TRAILING SUCTION HOPPER DREDGE WITH STATIONARY TUG HOLDING BLOCK

Abstract

A tug holding block for coupling a tug and a dredge includes a tug receiving portion configured to attach to the tug, ensuring a secure and stable connection. The tug holding block includes a pivotable coupling that facilitates attachment to the dredge, allowing for flexible movement and alignment between the tug and dredge during operation. The dredge may include a trailing suction hopper dredge having a split hull hopper scow configured to split relative to the stationary tug holding block. This configuration enhances the operational efficiency and maneuverability of the tug and dredge system, providing a reliable and adaptable solution for maritime applications. A dredging system including the tug holding block, a dredge, and a tug is provided along with a method of dredging using the dredging system.

Claims

1. A tug holding block for coupling a tug and a dredge, comprising: a tug receiving portion configured to couple to the tug; and a pivotable coupling configured to couple to the dredge.

2. The tug holding block of claim 1, wherein the tug receiving portion is configured to receive a bow of the tug.

3. The tug holding block of claim 2, wherein the tug receiving portion includes a recess configured to cooperate with and complement the bow of the tug received in the recess.

4. The tug holding block of claim 3, wherein the recess includes a cross-section having a substantially curved shape.

5. The tug holding block of claim 4, wherein the recess includes a fastening means for coupling the tug to the tug holding block.

6. The tug holding block of claim 1, wherein the tug holding block includes a first wing and a second wing, each of the first wing and the second wing projecting laterally outward from a body of the tug holding block.

7. The tug holding block of claim 6, wherein each of the first wing and the second wing is configured to be proximate a portion of the dredge when the tug holding block is coupled to the dredge.

8. The tug holding block of claim 1, wherein the tug holding block includes a sidewall having a first height and a second height.

9. The tug holding block of claim 8, wherein the first height is less than the second height.

10. The tug holding block of claim 1, wherein the pivotable coupling includes a coupling means for pivotally coupling the tug to the tug holding block.

11. The tug holding block of claim 10, wherein the coupling means includes a first pair of hinges and a second pair of hinges.

12. The tug holding block of claim 11, wherein each of the first pair of hinges and the second pair of hinges pivotally couples the dredge to the tug holding block, the first pair of hinges and the second pair of hinges operable to allow a hull of the dredge to pivot relative to the tug holding block.

13. The tug holding block of claim 1, wherein the tug holding block includes a dredge receiving portion configured to be received by a portion of the dredge.

14. The tug holding block of claim 13, wherein the dredge receiving portion is disposed opposite the tug receiving portion.

15. The tug holding block of claim 1, wherein the tug holding block includes a bottom wall having a substantially curved edge.

16. The tug holding block of claim 1, wherein: the tug receiving portion is configured to receive a bow of the tug; the tug receiving portion includes a recess configured to cooperate with and complement the bow of the tug received in the recess; the recess includes a cross-section having a substantially curved shape; the recess includes a fastening means for coupling the tug to the tug holding block; the tug holding block includes a first wing and a second wing, each of the first wing and the second wing projecting laterally outward from a body of the tug holding block; each of the first wing and the second wing is configured to be proximate a portion of the dredge when the tug holding block is coupled to the dredge; the tug holding block includes a sidewall having a first height and a second height; the first height is less than the second height; the pivotable coupling includes a coupling means for pivotally coupling the tug to the tug holding block; the coupling means includes a first pair of hinges and a second pair of hinges; each of the first pair of hinges and the second pair of hinges pivotally couples the dredge to the tug holding block, the first pair of hinges and the second pair of hinges operable to allow a hull of the dredge to pivot relative to the tug holding block; the tug holding block includes a dredge receiving portion configured to be received by a portion of the dredge; the dredge receiving portion is disposed opposite the tug receiving portion; the tug holding block includes a bottom wall having a substantially curved edge; the tug holding block includes a substantial polygonal shape; the recess centrally disposed therethrough the tug holding block; and the tug holding block is disposed therebetween each of the tug and the dredge.

