Abstract: A load out and float off method for a spar type structure or another structure such as a deck. The invention enables the load out and float off of a large diameter spar using existing Heavy Lift Vessels (HLV's). A U-shaped tank (U-tank) is utilized to artificially extend the length of the HLV and provide supplemental buoyancy to help lift the spar off the land ways. The U-tank provides supplemental buoyancy and water plane area to float the spar off the HLV. After HLV departure the U-tank is moved and placed beneath an adapter frame on the spar's hard tank. The U-tank is ballasted upward to reduce the hard tank draft and have the strake tips clear the channel bottom. The spar can then be brought alongside the fabrication yard quay for additional work and then towed down the channel to the open sea.

Abstract: A terminal and system for the automatic computerized unloading of containerized cargo from container ships to trucks, railroad cars, other ships and storage. The terminal system is equipped to store or transfer unloaded cargo automatically by using independent container transfer vehicles. The cargo ships are moored between quays of a terminal building constructed in or adjacent to a waterway. Independent container transfer vehicles on an overhead transverse beam system lift a container up and away from a ship transfer to the elevated ground rail system without changing orientation, and then shuttle on elevated ground conveyance rails to other areas of the terminal to distribute the container to the pertinent transportation system (railcar, truck, another ship, or storage). Containers can also be unloaded from trucks and railroad cars and transported to a berthed ship utilizing the same transportation system.

Abstract: A terminal and system for the automatic computerized unloading of containerized cargo from container ships to trucks, railroad cars, other ships or storage. The terminal system is equipped to store or transfer unloaded cargo automatically by using independent container transfer vehicles. The cargo ships are moored between quays of a terminal building constructed in or adjacent to a waterway. Independent container transfer vehicles on an overhead transverse beam system lift a container up and away from a ship and transfer it to the elevated ground rail system without changing the container orientation, and then shuttle on elevated ground conveyance rails to other areas of the terminal to distribute the container to the pertinent transportation system or to storage.