimmer includes one or more fins which interact with the water as the swimmer moves up and down, and generate forces which propel the vehicle forward. The vehicle, which need not be manned, can carry communication and control equipment so that it can follow a course directed by signals sent to it, and so that it can record or transmit data from sensors on the vehicle.

Abstract: A mooring system comprising a structure in a body of water; a vessel in the body of water; a first anchor in the body of water; a second anchor in the body of water; a first line connecting the first anchor and the vessel; a second line connecting the second anchor and the vessel; and a third line connecting the structure and the vessel.

Abstract: The invention is a method for mooring a marine vessel (P) using three or more anchor lines (11a, 11b, . . . ) comprising—laying out each anchor line (11) with an anchor in a desired position relative to the platform, with a seabed anchor chain (10) extending towards the desired position of the platform (P), with the seabed chain (10) connected to a fibre rope's (20) arranged for being extended through the sea and connected to an anchor winch chain (30) and being tightened by an anchor winch (31) on the vessel (P), wherein the fibre rope (20) is prepared by being packed to a bundle or coil (21) arranged in a protective container (24) on the seafloor, and arranged for being released and pulled out of the container (24) at a predetermined pulling force, and arranged for being picked up and connected to the anchor winch chain (30).

Abstract: A mooring system and/or a rigid harness (2) for a floating aquatic structure (1) includes first and second ends, and the first end is pivotably attachable to the structure (1) such that in use the harness (2) may pivot about a single pivot axis (23) through a range of angles relative to, and including, the vertical. The harness (2) further includes one or more mechanical and/or umbilical connections (28,30,32) adjacent the second end thereof.

Abstract: A geostationary anchoring and riser arrangement in a vessel comprises a rotating body (11), which is mounted in a vertical shaft (6) in the vessel (1) by axial and radial annular bearings (31, 32). Above the upper axial and radial bearing (31, 32) is mounted a dynamic primary seal (35), thereby establishing a dry space above the bearings, in the shaft (6). Under the bearing is mounted a secondary seal (41). A fluid manifold (28) is placed in the dry shaft space.

Abstract: A wave-powered water vehicle includes a surface float, a submerged swimmer, and a tether which connects the float and the swimmer, so that the swimmer moves up and down as a result of wave motion. The swimmer includes one or more fins which interact with the water as the swimmer moves up and down, and generate forces which propel the vehicle forward. The vehicle, which need not be manned, can carry communication and control equipment so that it can follow a course directed by signals sent to it, and so that it can record or transmit data from sensors on the vehicle.

Abstract: Mooring system arranged in a body of water for the mooring of multiple surface or semi-submersible vessels or platforms with a artificial seafloor grid designed as a mesh-like structure arranged in a substantially horizontal plane in the body of water. The artificial seafloor grid including means for attachment to said vessel or platform, and is mechanically coupled to the bottom of the sea using anchoring elements.

Abstract: A connector (10) for releasable connection between an anchorage in the form of a female part (1) arranged on a floating means and a male part (2) formed at the end of a retrievable umbilical (3) provided with a bend stiffener (4) is disclosed. The male part (2) comprises a mandrel body (5) having a pulling head (6) for connection to a pulling means at one end and the umbilical (3) at the other end. The male part (2) comprises a sleeve formed body (7) that is fixed to the mandrel body (5) by shearable elements (8). The bend stiffener (4) is fixed directly to the sleeve formed body (7) and is designed for abutment against and parking together with the bend stiffener (4) within the female part (1) while the remaining part of the male part (2) including the umbilical (3) is designed to be pulled further up through the female part (1) for fluid communication and connection on a floating means or a vessel.