17. A dredging system, comprising: a tug holding block of claim 1; and a dredge including a trailing suction hopper dredge configured to dredge up material in a body of water, the trailing suction hopper dredge including: a split hull hopper scow having a side, a bow, a hull, and a stern, the hull of the split hull hopper scow configured to store dredged material and configured to pivot between a split configuration and a joint configuration, a loading arm attached to the side of the split hull hopper scow and configured to suction material using a pump, the pump mounted in the split hull hopper scow, the loading arm configured to discharge the material into the split hull hopper scow; wherein the tug holding block is configured to be coupled to the dredge via the pivotable coupling, and wherein the hull is configured to pivot between the split configuration and the joint configuration relative to the tug holding block.

18. A dredging system, comprising: a tug holding block of claim 1; and a tug including a bow; wherein the tug receiving portion of the tug holding block is configured to receive the bow of the tug; and wherein the tug holding block is configured to be coupled to the bow of the tug via a fastening means.

19. A dredging system, comprising: a tug holding block of claim 1; a dredge including a trailing suction hopper dredge configured to dredge up material in a body of water, the trailing suction hopper dredge including: a split hull hopper scow having a side, a bow, a hull, and a stern, the hull of the split hull hopper scow configured to store dredged material and configured to pivot between a split configuration and a joint configuration, a loading arm attached to the side of the split hull hopper scow and configured to suction material using a pump, the pump mounted in the split hull hopper scow, the loading arm configured to discharge the material into the split hull hopper scow; and a tug including a bow; wherein the tug holding block is configured to be disposed therebetween each of the dredge and the tug.

20. A method of dredging, comprising: pivotally coupling a tug holding block of claim 1 to a dredge; coupling a tug to the tug holding block; and pivoting a hull of the dredge relative to the tug holding block.

Description

DRAWINGS

[0017] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of a tug holding block, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a top rear perspective view of the tug holding block shown in FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a right side elevational view of the tug holding block shown in FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the tug holding block shown in FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the tug holding block shown in FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the tug holding block shown in FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the tug holding block shown in FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 8 is an environmental view of a dredging system, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a tug holding block and a dredge.

[0026] FIG. 9 is an environmental view of the dredging system shown in FIG. 8 with the tug holding block pivotally coupled to the dredge.

[0027] FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the dredging system shown in FIG. 9.

[0028] FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the dredging system shown in FIG. 9, showing a split hull of the dredge in a split configuration.

[0029] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a pivotable coupling of the tug holding block to the dredge, as shown in FIG. 9, showing the hull in the joint configuration.

[0030] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the pivotable coupling shown in FIG. 12, showing the hull in a partial split configuration.

[0031] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the pivotable coupling shown in FIG. 12 with the hull in the split configuration.

[0032] FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the dredging system shown in FIG. 9 and showing a portion of a tug coupled to the tug holding block.

[0033] FIG. 16 is a top plan view of another dredging system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of the dredging system shown in FIG. 16.

[0035] FIG. 18A is a cross-sectional view of the hull shown in FIG. 16.

[0036] FIG. 18B is a side sectional view of the hull shown in FIG. 16.

[0037] FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a method of dredging, according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The following description of technology is merely exemplary in nature of the subject matter, manufacture and use of one or more inventions, and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any specific invention claimed in this application or in such other applications as may be filed claiming priority to this application, or patents issuing therefrom. Regarding methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps can be different in various embodiments, including where certain steps can be simultaneously performed, unless expressly stated otherwise. A and an as used herein indicate at least one of the item is present; a plurality of such items may be present, when possible. Except where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description are to be understood as modified by the word about and all geometric and spatial descriptors are to be understood as modified by the word substantially in describing the broadest scope of the technology. About when applied to numerical values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by about and/or substantially is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then about and/or substantially as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters.

[0039] All documents, including patents, patent applications, and scientific literature cited in this detailed description are incorporated herein by reference, unless otherwise expressly indicated. Where any conflict or ambiguity may exist between a document incorporated by reference and this detailed description, the present detailed description controls.

