Disclosed is a base ship that can receive, in a removable and interchangeable manner, a particular module among various modules, the module being adapted to a functional specialization of the ship. The base ship is similar to a catamaran in its rear portion because it includes two parallel rear lateral volumes that are substantially symmetric with respect to a vertical longitudinal sagittal plane of the base ship, and the removable module is inserted and secured between the two rear lateral volumes of the base ship in order to form a functionalized ship.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a launch vehicle fairing recovery system and method using inflatable bags and fairing repositioning mechanisms. Embodiments of the present invention also relate to providing a system or mechanism to flip the fairing into the proper floating position. In some embodiments, the fairing has an inner surface and an outer surface, where the outer surface is exposed to the atmosphere when the fairing is interconnected to a spacecraft, and one or more inflatable bags interconnected to the outer surface of the fairing, where when the fairing is interconnected to the spacecraft the one or more inflatable bags is empty, and after the fairing separates from the spacecraft the one or more airbags are filled with pressurized gas and/or hydraulic liquids.

Water craft comprising a hull, with an opening and a lowerable segment arranged in said opening. The lowerable segment is coupled to the hull via a lifting mechanism for lowering or raising the lowerable segment with respect to the hull between a first position in which an outer surface of a bottom wall of the segment is substantially flush with the outer surface of a bottom of the hull adjacent to the segment, and a second position wherein the segment is arranged below the water line of the hull. The lowerable segment comprises a lower watertight compartment and an upper compartment that can at least partially be filled with water when the segment is lowered and can be drained when the segment is raised. When in the first position, a wall between the lower and upper compartment is arranged at a level at or near the water line.

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.

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.

The present application provides a semi-submersible immersed tube transportation and installation integrated ship and a construction process; the integrated ship includes: a deck structure; two floating structures, ballast water being able to be injected therein; and upper portions or top surfaces of the two floating structures are connected by the deck structure; and two support mechanisms, disposed on opposite sides of the two floating structures respectively; and each support mechanism is disposed at a lower portion or a bottom of the floating structure. The integrated ship can reduce the draught of the integrated ship carrying an immersed tube and realize the transportation requirements of shallow waterway.

Disclosed is a system for recovering, in a support and storage structure, an autonomous aquatic vehicle, the structure including an access opening through which the autonomous vehicle can pass to enter into a housing of the structure or leave the housing in a main access direction, at least one drive member of the autonomous vehicle being arranged in the access opening, the drive member including at least one movable motorised drive element, which can be engaged with the shell of the autonomous vehicle and which enables the autonomous vehicle to be driven into or out of the structure.

The present invention provides a capturing mechanism and method for the recovery of at least one vessel to at least one marine platform; the at least one vessel having at least one engagement device either permanently or at least partially reversibly connectable to the same; the capturing mechanism including: a. at least one tensioned capturing line connected to the at least one marine platform; and b, at least one line maneuvering mechanism configured to displace the at least one tensioned capturing line in at least one direction selected from a group of up, down, left, right, forward, backward, playable into the at least one marine plat form, playable out of the at least one marine platform, playable into and out of the water and any combination thereof.

The present invention provides a capturing mechanism and method for the recovery of at least one vessel to at least one marine platform; the at least one vessel having at least one engagement device either permanently or at least partially reversibly connectable to the same; the capturing mechanism including: a. at least one tensioned capturing line connected to the at least one marine platform; and b, at least one line maneuvering mechanism configured to displace the at least one tensioned capturing line in at least one direction selected from a group of up, down, left, right, forward, backward, playable into the at least one marine plat form, playable out of the at least one marine platform, playable into and out of the water and any combination thereof.

Apparatus and methods for recovering watercraft. A ramp is movable relative to a stationary carrying apparatus between a recovering position and a parked position. The ramp includes a frame and a deformable body, which is fastened to the frame. When the ramp is in the recovering position, the deformable body points toward the watercraft to be recovered and is located at least partially above the water surface. The watercraft travels onto the ramp and deforms the deformable body from above. The watercraft is pulled out of the water and moved onto the carrying apparatus.