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.

Described is a device for lifting an object from a deck of a vessel subject to movements in a heave direction. The device comprises a support surface for the object provided at a first height in the heave direction relative to the deck. A lifting crane is configured to take up the object from the support surface at a lifting point thereof at a lifting speed. An actuator system is configured to lower the support surface relative to the deck at the instant in time at which the object is lifted from the surface to a second height in the heave direction at a lowering speed. A method using the device is also described.

Described is a device for lifting an object from a deck of a vessel subject to movements in a heave direction. The device comprises a support surface for the object provided at a first height in the heave direction relative to the deck. A lifting crane is configured to take up the object from the support surface at a lifting point thereof at a lifting speed. An actuator system is configured to lower the support surface relative to the deck at the instant in time at which the object is lifted from the surface to a second height in the heave direction at a lowering speed. A method using the device is also described.

A pleasure boat with a system for launching/hauling a water craft is provided. The system includes a platform movable from a first position, in which it is substantially flush with the floor of the parking area of the boat, to a second position, in which it is below the water surface. The system also includes a cradle for the water craft, a guiding system for the cradle which comprises first guides extending in the parking area and second guides extending on the platform, and a handling system. The handling system includes a first handling assembly, arranged in the parking area to move the cradle along the first guides, and a second handling assembly, arranged in the platform to move the cradle along the second guides. The system allows the water craft to be automatically transferred from the parking area to the platform, and vice versa, with no manual intervention.

A pleasure boat with a system for launching/hauling a water craft is provided. The system includes a platform movable from a first position, in which it is substantially flush with the floor of the parking area of the boat, to a second position, in which it is below the water surface. The system also includes a cradle for the water craft, a guiding system for the cradle which comprises first guides extending in the parking area and second guides extending on the platform, and a handling system. The handling system includes a first handling assembly, arranged in the parking area to move the cradle along the first guides, and a second handling assembly, arranged in the platform to move the cradle along the second guides. The system allows the water craft to be automatically transferred from the parking area to the platform, and vice versa, with no manual intervention.

A dual hoist crane is provided with a heave compensation system that can be used for both the main and for the auxiliary hoisting assembly. The heave compensation system includes a first set of sheaves for guiding the main hoisting cable and a second set of sheaves for guiding the auxiliary hoisting cable. The heave compensation system is configured to individually lock the first set of sheaves and the second set of sheaves to a heave compensation cylinder, for respectively providing the main hoisting assembly and the auxiliary hoisting assembly with heave compensation.

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 said 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 said at least one marine platform, playable into and out of the water and any combination thereof.

An offshore floating vessel includes a hoisting system including a drive for moving connecting device and emergency brakes to inhibit motion of the connecting device; wherein the hoisting system is to be operated at least in a hoisting mode and in an active heave compensation mode; wherein hoisting system is to perform an active heave compensation when operated in the active heave compensation mode and to operate without active heave compensation when operated in the hoisting mode; wherein the emergency brakes are operable in a normally-energized mode including a de-energized state where the emergency brakes engage so as to inhibit motion of the connecting device relative to the floating vessel; wherein each emergency brake of the plurality of hydraulic emergency brakes has associated with it a separate accumulator reservoir.

An offshore floating vessel includes a hoisting system including a drive for moving connecting device and emergency brakes to inhibit motion of the connecting device; wherein the hoisting system is to be operated at least in a hoisting mode and in an active heave compensation mode; wherein hoisting system is to perform an active heave compensation when operated in the active heave compensation mode and to operate without active heave compensation when operated in the hoisting mode; wherein the emergency brakes are operable in a normally-energized mode including a de-energized state where the emergency brakes engage so as to inhibit motion of the connecting device relative to the floating vessel; wherein each emergency brake of the plurality of hydraulic emergency brakes has associated with it a separate accumulator reservoir.