Abstract: A shallow water anchor is provided. The shallow water anchor comprises a first anchor extension and a second anchor extension axially received by a housing. The first anchor extension is axially received by the second anchor extension such that the first and second anchor extensions are sequentially deployable from the housing using an actuation arrangement. The actuation arrangement is controlled by a control interface that is operable to detect when the shallow water anchor has reached a fully extended state and fully retracted state. The shallow water anchor further includes a biasing compensator that compensates for fluctuations in the overall depth of water the anchor is deployed in due to waves or other anomalies.

Abstract: An anchor holds a variety of mooring system elements, including processor-controlled cable brakes, prior to deployment of the anchor. The anchor is configured to automatically deploy the elements of the mooring system into a desired underwater configuration. A method of deploying an ocean anchor includes controlling cable brakes and results in the elements of the mooring system being deployed into a desired underwater configuration.

Abstract: A vessel includes a hull, a shaft extending from an upper part of the hull to a bottom of the hull, a turret being rotatably supported in the shaft via a turret bearing, a manifold support structure carrying one or more conduits being rotatably supported on the turret via a manifold bearing. The turret includes a cavity for receiving a mooring buoy carrying one or more risers and one or more vertically displaceable actuation members near the manifold bearing for vertically displacing the manifold support structure relative to the turret between a rotational position in which the manifold support structure can rotate relative to the turret via the manifold bearing and a locked position in which the bearing support structure is rotationally locked relative to the turret.

Abstract: For reducing the number of components required for mooring (by means of three, 120° spaced apart mooring lines) multiple floating wave energy converters (WECs), a group of six WECs is disposed in a hexagonal pattern with each WEC being disposed at a corner of the hexagon. The WECs are connected to one another by mooring lines extending along sides of the hexagon, each WEC thereby being connected by two, 120° spaced apart mooring lines and with each WEC serving as a mooring point for each of its two adjacent neighbors. A third mooring line for each WEC, spaced 120° from the other two mooring lines, is connected to an auxiliary surface buoy and thence to an anchor.

Abstract: A durable, quickly deployable temporary floating breakwater (FBW) can protect areas in austere locations. A plurality of inflatable modules is encapsulated within a common cover, which holds the modules together and in some embodiments supports a causeway thereupon. A separate floating causeway can be included. Embodiments include a semi-permeable “sloping beach” section which causes waves to break before reaching the FBW. A bed of wave-energy-absorbing synthetic kelp can be attached to the sloping beach. The beach and/or kelp can include low-surface-energy fibers and films, such as olefins and polypropylenes, to remove oil from the water in case of an oil spill or accident. In embodiments, the FBW can be temporarily sunk to avoid extremely high seas, ice, and/or other surface hazards. The FBW is lightweight, can be quickly and compactly stowed, and in some embodiments can be transported and deployed from the deck of an LCU 1610.

Abstract: A mooring system is disclosed for retaining one or more hydrokinetic devices. The system comprises: a hydrokinetic device that is configured to harness energy from a water current and generate electrical power; at least two anchors; and at least two mooring cables having upstream ends attached to the at least two anchors and downstream ends attached to the hydrokinetic device. A centerline of a mooring angle is substantially aligned with a most frequently occurring water current flow direction.

Abstract: A disconnetable mooring system is provided, comprising a vessel with an outrigger supporting a riser assembly in a disconnectable manner, which riser assembly is provided with a riser top body which by means of disconnectable latching means is attached to the outrigger. The riser top body additionally is connected to the outrigger by means of a braking device for temporarily controlling the downward speed of the riser top body after disconnecting a mechanism. The braking device comprises a first end permanently connected to one of the riser top body and outrigger, and a second end releasably connected to the other of the riser top body and outrigger.

Abstract: A mooring system comprising a structure in a body of water; a vessel in the body of water; a first anchor in the body of water; a second anchor in the body of water; a first line connecting the first anchor and the vessel; a second line connecting the second anchor and the vessel; and a third line connecting the structure and the vessel.

