A temporary working platform for removable attachment to a column of an offshore structure. The platform comprises a frame for carrying a working structure such as a working surface. Further, the platform comprises a mounting mechanism for releasably mounting the working platform to said column, from a side of the column. The mounting mechanism may include a clamping mechanism supporting the frame. The clamping mechanism may be arranged for at least partially surrounding a column of an offshore structure and for releasably clamping said column.

An exhaust conduit for a cargo vessel. The exhaust conduit is a flexible conduit with a first upstream opening adapted to engage with an exhaust structure and a second downstream opening for exhausted air. The exhaust conduit is inflatable due to the passage of exhausted air and the downstream opening is of smaller cross-sectional area than the upstream opening. The downstream opening is of adjustable cross-sectional area. In a system for fumigating a RORO vessel, the inflatable exhaust is inflatable to a height exceeding the height of the accomodation block. In a method of fumigating a RORO vessel, the method includes providing a temporary flexible exhaust for exhausting fumigant from the cargo area, and/or providing an inflatable exhaust for exhausting fumigant from the cargo area.

A stackable cargo container apparatus has a frame assembly formed by interconnected structural members, a substantially planar base, interconnecting side walls and at least one personnel access door. At least one lifting harness member of unitary or singular construction is operationally attached to the frame assembly, and permits lifting of the cargo container apparatus from its bottom and away from welds or other possible weak points. An integrated cargo weight measurement assembly permits quick and efficient determination of cargo weight placed on the planar base, and includes a digital display or other output device.

A field configurable autonomous vehicle includes modular elements and attachable components. The vehicle can be assembled from these modular elements and components to meet desired mission and performance characteristics without the need to purchase specially designed vehicles for each mission. The vehicle can include a mechanisms that magnetically attach and release payloads such as cargo or ballast from the vehicle.

A catamaran lifting apparatus is disclosed for lifting objects in a marine environment. The apparatus includes first and second vessels that are spaced apart during use. A first frame spans between the vessels. A second frame spans between the vessels. The frames are spaced apart and connected to the vessels in a configuration that spaces the vessels apart. The first frame connects to the first vessel with a universal joint and to the second vessel with a hinged connection. The second frame connects to the second vessel with a universal joint and to the first vessel with a hinged or pinned connection. Each of the frames provides a space under the frame and in between the barges that enables a package to be lifted and/or a marine vessel to be positioned in between the barges and under the frames. In this fashion, an object that has been salvaged from the seabed can be placed upon the marine vessel that is positioned in between the barges and under the frames.

A system is configured to move a group of containers including at least five containers simultaneously between a vehicle and a platform. The system includes a container support frame configured to support the group of containers, at least one hoist, and a conveyor. The at least one hoist is configured to raise and lower the container support frame and the containers when the containers are secured to the container support frame. The conveyor is configured to move the container support frame and the containers between the vehicle and the platform.

A system for creating additional storage on a marine vehicle is provided. The system of the present disclosure is generally designed to secure to a marine vehicle via a rod holder, wherein parallel bars provide additional storage area for marine equipment, such as innertubes. To this end, the system of the present disclosure may comprise supports and support braces. Straps may be used to attach the marine equipment to the supports. To ensure that the supports are properly secured within the rod holders, a sleeve may be used to increase friction and change size. Board arms may be attached to the supports in order to increase storage area.

A catamaran lifting apparatus is disclosed for lifting objects in a marine environment. The apparatus includes first and second vessels that are spaced apart during use. A first frame spans between the vessels. A second frame spans between the vessels. The frames arc spaced apart and connected to the vessels in a configuration that spaces the vessels apart. The first frame connects to the first vessel with a universal joint and to the second vessel with a hinged connection. The second frame connects to the second vessel with a universal joint and to the first vessel with a hinged or pinned connection. Each of the frames provides a space under the frame and in between the barges that enables a package to be lifted and/or a marine vessel to be positioned in between the barges and under the frames. In this fashion, an object that has been salvaged from the seabed can be placed upon the marine vessel that is positioned in between the barges and under the frames.

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.

A system is configured to move a group of containers including at least five containers simultaneously between a vehicle and a platform. The system includes a container support frame configured to support the group of containers, at least one hoist, and a conveyor. The at least one hoist is configured to raise and lower the container support frame and the containers when the containers are secured to the container support frame. The conveyor is configured to move the container support frame and the containers between the vehicle and the platform.