Abstract: A multi-purpose vessel for use when recovering material from a bottom surface of a body of water. The vessel includes a hull and a dredge assembly mounted to the hull. The dredge assembly is adapted to recover the material from the bottom surface. A conveyor system is provided, with the conveyor system including a first portion adapted to receive the material from the dredge assembly, a moveable second portion, and a distribution portion. The second portion is moveable to a first position in which the second portion is adapted to receive the material from the first portion and to convey the material to a first desired location disposed a first distance away from the hull. The second portion is further moveable to a second position in which the second portion is adapted to convey the material to the distribution portion. The distribution portion is adapted to convey the material a second distance greater than the first distance away from the hull.

Abstract: The invention is a method for lifting and transporting a heavy load comprising using a heavy lift vessel with at least two heavy lift cranes adapted to operate simultaneously; mounting a deep water deployment system on each crane adapted to increase hook travel the crane; shifting the load from the first location to over a second location on the heavy lift vessel; placing the load on the second location; moving the heavy lift vessel to a second position; using a conventional mooring system to maintain the heavy lift vessel at the second position; picking up the load from the second location using the cranes simultaneously; shifting the load from a second location to over a third location; and placing the load on the third location.

Abstract: A transshipper for floating on water comprises a pair of elongate buoyant vessels arranged in parallel spaced relationship for receiving a feeder barge to be unloaded between the vessels. The platform is supported by the buoyant vessels in a raised position above the buoyant vessels. A transfer conveyor supported by the buoyant vessels extends transversely of the buoyant vessels in a raised position above the buoyant vessels. A first lifting conveyor is suspended from the platform and is movable longitudinally of the transfer conveyor for raising material to be unloaded from a feeder barge located between the buoyant vessels and for depositing the material onto the transfer conveyor. A second lifting conveyor is provided for receiving material from the transfer conveyor and an unloading boom is provided for receiving the material from the second lifting conveyor and for delivering the material to a receiving vessel located alongside one of the buoyant vessels.

Abstract: A self-loading, self-discharging, bulk cargo transhipper 20 comprising a buoyant vessel 21 capable of receiving water as ballast inside the buoyant vessel 21, a bulk material receiving system 22, a bulk material distribution system 25 and a bulk material holding system 28, which transhipper 20 is a deep sea transhipper for the transfer of bulk cargo between vessels or between a port without deep draft loading facilities and a vessel at sea. The invention also relates to method of material transfer between vessels at sea or between a port without deep draft loading facilities and a vessel at sea.