[0040] Although the open-ended term comprising, as a synonym of non-restrictive terms such as including, containing, or having, is used herein to describe and claim embodiments of the present technology, embodiments may alternatively be described using more limiting terms such as consisting of or consisting essentially of. Thus, for any given embodiment reciting materials, components, or process steps, the present technology also specifically includes embodiments consisting of, or consisting essentially of, such materials, components, or process steps excluding additional materials, components or processes (for consisting of) and excluding additional materials, components or processes affecting the significant properties of the embodiment (for consisting essentially of), even though such additional materials, components or processes are not explicitly recited in this application. For example, recitation of a composition or process reciting elements A, B and C specifically envisions embodiments consisting of, and consisting essentially of, A, B and C, excluding an element D that may be recited in the art, even though element D is not explicitly described as being excluded herein.

[0041] As referred to herein, disclosures of ranges are, unless specified otherwise, inclusive of endpoints and include all distinct values and further divided ranges within the entire range. Thus, for example, a range of from A to B or from about A to about B is inclusive of A and of B. Disclosure of values and ranges of values for specific parameters (such as amounts, weight percentages, etc.) are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values useful herein. It is envisioned that two or more specific exemplified values for a given parameter may define endpoints for a range of values that may be claimed for the parameter. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that Parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may have other ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3, 3-10, 3-9, and so on.

[0042] When an element or layer is referred to as being on, engaged to, connected to, or coupled to another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being directly on, directly engaged to, directly connected to or directly coupled to another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., between versus directly between, adjacent versus directly adjacent, etc.). As used herein, the term and/or includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0043] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as first, second, and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0044] Spatially relative terms, such as inner, outer, beneath, below, lower, above, upper, and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as below or beneath other elements or features would then be oriented above the other elements or features. Thus, the example term below can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0045] The present technology improves the operation and efficiency of a trailing suction hopper dredge through use of a split hull design that may open to dump dredged material. The split hull hopper scow along with the stationary tug holding block having a notch for securing a tug operate to allow the hull to split open to dump material while the tug remains securely in place and improves the dredging operation, transportation, and dumping process. Additionally, the use of features like a loading arm, a dredge pump, jet pump, and piping improves the dredging capabilities of the trailing suction hopper dredge technology. The trailing suction hopper dredge advantageously provides efficient pumping and hull storage capabilities to allow extensive material removal.

[0046] In certain embodiments, a tug holding block 100 for coupling a tug and a dredge is provided, as shown in accompanying FIGS. 1-17. A system 200 for dredging is also provided in another embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 8-18B. A method 400 for dredging is provided, as shown in FIG. 19. Advantageously, the tug holding block 100 allows efficient coupling of the tug to the dredge for dredging operations. The system 200 desirably improves operation and efficiency of a trailing suction hopper dredge through use of a split hull design that may open to dump dredged material.

[0047] With reference to FIGS. 1-17, the tug holding block 100 may include a tug receiving portion 102 configured to couple to the tug 300. The tug holding block 100 may also include a pivotable coupling 104 configured to couple to a dredge 202. The tug holding block 100 may be configured to couple the tug 300 to the dredge 202 as the tug 300 is used to facilitate movement of the dredge 202.

[0048] The tug holding block 100 may include the following aspects. The tug receiving portion 102 may be configured to receive a bow 302 of a tug 300. The tug receiving portion 102 may include a recess 106 having a cross-section 107 that has a substantially curved shape. Importantly, the substantially curved shape is configured to receive and cooperate with the bow 302 of the tug 300. The recess 106 may be configured in any shape designed to accommodate the bow 302 of the tug 300 based on a shape of the bow 302. One of ordinary skill in the art may select a suitable shape to configure the recess 106 within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0049] The recess 106 may include a fastening means 108 for securely coupling the tug 300 to the tug holding block 100. The fastening means 108 may include a notch configured to receive the bow 302 of the tug 300. In a certain embodiment, the notch may be an indentation within the recess 106 that is designed to accommodate the bow 302 of the tug 300. The fastening means 108 may include any means configured to securely couple the tug 300 to the tug holding block 100 within the scope of the present disclosure as one of ordinary skill in the art may see fit. The cross-section 107 may include a plurality of sidewalls. The recess 106 may further be centrally disposed therethrough the tug holding block 100.

