The present disclosure is directed to delivering nodes to an ocean bottom. A system can include a tether management system (TMS) towed by a vessel that moves on the surface of the ocean in a first direction. An underwater vehicle (UV) can be connected to the TMS and can move in a second direction that is different from the first direction. A thruster can be coupled to the TMS can cause the TMS to move in a third direction that is different from the first direction. A control unit can control the thruster to move the TMS in the third direction based on a cross-line location policy, and cause the UV to deploy nodes to target locations on the ocean bottom.

A self-propelled towing simulator for a hydraulic lift system carries a gyro pose control system and a six-degree-of-freedom (DOF) platform to control the overall pose of the simulator, so that the simulator simulates six-DOF motion states including swaying, surging, yawing, rolling, pitching and heaving generated by a mining vessel under the combined action of waves and flows and required by the experimental working conditions; interventions in the pose of the simulator may be positive or negative, so that the simulator may be applied to the uncontrollable natural water bodies so as to approximate to the working conditions of the experimental requirements. The simulator may carry out experiments in open natural water bodies by use of its own autonomous sailing capability under remote wireless control and may acquire parameters such as dynamic characteristics and spatial configuration and the like of a deep-sea mining hydraulic lift subsystem in real time.

Method and seismic data acquisition system includes a streamer spread including (i) a streamer having receivers for recording seismic data and (ii) a connecting cable connecting the streamer to a towing vessel; a collar device configured to move along the connecting cable, between the towing vessel and the streamer; and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) attached to the collar device with an umbilical and configured to carry an interchangeable payload.

Method and seismic data acquisition system includes a streamer spread including (i) a streamer having receivers for recording seismic data and (ii) a connecting cable connecting the streamer to a towing vessel; a collar device configured to move along the connecting cable, between the towing vessel and the streamer; and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) attached to the collar device with an umbilical and configured to carry an interchangeable payload.

A system can include a source and a front float coupled to the source. The front float can include a winch configured to adjust a position of the source. The front float can include a control unit configured to control functions associated with the front float. Lead-ins can be coupled to the front float and the source and configured to accommodate transfer of electrical energy between the front float and the source.

A system can include a source and a front float coupled to the source. The front float can include a winch configured to adjust a position of the source. The front float can include a control unit configured to control functions associated with the front float. Lead-ins can be coupled to the front float and the source and configured to accommodate transfer of electrical energy between the front float and the source.

A float (1) suitable for use as a buoy or as a component for a wave-powered vehicle. The float (1) includes an upper member (12) whose height can be changed and/or which remained substantially vertical even when the float is in wave-bearing water. A low drag cable (2) suitable for use as a tether in a wave-powered vehicle has a streamlined cross-section and includes a tensile member (21) near the front of the cross-section, at least one non-load-bearing member (22) behind the tensile member, and a polymeric jacket (23). Wave-powered vehicles having a float (1), a submerged swimmer (3) and a tether (2) connecting the float and the swimmer, include a means for determining whether the tether is twisted; or a means (91) for untwisting the tether; or a pressure-sensitive connection (71, 72, 73) which can disconnect the tether when the vehicle is dragged downwards by entanglement with a whale; or a 2-axis universal joint securing the tether to the float or to the swimmer; or elastic elements which absorb snap loads created by the tether; or two or more of these.

A float (1) suitable for use as a buoy or as a component for a wave-powered vehicle. The float (1) includes an upper member (12) whose height can be changed and/or which remained substantially vertical even when the float is in wave-bearing water. A low drag cable (2) suitable for use as a tether in a wave-powered vehicle has a streamlined cross-section and includes a tensile member (21) near the front of the cross-section, at least one non-load-bearing member (22) behind the tensile member, and a polymeric jacket (23). Wave-powered vehicles having a float (1), a submerged swimmer (3) and a tether (2) connecting the float and the swimmer, include a means for determining whether the tether is twisted; or a means (91) for untwisting the tether; or a pressure-sensitive connection (71, 72, 73) which can disconnect the tether when the vehicle is dragged downwards by entanglement with a whale; or a 2-axis universal joint securing the tether to the float or to the swimmer; or elastic elements which absorb snap loads created by the tether; or two or more of these.

An emergency ship arrest system includes a vessel attachment system, a retrieving system, and an anchor system. The vessel attachment system is configured to connect to a vessel at sea, and includes a bridle system and a hawser line. The bridle system is operatively connected to the hawser line's proximal end. The bridle system is configured to engage at least four fittings on a foredeck of the vessel to distribute the load over the foredeck. The retrieving system includes a retrieving line with a proximal end that is detachably connected to the hawser line's distal end in a setup position. The anchor system includes a main rode and a para sea anchor. The main rode's proximal end is detachably connected to the hawser line's distal end in an anchor position.

A device for producing energy includes an air-towed vessel, and at least one water current turbine linked to the vessel by at least one electric cable. The water current turbine is linked to the vessel by at least one mechanical linking cable to be towed by the vessel. The water current turbine is spaced apart from the vessel, which makes it possible to increase the diameter of the turbine and to reduce the interactions between the turbine and the vessel. Moreover, it is then possible to provide a plurality of water current turbines towed by the same vessel.