Abstract

According to the invention, there is provided a mooring robot array control system (100), suitable for controlling at least one of a plurality of mooring robots (150) to moor a vessel (200) to a terminal (300) such as wharf or pier, or even another vessel. The mooring robot array control system (100) is used to establish which of a plurality of mooring robots (150), spaced along a terminal (300), are usable for purposes of mooring an approaching vessel (200) to be moored, and which mooring robots (150) are not available by reason that they are currently occupied by mooring another vessel, or are located alongside part of the vessel (200) that is difficult to engage with. The mooring robot array control system (100) is then used to control these mooring robots (150) accordingly. The array control system (100) comprises a proximity sensor associated with each of the plurality of mooring robots (150), engagement sensor associated with each of the mooring robots (150), a set of instructions in the form of software (190). and a controller (160). Further, known information about a vessel can be combined with information known about other vessels moored at the terminal (300), to recommend relocation of mooring robots which are already being used to moor vessel to the terminal, to optimise usage of the mooring robots (150) and free up mooring robots (150) which are excess to regquirements to be able to moor the apprach vessel (200) to be moored.

IPC Classes  ?

• B63B 21/00 - Tying-upShifting, towing, or pushing equipmentAnchoring
• E02B 3/20 - Equipment for shipping on coasts, in harbours or on other fixed marine structures, e.g. bollards

Abstract

A mooring system for receiving and exercising at least partial control over the approach of a vessel approaching a mooring facility. An array of mooring robots are mounted to the mooring facility. Each robot has at least one vessel contact member supported by a moving mechanism in a manner to thereby be (i) movable relative to the mooring facility and (ii) presentable to engage the side of said vessel. A sensor can sense the position of the vessel relative the mooring facility. A processor can calculate movement instructions based on information received by the processor to calculate instructions for the movement of the contact member during the receipt of the vessel by the mooring system. A controller can preposition the contact member and then control the condition of each mooring robot such as to reduce the approach speed of the vessel at least in a direction towards the mooring facility.

IPC Classes  ?

• B63B 21/00 - Tying-upShifting, towing, or pushing equipmentAnchoring
• E02B 3/20 - Equipment for shipping on coasts, in harbours or on other fixed marine structures, e.g. bollards

Abstract

A mooring system comprising or including: a rail fixed generally parallel to a mooring face of a dock; and a carriage associated with the rail, the carriage including wheels to facilitate translation of the carriage with respect to the rail in a manner preventing derailment of the carriage, a prime mover to effect said translation, means of releasably fixing the carriage to the said rail or dock and a means which provides releasable engagement with the hull of a vessel and which is dependent from said carriage.

IPC Classes  ?

• B63B 21/00 - Tying-upShifting, towing, or pushing equipmentAnchoring
• E02B 3/20 - Equipment for shipping on coasts, in harbours or on other fixed marine structures, e.g. bollards

Abstract

This invention relates to a mooring system for securing a vessel to a mooring facility. It may comprise at least one mooring device for installation at a mooring facility in a position to allow the mooring device to assist in holding a vessel relative to the mooring facility. Each device comprises a rig and a hull coupler moveably supported relative the mooring facility by said rig. There is also at least one position and/or velocity sensor, for sensing position and/or velocity of a proximate vessel and/or part of the vessel that is or is to be held by the mooring device relative the mooring facility. A controller can at least control the at least one mooring device based on information received from or derived from the sensor.

IPC Classes  ?

• B63B 21/00 - Tying-upShifting, towing, or pushing equipmentAnchoring

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lock that includes at least one closable opening that facilitates the flooding and/or draining of the lock. The flow characteristics through the opening can be controlled to reduce the establishing of currents in said lock that adversely affect the positioning of a vessel in said lock. Forces between (i) a vessel in the lock that is moored to the quay of the lock and (ii) the quay of said lock can be measured to control the flow characteristics.

IPC Classes  ?

• E02C 1/06 - Devices for filling or emptying locks
• E02C 1/10 - Equipment for use in connection with the navigation of ships in locksMooring equipment