[0050] The tug holding block 100 may also include a first wing 110 and a second wing 112. Each of the first wing 110 and the second wing 112 may project laterally outward from a body 101 of the tug holding block 100. The first wing 110 and the second wing 112 may include a substantial polygonal shape. Each of the first wing 110 and the second wing 112 may be configured to be proximate a portion of the dredge 202 when the tug holding block 100 is coupled to the dredge 202. Each of the first wing 110 and the second wing 112 may be disposed on an axis that runs horizontally across the body 101 of the tug holding block 100. The first wing 110 and the second wing 112 may be disposed parallel to each other. The recess 106 of the tug holding block 100 may be centrally disposed relative to each of the first wing 110 and the second wing 112.

[0051] The tug holding block 100 may also include a sidewall 114 with varying heights. The sidewall 114 may include a first height (H1) and a second height (H2), as shown in FIG. 3. Importantly, the first height (H1) may be less than the second height (H2). The second height (H2) may be greater than the first height (H1). The first height (H1) may also be defined as a minimum height of the sidewall 114. The second height (H2) may be defined as a maximum height of the sidewall 114. Each of the first height (H1) and the second height (H2) may define the sidewall 114. The sidewall 114 may also include a first sidewall 114a and a second sidewall 114b. The first sidewall 114a and the second sidewall 114b similarly include varying heights. The first sidewall 114a is identical to the second sidewall 114b having the first height (H1) and the second height (H2). One of ordinary skill in the art may select suitable height differences between the first height (H1) and the second height (H2) to configure each of the first sidewall 114a and the second sidewall 114b within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0052] Further, the tug holding block 100 may include a bottom wall 115. The bottom wall 115 of the tug holding block 100 may have a substantially curved edge 117. Importantly, the substantially curved edge 117 may also define the difference in height between the first height (H1) and the second height (H2). The substantially curved edge 117 of the bottom wall 115 may define part of the sidewall 114.

[0053] The pivotable coupling 104 may include the following aspects. The pivotable coupling 104 of tug holding block 100 may include a coupling means 116. The coupling means 116 may include a first pair of hinges and a second pair of hinges for pivotally coupling the dredge 202. The first pair of hinges and the second pair of hinges allow the hull 212 of the dredge 202 to pivot relative to the tug holding block 100. The tug holding block 100 also includes a dredge receiving portion 103 disposed opposite the tug receiving portion 102. The dredge receiving portion 103 is configured to be received by the dredge 202. More specifically, the dredge receiving portion 103 may be configured to receive the stern 213 of the dredge 202. Advantageously, the first pair of hinges and the second pair of hinges may eliminate the need for other coupling means 116. One of ordinary skill in the art may select suitable hinges for the first pair of hinges and the second pair of hinges within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0054] In another embodiment, a dredging system 200 is provided. The dredging system 200 may include the tug holding block 100, as described herein, and a dredge 202. The dredge 202 may include trailing suction hopper dredge 204 configured to dredge material in a body of water. One of ordinary skill in the art may select a suitable dredge 202 to couple to the tug holding block 100 within the scope of the present disclosure. One of ordinary skill in the art may also select a suitable dredge 202 for dredging material in a body of water within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0055] The trailing suction hopper dredge 204 may be used for harbor, channel, and waterway maintenance dredging. As sediments build up over time, the trailing suction hopper dredge 204 may remove built-up sediment and deepen shipping lanes or access channels to harbors. Advantageously, the trailing suction hopper dredge 204 may provide efficient pumping and hull storage capabilities which allow extensive material removal. The trailing suction hopper dredge 204 may also be utilized in land reclamation projects, where new land is created from the ocean. By dredging up sea bottom sediments and transporting them to designated reclamation sites, new viable land can be constructed. In addition, the trailing suction hopper dredge 204 may serve purpose to coastal protection projects. By dredging strategic areas of the sea bottom, sand and sediment can be collected and then discharged to reinforce beaches, recreate sandbars, or replenish eroded coastlines. Further, the trailing suction hopper dredge 204 may be deployed for environmental remediation projects involving removal of contaminated sediments from rivers, harbors, or other sites.