Abstract: System for anchoring of a vessel, preferably at deep waters, comprising a number of anchoring lines, each anchoring line extending from a fastening means on the vessel to an anchor at the seabed, and the anchoring lines are preferably arranged tightly, obliquely down into the sea around the vessel in the form of spread anchoring, such that the vessel is maintained in a fixed, intended position, distinguished in that each anchoring line is fastened to an anchor and extends out in one length, without joinings, to an upper end where a coupling part is fastened, and the fastening means comprises a crib for each anchoring line, where each coupling part can be laid down in an intended, fastened position. Method for anchoring of a vessel, with use of the system according to the invention.

Abstract: System for mooring a substantially cylindrical floating production, storage and offloading unit (FPSO), comprising a substantially cylindrical mooring element having un upper side for engaging the lower side of the FPSO, further comprising mooring lines for connection to the seabed, and operating means for realising an engagement between the mooring element and the FPSO, wherein the mooring element has such a specific weight that, when disconnected from the FPSO, it floats at a certain depth below the sea level.

Abstract: The present invention may be used for anchoring a watercraft. A mooring device may have a ground penetrating device attached at a first end of an elongated rod and a slide hammer attached at a second end of the elongated rod. A mooring line may be attached at a first end of the ground penetrating device and may be attachable at a second end to a boat and fixed in length by a rope lock.

Abstract: According to the invention, the device for utilising ocean-wave energy functions through appropriate pontoons (1) and an intermediate floating central unit (2) located just beyond them. These are interconnected by appropriate arms (3) using suitable hinges (4) and have suitable cylindrical, hydraulic power jacks (7) which alternately pump a liquid (10) under high static pressure to a turbine (11), preferably a constant pressure (Pelton) turbine. This converts the potential energy in the liquid into, for example, electric power when the arms are raised by the pontoons and the central unit sinks into the wave troughs, whereupon the pistons (12) on the opposite side of the power jacks again suck in the continually circulating, energy-bearing liquid as the arms sink when the pontoons enter the troughs and the central unit rises on the wave crests.

Abstract: A mooring system and/or a rigid harness (2) for a floating aquatic structure (1) includes first and second ends, and the first end is pivotably attachable to the structure (1) such that in use the harness (2) may pivot about a single pivot axis (23) through a range of angles relative to, and including, the vertical. The harness (2) further includes one or more mechanical and/or umbilical connections (28,30,32) adjacent the second end thereof.

Abstract: Mooring system for a tanker, i.e. a mooring of a conventional tanker to an installation with fixed orientation, wherein a conventional tanker (3) which is to be moored to the installation is arriving in a direction favourable to wind, current and waves. By mooring a conventional tanker (3) in four points (A, B, C, D) on a tanker (3), wherein the hawsers to the points (C, D) are connected on board a platform (1) and hawsers to the points (A, B) are connected to two separate buoys (4, 5) and then tightening/slackening the hawsers until the tanker (3) has arrived in the desired/correct position.

Abstract: A new and improved submarine anchoring cable that includes an outer layer that comprises 20% to 80% polyurethane elastomer, 20% to 80% carbon fiber mixed at a certain ratio. The outer layer is compressed to wrap around an aramid fiber or an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber and a core of synthetic fiber rope with molecular malleability, e.g., nylon, nylon66, and the polyester rope. The rope is exposed in a form of a loop from both ends of the cable. Each loop has one or multiple layers of sheath made of aramid fiber, Kelvar fiber or UHMWPE fiber wrapping around the rope near a tie on each end to provide extra friction and withstanding strength. One end of the anchor cable is fixed to the offshore platform and the other end is fixed to each anchor to hold on to the offshore platform within a limited area defined by multiple anchors fastened to the offshore platform.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus is disclosed having a track, wherein the track is disposed horizontally on an aquatic vessel; one or more optional pulley means, wherein the pulley means are positioned near the ends of the track; a cable, having a first end and a second end; one or more optional eyelets, wherein the cable partially occupies the eyelets; an optional cable fastening means; one or more optional mounting brackets, wherein the mounting brackets affix the track to the aquatic vessel; an attachment site means, wherein the first end of the cable is attached to the attachment site means and the second end of the cable is attached to the attachment site means; and an optional one or more barrier means, wherein the barrier means are attached near the ends of the track, wherein the barrier means prevent the attachment site means from exiting the ends of the track.

