A velocity control device for controlling the velocity of a load on a flexible tension member. The device can include a chassis having a chassis peripheral surface, with a portion of the chassis peripheral surface defining an exit aperture. The device can also include a capstan, the capstan having a proximal face joined to the chassis and a distal face separated at a distance from the proximal face. A peripheral capstan surface can be tapered from a greatest diameter near the distal face to a smallest diameter near the proximal face. The device can include a throttle, the throttle being attached to the chassis. The throttle can an interior surface defining an opening through which the tension member can pass with the interior surface being in at least partial contact with the tension member. Heat produced by kinetic energy in the flexible tension member is transferred to the throttle, and the change in system internal energy produces work in the form of a drag force on the flexible tension member.

A multi-cable subsea lifting system including two or more load-cable lifting apparatus (2a, 2b); a load cable (4a, 4b) extending from each load-cable lifting apparatus (2a, 2b) to a subsea attachment point; a torque measuring device (22) associated with each load cable (4a, 4b); one or more subsea anti-cabling devices (20), each anti-cabling device (20) including a motor (24) connected to a respective load cable (4a, 4b); and a controller (30) in communication with each motor (24) and torque measuring device (22); wherein the controller (30) is configured to actuate each motor (24) to impart a rotational force to its respective load cable (4a, 4b) in response to measurements obtained from the torque measuring device (22) with the aim to limit cabling, remove cabling or control heading either automatically or from external control.

Described herein are systems, methods, and structures for transferring an object between a ship and an offshore structure, comprising a hoisting mechanism arranged on the offshore structure and adapted to attach to the object, at least one range sensing device adapted to provide data relating to a detected distance from a reference point on the offshore structure to the ship, where the system is adapted to receive the data from the at least one range sensing device and to move the hoisting cable in response to the detected distance, and a motion reference unit adapted to provide data relating to a detected motion of the ship independently of the at least one range sensing device, and wherein the system is adapted to move the hoisting cable in response to the detected motion of the ship.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for transferring an object from or to a marine transport vessel to or from a construction or vessel. The apparatus comprises a motive force generator; a motive force applicator operably linked to the motive force generator; and, in use of the apparatus, adapted to be operably linked to an object to which the motive force applicator applies a motive force; a fastening device for operably linking the motive force applicator to the object; a control mechanism; said control mechanism being formed and arranged so as to control the motive force generator and is operable to switch the operation of the motive force generator into an ascent or descent mode wherein the motive force generator acts upon the motive force applicator; and a measuring device operably linked to the control mechanism, said measuring device comprising one or more sensors and adapted to determine a distance between said measuring device and at least one point of a surface of a marine transport vessel from or to which said object is to be transferred wherein said apparatus further comprises one or more safety protocols and a parameter sensing means, said control mechanism being in communication with said parameter sensing means and responsive to feedback from said parameter sensing means, and adapted to initiate said one or more safety protocols.

A method for a winch system includes receiving, from a controller, instructions to spool a payload line, the payload line comprising a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to a main reel of the winch system and the second end configured to couple to a payload. The method further includes operating, based on the instructions, one or more of a first motor of the winch system and a second motor of the winch system, wherein the one or more of the first motor and the second motor are operated in order to control a position of the second end of the payload line.

A winch is described that includes a drum, a motor and transmission, and a tensioner. The motor and transmission apply torque to the drum, thereby enabling the drum to draw in and let out a line. The tensioner is positioned adjacent to the drum, such that when the line passes between the tensioner and drum, the line is in frictional contact with the tensioner and drum. The tensioner rotates with a linear speed exceeding a linear speed of the drum as the line is let out from the drum, and rotates freely as the line is drawn onto the drum. Methods for making and using the winch are also described.

A multi-cable subsea lifting system including two or more load-cable lifting apparatus (2a, 2b); a load cable (4a, 4b) extending from each load-cable lifting apparatus (2a, 2b) to a subsea attachment point; a torque measuring device (22) associated with each load cable (4a, 4b); one or more subsea anti-cabling devices (20), each anti-cabling device (20) including a motor (24) connected to a respective load cable (4a, 4b); and a controller (30) in communication with each motor (24) and torque measuring device (22); wherein the controller (30) is configured to actuate each motor (24) to impart a rotational force to its respective load cable (4a, 4b) in response to measurements obtained from the torque measuring device (22) with the aim to limit cabling, remove cabling or control heading either automatically or from external control.

A winch is disclosed having a drive cylinder, configured to be rotated by an applied force about its longitudinal axis and having at least three drive grooves. The winch also includes an idler with a longitudinal axis spaced apart from the longitudinal axis of the drive cylinder. A line is fed onto the winch by passing it over a first of the at least three drive grooves then around the idler and then around a second of the at least three drive grooves. The line is attached to one of a fixed object or the object to be moved. The winch is attached to the other of the fixed object or the object to be moved. As the applied force is applied to the drive cylinder, the line is gripped by the at least three drive grooves and a length of the line between the fixed object and the object to be moved is shortened, whereby the object is moved.

A lifting system for a crane for generating a hoist rope pretension during a travel of a suspension element of the crane is provided. The system includes a separable pretension hook block and a connected auxiliary rope that is supported in a windable and unwindable manner on an auxiliary winch on the crane, and that is guided over a deflection apparatus arranged or installable at a boom of the crane. The pretension hook block comprises two lockable hook block parts that are releasably lockable to one another, that are connected to one another via the auxiliary rope, and of which an upper hook block part has a fastening means for fastening to the suspension element of the crane and a lower hook block part has a pick-up means for fastening a weight.