The present invention provides an apparatus, method and system for utilizing commercial cargo containers. The present invention utilizes containers made autonomous by coupling a container with a detachable propulsion system, having a motor and navigation and steering controls, permitting the rapid, controlled, efficient and safe delivery of cargo containers individually by water. Ballast units, deployment systems and control via remote units are also disclosed. The containers, utilizing their inherent buoyancy, can move autonomously according to a preplanned or remote controlled route to a specific location.

The present invention provides an apparatus, method and system for utilizing commercial cargo containers. The present invention utilizes containers made autonomous by coupling a container with a detachable propulsion system, having a motor and navigation and steering controls, permitting the rapid, controlled, efficient and safe delivery of cargo containers individually by water. Ballast units, deployment systems and control via remote units are also disclosed. The containers, utilizing their inherent buoyancy, can move autonomously according to a preplanned or remote controlled route to a specific location.

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 system and method of transporting and unloading a load from a floating container that includes placing a load on a floating container at a first location, wherein the load is a mixture of solid material and liquid; moving the floating container with the load on a body of water from the first location to a remote second location; positioning the floating container so that a crane at the second location is within reach of the load; positioning a dewatering unit at the second location proximate the crane; unloading a quantity of the mixture of solid material and liquid from the floating container with the crane; depositing the quantity of the mixture of solid material and liquid into the dewatering unit; and dewatering the quantity of the mixture of solid material and liquid with the dewatering unit.

A system and method of transporting and unloading a load from a floating container that includes placing a load on a floating container at a first location, wherein the load is a mixture of solid material and liquid; moving the floating container with the load on a body of water from the first location to a remote second location; positioning the floating container so that a crane at the second location is within reach of the load; positioning a dewatering unit at the second location proximate the crane; unloading a quantity of the mixture of solid material and liquid from the floating container with the crane; depositing the quantity of the mixture of solid material and liquid into the dewatering unit; and dewatering the quantity of the mixture of solid material and liquid with the dewatering unit.

A method includes: loading a vehicle onto a connector boat; loading the loaded connector boat onto the semi-submersible ship; transporting the semi-submersible ship having the loaded connector boat stored thereon to a location; taking water ballast onto the semi-submersible ship at the location; floating the loaded connector boat off of the semi-submersible ship; transporting the loaded connector boat to a second location; unloading the vehicle into water; and transporting the vehicle to a third location.

The present disclosure is directed generally toward sailing vessels. One example is a catamaran with one or more pivoting masts per hull member, which may pivot from a generally perpendicular upright position, to a generally flat stowed position toward the bow of the hulls. The masts are capable of sustaining a plurality of sails, which may travel 180 degrees with respect to the hulls.

A method includes: loading a vehicle onto a connector boat; loading the loaded connector boat onto the semi-submersible ship; transporting the semi-submersible ship having the loaded connector boat stored thereon to a location; taking water ballast onto the semi-submersible ship at the location; floating the loaded connector boat off of the semi-submersible ship; transporting the loaded connector boat to a second location; unloading the vehicle into water; and transporting the vehicle to a third location.

The present invention provides an apparatus, method and system for utilizing commercial cargo containers. The present invention utilizes containers made autonomous by coupling a container with a detachable propulsion system, having a motor and navigation and steering controls, permitting the rapid, controlled, efficient and safe delivery of cargo containers individually by water. Ballast units, deployment systems and control via remote units are also disclosed. The containers, utilizing their inherent buoyancy, can move autonomously according to a preplanned or remote controlled route to a specific location.

An arrangement, a system and a method relating to a well boat- and service vessel (1) for transporting or storing fish or other aquatic organisms. There are provided, inter alia, a well boat- and service vessel (1) that includes a self-floating, exchangeable well unit (2), a propulsion unit (3), wherein the propulsion unit includes propulsion elements (4), steering and positioning elements, a dock (5) for the well unit, positioning and attachment elements for positioning and securing the well unit (2) in the dock (5).