Abstract: A wave-powered water vehicle includes a surface float, a submerged swimmer, and a tether which connects the float and the swimmer, so that the swimmer moves up and down as a result of wave motion. The swimmer includes one or more fins which interact with the water as the swimmer moves up and down, and generate forces which propel the vehicle forward. The vehicle, which need not be manned, can carry communication and control equipment so that it can follow a course directed by signals sent to it, and so that it can record or transmit data from sensors on the vehicle.

Abstract: A geostationary anchoring and riser arrangement in a vessel comprises a rotating body (11), which is mounted in a vertical shaft (6) in the vessel (1) by axial and radial annular bearings (31, 32). Above the upper axial and radial bearing (31, 32) is mounted a dynamic primary seal (35), thereby establishing a dry space above the bearings, in the shaft (6). Under the bearing is mounted a secondary seal (41). A fluid manifold (28) is placed in the dry shaft space.

Abstract: For reducing the number of anchors required for mooring a plurality of WECs in a body of water, the WECs are arrayed in two patterns enabling the sharing of anchors among the WECs. One pattern comprises pluralities of WECs disposed in polygonal shaped cells with an anchor disposed beneath each cell connected to all the WECs in the cell. A second pattern comprises a tessellated pattern of contiguous cells with WECs at the interface between contiguous pairs of cells being common to both cells of the pairs.

Abstract: An anchor system 12 is shown and described. The anchor system 12 consists of a boat plate 18 to which are rotatably attached a plurality of boat shackles 24. The boat shackles 24 are affixed to boat lines 14 that secure the boat B to the boat plate 18. The boat plate 18 is attached with a swivel 22 to an anchor plate 20. The anchor plate has a plurality of anchor shackles 26 to which are attached anchor lines 16. The anchor lines 16 are then attached to anchors which are secured to the sea or lake bed. This anchor system 12 can be used to secure a boat B in a harbor or in the water to the sea or lake bed. The system as described helps prevent the boat lines 14 or the anchor lines 16 from crossing over one another during undesirable weather thus helping to prevent chafing and premature line failure. This system can help prevent failure of the lines 14, 16 and boat loss or catastrophic damage to the boat B.

Abstract: A system wherein a vessel (12) is moored by catenary mooring lines (14, 15, 16) that include polymer cable lengths (30) that can stretch under tension, which indicates the amount of polymer stretching. In the absence of polymer line stretching, a measured actual drift or excursion of the vessel from its initial position (as determined by a GPS system) would result in a predetermined nonstretch inclination (graph 50) of the top (42) of a first mooring line (14) from the horizontal. If the inclination is greater than the predicted nonstretch inclination, this indicates that the polymer line has stretched, with the amount of stretch indicated by the increase in inclination over the predicted nonstretch inclination.

Abstract: System for anchoring of a vessel, preferably at deep waters, comprising a number of anchoring lines, each anchoring line extending from a fastening means on the vessel to an anchor at the seabed, and the anchoring lines are preferably arranged tightly, obliquely down into the sea around the vessel in the form of spread anchoring, such that the vessel is maintained in a fixed, intended position. distinguished in that each anchoring line is fastened to an anchor and extends out in one length, without joinings, to an upper end where a coupling part is fastened, and the fastening means comprises a crib for each anchoring line, where each coupling part can be laid down in an intended, fastened position. Method for anchoring of a vessel, with use of the system according to the invention.

