A docketing device includes a docking station able to be hauled by a carrying vessel at a tow point (T), the docking station comprising a body comprising a beam extending parallel to a longitudinal axis (x) of the body and a stop allowing a movement of an underwater vehicle with respect to the body along the longitudinal axis (x) to be blocked, the dorsal beam extending longitudinally above the underwater vehicle in abutment against the stop, a center of gravity of the docking station and a center of buoyancy of the docking station being positioned, and the tow point (T) being able to occupy a docking position that is such that the docking station exhibits a predetermined docking negative pitch when it is fully submerged and hauled by the carrying vessel in the direction of the longitudinal axis at a predetermined speed.

A marine washing appliance for immersion washing of articles contained by the appliance; the appliance comprising; a support body and associated therewith at least one receptacle defining an internal space for retaining articles therein; said at least one receptacle each having an inlet for receiving water and an outlet for discharging water during said immersion washing. Each said receptacle includes a wall defining the internal space for retaining the articles therein, at least part of the wall including at least one opening which allows passage therethrough of a fluid from outside the receptacle to the internal space thereby enabling contact of the fluid with the articles. The passage therethrough of the fluid from outside the receptacle to the internal space is generated by motion of the appliance in water. The support body has leading end and a trailing end, the leading end including an anchorage for a tow line.

A marine washing appliance for immersion washing of articles contained by the appliance; the appliance comprising; a support body and associated therewith at least one receptacle defining an internal space for retaining articles therein; said at least one receptacle each having an inlet for receiving water and an outlet for discharging water during said immersion washing. Each said receptacle includes a wall defining the internal space for retaining the articles therein, at least part of the wall including at least one opening which allows passage therethrough of a fluid from outside the receptacle to the internal space thereby enabling contact of the fluid with the articles. The passage therethrough of the fluid from outside the receptacle to the internal space is generated by motion of the appliance in water. The support body has leading end and a trailing end, the leading end including an anchorage for a tow line.

Ultra-large marine submersible transport boats and arrangements for aqueous bulk liquids transportation, including fresh water and irrigation drainage, from specifically configured supply stations to specifically configured delivery stations. Boats present rigid hydrodynamic shaped double-walled submersible hulls incorporating a plurality of inside-reinforced impervious ballast chambers and also present radial reinforcing elements and hollow interior cavities that enclose collapsible bulk liquid bladders for transporting bulk liquids. Hulls can be made of reinforced concrete. Hull openings permit seawater circulation, avoiding transportation of bulk ballast seawater. Submersible cruising reduces structural loads and drag. An on-board hydro-pneumatic ballasting system adds to and removes reusable hull ballast water from, the ballast chambers controlling the hull's depth, pitch, and roll. Propulsion, steering capabilities, and detailed arrangements and methods for loading, unloading, and transporting bulk liquids are presented. Hull manufacturing is done on marine floating platforms using onshore precast panels. Maintenance and end of life procedures are detailed.

An assembly for installing an object under water at a desired location, including a vessel arranged to carry the object; a submersible frame; and a connection between the object and the submersible frame. In use the vessel is spatially separated from the submersible frame along the direction of the water surface. The object, the connection and the submersible frame are arranged such that, when releasing the object from the vessel, the object becomes submerged and carries out a pendulum motion until the object is suspended from the submersible frame.

An assembly for installing an object under water at a desired location, including a vessel arranged to carry the object; a submersible frame; and a connection between the object and the submersible frame. In use the vessel is spatially separated from the submersible frame along the direction of the water surface. The object, the connection and the submersible frame are arranged such that, when releasing the object from the vessel, the object becomes submerged and carries out a pendulum motion until the object is suspended from the submersible frame.

Systems and methods for securing a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to a subsea structure during cleaning, maintenance, or inspection of the structure surface are provided. In one or more embodiments, an attachment mechanism includes a pair of grasping hooks that are raised and lowered when driven by a motorized drive. In one or more embodiments, an attachment mechanism includes a rigid holder having a mechanical stop and connected to a swing arm, the swing arm configured to rotate inward, but not outward beyond the mechanical stop. In one or more embodiments, an attachment mechanism includes a plurality of linked segments in series, each connected at a plurality of pivot points. A pair of wires passes through the plurality of linked segments and connects to a pair of pulleys that extend or retract the wires, thereby rotating the plurality of linked segments.

Systems and methods for securing a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to a subsea structure during cleaning, maintenance, or inspection of the structure surface are provided. In one or more embodiments, an attachment mechanism includes a pair of grasping hooks that are raised and lowered when driven by a motorized drive. In one or more embodiments, an attachment mechanism includes a rigid holder having a mechanical stop and connected to a swing arm, the swing arm configured to rotate inward, but not outward beyond the mechanical stop. In one or more embodiments, an attachment mechanism includes a plurality of linked segments in series, each connected at a plurality of pivot points. A pair of wires passes through the plurality of linked segments and connects to a pair of pulleys that extend or retract the wires, thereby rotating the plurality of linked segments.

The current invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a tow unit 1 and image acquisition apparatus (or ‘platform’, or ‘the platform’) 2. The tow unit comprises of an attachment mechanism 10, provided for the attachment of the cabling 3. The cabling 3 comprises of a tow ball 4, typically immersed in water in the water body 5. Further in the same figure is an image acquisition apparatus 2 with an attachment means or mechanism 20, provided for the attachment of the cabling 3 and by extension, the tow unit 1.

The current invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a tow unit 1 and image acquisition apparatus (or ‘platform’, or ‘the platform’) 2. The tow unit comprises of an attachment mechanism 10, provided for the attachment of the cabling 3. The cabling 3 comprises of a tow ball 4, typically immersed in water in the water body 5. Further in the same figure is an image acquisition apparatus 2 with an attachment means or mechanism 20, provided for the attachment of the cabling 3 and by extension, the tow unit 1.