[0056] The trailing suction hopper dredge 204 may include a split hull hopper scow 206 having a side 208, a bow 210, a hull 212, and a stern 213. The hull 212 may be configured to store dredged material. The hull 212 may also be configured to pivot between a split configuration 214 or a joint configuration 216. More specifically, the split configuration 214 may be defined as a central splitting of a body of the hull 212 to release the dredged material stored in the hull 212. The joint configuration 216 may be defined as the joining of the body of the hull 212 such that the hull 212 is capable of storing dredged material within the body of the hull 212.

[0057] The trailing suction hopper dredge 204 may further include a loading arm 218, a pump 220, a discharge point 222, and a dredge pipe 224. The loading arm 218 may be attached to the side 208 of the split hull hopper scow 206 for suctioning material via the pump 220. The pump 220 may be a dredge pump 220. The trailing suction hopper dredge 204 may also include the dredge pump 220 and a jet pump 226. The trailing suction hopper dredge 204 may include the dredge pump 220 mounted in the split hull hopper scow 206 for pumping out dredged material. The dredge pump 220 may be mounted to the loading arm 218 and may also be configured to pump out dredged material. The dredge pump 220 may be connected to the dredge pipe 224 and the jet pump 226 to convey the dredged material. The jet pump 226 may also be mounted on the loading arm 218. The loading arm 218 may be configured to discharge the material. More particularly, the loading arm 218 may also be configured to discharge the material suctioned via the dredge pump 220 to the split hull hopper scow 206.

[0058] One of ordinary skill in the art may select a suitable dredge pump 220 and jet pump 226 within the scope of the present disclosure. The dredge pump 220 and the jet pump 226 may each be disposed on the loading arm 218 and may each be configured to convey the dredged material to the discharge point 222 at the bow 210 for discharge of the dredged material. The jet pump 226 may connect to piping that routes the dredged material to the discharge point 222. Further, a hydraulic power pack may be configured to power the dredge pump 220 and the hydraulic power pack may be disposed on the bow 210 of the split hull hopper scow 206. The hydraulic power pack may be powered by a diesel engine with a diesel fuel supply, each disposed on the bow 210 of the split hull hopper scow 206 as well.

[0059] The trailing suction hopper dredge 204 may also include the discharge point 222 at the bow 210 where dredged material is pumped for discharge. The discharge point 222 may be disposed at the bow 210 of the split hull hopper scow 206 and the dredged material may be pumped for discharge at the discharge point 222. Additionally, the discharge point 222 may include valves to control a flow rate of discharged dredged material. The valves alter the flow rate to create a swinging motion of the discharged dredged material for distribution.

[0060] The dredging system 200 may also include a tug 300 with a bow 302 configured to be received by the tug receiving portion 102 of the tug holding block 100. One of ordinary skill in the art may select a suitable tug 300 capable of facilitating movement of the dredge 202 within the scope of the present disclosure. The tug 300 may be configured to push and move the dredge 202. The tug 300 may be configured to trail the dredge 202, a boat, vessel, or the like.

[0061] The dredging system 200 may include each of the tug holding block 100, the dredge 202, and the tug 300. The tug holding block 100 may be disposed between the dredge 202 and tug 300, with the fastening means 108 securing the tug 300 to the tug holding block 100 and the pivotable coupling 104 securing the tug holding block 100 to the dredge 202. The tug holding block 100 may be located proximate the stern 213 of the split hull hopper scow 206. The tug holding block 100 may also have the fastening means 108 which may include the notch configured to accommodate the tug 300 that pushes the split hull hopper scow 206. The tug holding block 100 may also be stationary. Advantageously, the tug holding block 100 may be stationary relative to the pivoting dredge 202. Importantly, the hull 212 of the split hull hopper scow 206 may pivot between one of the split configuration 214 (e.g., an open configuration) and the joint configuration 216 (e.g., a closed configuration) relative to the tug holding block 100. The hull 212 may pivot into the split configuration 214 due to the pivotable coupling 104 while the tug holding block 100 remains stationary relative to this pivoting motion of the hull 212. The hull 212 may split forward of the tug holding block 100. The tug holding block 100 may be disposed proximate the stern 213 of the split hull hopper scow 206 and the hull 212 may split relative to the stationary tug holding block 100.