Abstract: An anchoring system is disclosed having a rode of predetermined length; a plurality of indicators located on and displaced at regular intervals along said length of said rode; wherein said intervals correlate deployed rode lengths to a set of anchoring conditions. Using the system, a watercraft operator can readily determine whether a proper amount of rode has been deployed to anchor the watercraft according to acknowledged standards.

Abstract: An anchoring system comprises a shaft adapted for attachment to an anchor line and adapted to hold one or more anchoring components or combinations of components which may include a sand anchor, a reef pick, a rock anchor, a plow anchor or a sea anchor. A second shaft is also provided which is adapted for attachment to the first shaft and adapted to hold one or more of the above anchoring components.

Abstract: A mooring system for securing a floating vessel to the sea floor comprises a plurality of mooring legs, at least one of which includes separate first and second mooring lines. The first mooring line comprises a first end which is connected to the vessel and the second mooring line comprises a first end which is secured to the sea floor. The mooring system also comprises a connection and tensioning device which includes a body, a bore which extends through the body, a chain stopper for adjustably securing the first mooring line to the body, and a connector for connecting a second end of the second mooring line to the body. In use, a second end of the first mooring line is inserted into the bore and the first mooring line is pulled through the bore while the body is subject to an opposing pulling force. Once the first mooring line is pulled through the bore a desired distance, the chain stopper maintains the first mooring line in position relative to the body to thereby secure the vessel to the sea floor.

Abstract: A transferring sea buoy is moored to the sea floor via an anchoring line. The anchoring line comprises a chain and an anchoring device for fastening the chain and the buoy. The anchoring device comprises a deformable longitudinal element having a first end connected to the transferring sea buoy and a second end connected to the chain. The deformable longitudinal element is deformable when the transferring sea buoy moves. The member has at least first and second portion of thin rectangular cross-section, each deformable in one plane to absorb relative motion between the buoy and the chain.

Abstract: A mooring system comprising a dock attachment line, a submerging member, a submerged sea anchoring line, a second submerging member and a plurality of craft attachment assemblies. The dock attachment line has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is positioned at a dock and the distal end extends therefrom. The submerging member facilitates the submerging of the dock attachment line such that the distal end is positioned below the surface of the water. The submerged sea anchoring line has a first end extending from the distal end of the dock attachment line and a second end spaced apart therefrom. The second submerging member facilitates the submerging of the submerged sea anchoring line. The plurality of craft attachment assemblies extend toward the surface from the submerged sea anchoring line. Each craft attachment assembly includes a first end coupled to the submerged sea anchoring line and a second end directed toward a surface of water positioned thereabove.

Abstract: A wave-powered water vehicle includes a surface float, a submerged swimmer, and a tether which connects the float and the swimmer, so that the swimmer moves up and down as a result of wave motion. The swimmer includes one or more fins which interact with the water as the swimmer moves up and down, and generate forces which propel the vehicle forward. The vehicle, which need not be manned, can carry communication and control equipment so that it can follow a course directed by signals sent to it, and so that it can record or transmit data from sensors on the vehicle.

Abstract: A support assembly for a mooring line of a floating vessel comprises a trunnion block which is pivotally supported on the vessel and a stopper block to which the mooring line is releasably secured. One of the trunnion block and the stopper block comprises a convex surface and the other of the trunnion block and the stopper block comprises a concave surface. In operation, the convex surface engages the concave surface to thereby pivotally support the stopper block on the trunnion block.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of monitoring mooring lines of an offshore drilling rig, with the apparatus including a communication system in communication with a global positioning system, providing position coordinates of the apparatus at a first point on the line, and also includes an inertial navigation system supported by the frame, providing position coordinates of the apparatus at a second point on the line, by double integration with respect to time of inertial accelerations measured by the device as it is moved from the first point to the second point. Correction at the second point is provided by obtaining at the second point, depth, position relative to magnetic north, and deviation from vertical.

Abstract: A floating terminal for offloading an LNG carrier vessel in the sea. The floating terminal of open frame construction is moored toward its front end with a rotatable mooring arrangement so that the terminal may weathervane in response to environmental forces. Marine thrusters are provided at the aft end of the terminal for swinging the terminal away from and back toward a line defined by the path toward the terminal of an approaching LNG carrier. Offloading equipment and heat exchangers are provided on a deck of the floating structure. When an LNG carrier vessel approaches the terminal, the thrusters swing the floating terminal away from the carrier vessel approach line while a hawser at the front end of the terminal pulls the vessel close to the terminal. The floating terminal swings back toward the carrier vessel in response to operating the marine thrusters in an opposite direction until the carrier vessel and floating terminal are side-by-side.

Abstract: A method and a system are provided for the safe berthing of marine vessels in the high seas and other unprotected open waters. The invention allows a large vessel to be berthed alongside in close enough proximity to a marine structure so that conventional loading arm equipment may be used to load and unload the vessel under most environmental conditions. One or more floating dolphins moored to the bottom of the sea and provided with fendering means are used for berthing the vessel alongside to the marine structure. The preferred type of floating dolphin is a triangular semi-submersible moored buoyant structure comprising three buoyant column members, or “caissons”, arranged invertical fashion, three buoyant hull segments, or “pontoons”, that support and separate the column members and provide heave damping to the moored buoyant structure, and three horizontal bracing members that retain the tops of the column members in place.

Abstract: A device for mechanically securing an anchor chain on a watercraft under control from one or more remote locations, additionally providing remote indication of whether the chain is secured and whether the chain is free to move. Furthermore, when the watercraft is under way, the device restrains the anchor from accidentally launching from its storage position, thereby obviating the need for a safety cable. The device is electrically fail-safe, in that it continues to secure the anchor under conditions of electrical failure. Key components of the device include a frame and rotatable pawl for securing the chain, a spring to urge the pawl toward a position that secures the chain, a solenoid that can urge the pawl toward a position that frees the chain, and a switch to control the solenoid. The invention provides methods for weighing anchor, dropping anchor, increasing anchor scope, and reducing anchor scope.

Abstract: To ensure the possibility of offshore shipping of a liquid medium, primarily oil, from an onshore tank farm into sea-going tankers in the winter time in the ice conditions by ensuring both mooring to an offshore terminal and single-point mooring of a tanker at any time, without depending on the dominating wind and sea condition, in a direction most convenient for it with the possibility of its roundabout turning, with the subsequent servicing of it by transporting a liquid medium into such a tanker the following transformations have been made: a known ice breaker (1) is provided with: a diving station (5) installed on its deck (3), the diving station being provided with a diving trunk (6) made in the hull (2) of the ice-breaker (1), a device for the protection of a flexible hose (8) of an underwater pipeline against ice action, the device being made, according to the first embodiment, in the form of a cylinder (7) provided with guides (13) for moving in a guiding trunk (10) made in the stern side of the hu

Abstract: A system for deploying a cable, such as a ship's anchor chain, wherein the chain is measured as it is deployed and the deployed length displayed on a visual display. The chain consists of links of a first composition, with indicator links of a second composition disbursed at regular intervals along the length of the chain. A sensor, such as a magnetometer or densimeter senses the difference between the links of the first composition and the indicator links of the second composition. A computer then multiplies the number of indicator links deployed by the regular interval to determine the length of deployed chain, which is then displayed on a display board which is located proximate the sensor or remotely. The linkage between the sensor and the display board may be either by wire or wireless connection. The system may be applied to a rope or continuous cable with equal effectiveness.

Abstract: A semi-submersible vessel has a pair of vertically spaced pontoons with varied buoyancy. The lower pontoon is retained in a close vertical proximity to the upper pontoon when the vessel is in transit. The lower pontoon is ballasted at the deployment site, dropping the pontoon to a depth of about 32 meters below the first pontoon baseline. As a result, stability and motion characteristics of the vessel are significantly improved.