[0062] The tug holding block 100 may include a hydraulic container and a hydraulic power unit, each disposed on the tug holding block 100 itself. The hydraulic power unit may couple to a diesel fuel supply through a return piping. As a non-limiting example, the hydraulic power unit may be a HYDAC HPU unit. One of ordinary skill in the art may select a suitable hydraulic power unit within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0063] The tug holding block 100 may be coupled to the stern 213 of the split hull hopper scow 206 by use of the pivotable coupling 104. As described herein, the pivotable coupling 104 may include the coupling means 116. The coupling means 116 may include the first pair of hinges and the second pair of hinges. The first pair of hinges may include two hinges and the second pair of hinges may include two hinges such that the two hinges may be disposed opposite the other two hinges. As a non-limiting example, the tug holding block 100 may be coupled to the split hull hopper scow 206 by the first pair of hinges and the second pair of hinges, such that each of the first pair of hinges and the second pair of hinges may be attached to the trailing suction hopper dredge 204 and the tug holding block 100. Effectively, this eliminates the need for other coupling means 116 and allows the hull 212 to split forward of the tug holding block 100 as the tug holding block 100 is stationary and secured. One of ordinary skill in the art may select a suitable configuration for the coupling means 116 including the first pair of hinges and the second pair of hinges to couple the tug holding block 100 within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0064] The dredging system 200 may also include hydraulic power packs, generators, and winches to operate the dredge pump 220, piping, and facilitate dredging operations. The trailing suction hopper dredge 204 may further include winches and gantries configured to operate the loading arm 218 coupled to the split hull hopper scow 206. The loading arm 218 may be coupled to the split hull hopper scow 206 at a pivot point and may have a single hinge disposed between the pivot point and a draghead 228. The loading arm 218 may include a double hinge and a turning gland coupled to the double hinge. The turning gland may provide rotation and movement of the loading arm 218, and the turning gland may rotate up to 360 degrees to control direction of discharged dredged material. The draghead 228 may be disposed at the end of the loading arm 218 and may suction dredged material through itself into the loading arm 218.

[0065] The split hull hopper scow 206 may further include one or more concrete counterweights disposed opposite of the side 208 of the loading arm 218. The concrete counterweights may be configured to facilitate splitting of the hull 212 into one of the split configuration 214 and the joint configuration 216. The concrete counterweights may also provide stability with respect to the trailing suction hopper dredge 204 by leveling the added weight of the loading arm 218 on the side 208 of the split hull hopper scow 206. One of ordinary skill in the art may select suitable concrete counterweights within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0066] With reference to FIG. 19, a method 400 of dredging is provided. The method 400 includes a step 402 of pivotally coupling the tug holding block 100 to the dredge 202, as described herein. A step 404 may include coupling the tug 300 to the tug holding block 100. A step 406 may involve pivoting the hull 212 of the dredge 202 relative to the tug holding block 100 to facilitate material discharge operations. The method 400 enables efficient dredging operations while maintaining secure coupling between the vessel components.

[0067] Advantageously, the trailing suction hopper dredge 204 improves the operation and efficiency of trailing suction hopper dredges through use of a split hull 212 design that may open to dump dredged material. Specifically, the split hull hopper scow 206 along with the stationary tug holding block 100 having a notch for securing the tug 300 allows the hull 212 to safely split open to dump material while the tug holding block 100 remains securely in place and improves the dredging operation, transportation, and dumping process. Additionally, the use of features like the loading arm 218, the dredge pump 220, the jet pump 226, and piping improves the dredging capabilities of the trailing suction hopper dredge 204 technology. Advantageously, the trailing suction hopper dredge 204 provides efficient pumping and hull storage capabilities which allow extensive material removal. Desirably, the tug holding block 100 facilitates an enhanced connection of the tug 300 to the dredge 202 such that the dredge 202 may pivot relative to the tug holding block 100.

[0068] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. Equivalent changes, modifications and variations of some embodiments, materials, compositions and methods can be made within the scope of the present technology, with substantially similar results.