LEVANDER, Oskar (Valoniemenkuja 2, Länsiturunmaa, FI-21600, FI)
MILDE, Åke (Kråkenesdalen 239, FI- Bønes, N-5152, FI)
LEVANDER, Oskar (Valoniemenkuja 2, Länsiturunmaa, FI-21600, FI)
| Claims 1 . Marine vessel comprising a main hull structure (2), a bow (3), a stern (4), two sides, a main deck level (6), an upper deck level (7a) and/or a lower deck level (7b), and one or more ramps for access to one or more deck levels, which are arranged as cargo facilities on board the marine vessel (1 ) within the main hull structure (2) of the marine vessel (1 ), which marine vessel further comprises an auxiliary ramp (1 1 ,12,13) located outside the main hull structure of the marine vessel, characterised in that the auxiliary ramp (1 1 ,12,13) has a fixed ramp structure and is fixed to the outside of the main hull structure (2) of the marine vessel (1 ) and at a side of the marine vessel (1 ). 2. Marine vessel according to claim 1 , characterised in that the auxiliary ramp (1 1 ,12,13) is arranged as an out hang (1 1 1 ,1 12,1 13) at the side of the marine vessel (1 ). 3. Marine vessel according to claim 1 , characterised in that the auxiliary ramp (1 1 ,12,13) is arranged within an overhang (51 ,52) extending outside the main hull structure (2) of the marine vessel (1 ). 4. Marine vessel according to claim 1 , characterised in that the marine vessel has a longitudinal axis (L) and in that the auxiliary ramp (1 1 ,12,13) is aligned with the longitudinal axis (L) of the marine vessel (1 ). 5. Marine vessel according to claim 1 , characterised in that the auxiliary ramp (1 1 ) is provided with a dedicated shore ramp (21 ). 6. Marine vessel according to claim 5, characterised in that the dedicated shore ramp (21 ) is arranged as an out hang outside the main hull structure (2) of the marine vessel (1 ) and at a side of the marine vessel (1 ). 7. Marine vessel according to claim 6, characterised in that the dedicated shore ramp (21 ) has a first end (21 1 ) and a second end (212), that the first end (21 1 ) is arranged to be hinged to the first auxiliary ramp (1 1 ) or to the side of the marine vessel (1 ), and in that the second end (212) is arranged to be raised or lowered in relation to a quay or other shore facility (20). 8. Marine vessel according to claim 5, characterised in that the dedicated shore ramp (21 ) is arranged under an overhang (51 ) extending outside the main hull structure (2) of the marine vessel (1 ) and at a side of the marine vessel (1 ). 9. Marine vessel according to claim 8, characterised in that the dedicated shore ramp (21 ) has a first end (21 1 ) and a second end (212), that the first end (21 1 ) is arranged to be hinged to the first auxiliary ramp (1 1 ), to the side of the marine vessel (1 ) or to the overhang (51 ), and in that the second end (212) is arranged to be raised or lowered in relation to a quay or other shore facility (20). 10. Marine vessel according to claim 1 , characterised in that the auxiliary ramp (1 1 ) is arranged to lead from a quay or other shore facility (20) to one or more upper deck levels (7a) of the marine vessel (1 ). 1 1 . Marine vessel according to claim 1 , characterised in that the auxiliary ramp (12,13) is arranged to have access (A1 , A2) from the main deck level (6). 12. Marine vessel according to claim 1 1 , characterised in that the auxiliary ramp (12,13) is arranged to lead from the main deck level (6) to one or more upper deck levels (7a) of the marine vessel (1 ). 13. Marine vessel according to claim 1 , characterised in that the marine vessel (1 ) is provided with openings (7a1 ,7a2) at the side that are arranged to lead from the auxiliary ramp (1 1 ,12,13) to one or more upper deck levels (7a) within the main hull structure (2) of the marine vessel (1 ). 14. Marine vessel according to claim 1 , characterised in that the main deck level (6), the upper deck level (7a) and the lower deck level (7b) are roll-on and roll-off cargo decks. 15. Marine vessel according to claim 1 , characterised in that access to the main deck level (6) is provided by a ramp (8). |
Technical field
This invention relates to a marine vessel comprising a main hull structure, a bow, a stern, two sides, a main deck level, an upper deck level and/or a lower deck level, and one or more ramps for access to one or more deck levels, which are arranged as cargo facilities on board the marine vessel within the main hull structure of the marine vessel, which marine vessel further comprises an auxiliary ramp located outside the main hull structure of the marine vessel, according to the preamble of claim 1.
Background art
Marine vessels intended for cargo transport, such as RoPax- and RoRo- vessels normally comprise a main deck level as well as one or more upper deck levels and/or one or more lower deck levels for receiving cargo. Conventionally, a ramp is used for providing access to the main deck level, and then, depending on the vessel lay-out, one or more internal ramps are used to lead from the main deck level to an upper deck level or a lower deck level respectively. The known internal ramps are located within the main hull structure of the marine vessel, on the cargo loading lanes on respective deck levels. The main deck is the so-called bulkhead deck in marine terminology.
Such internal ramps need space and in practice limit the number of free lanes on the main as well as other deck levels. The internal ramps are usually fixed, whereby they form a permanent obstruction in the loading lanes they are situated on, both on the main deck level as well as on any upper deck level or lower deck level respectively. This first of all decreases the efficiency of loading and unloading flows and secondly limits the loading capacity on board the marine vessel.
In order to avoid a permanent obstruction of the loading lanes and the loading space on board, hoistable or tiltable internal ramps are also used. However, al- though this may somewhat improve the final loading capacity when such internal ramps are in a non-use position, this nonetheless results in additional complications and delays in the loading or unloading flows when the hoistable and/or tiltable ramps are deployed for loading and unloading purposes. Shore based ramps with twin levels, that is ramps providing access from a quay or other shore facility to both the main deck level and for example to an upper deck level have also been used. However, such twin level shore based ramps have to be tailored for specific ships and thus require additional investments at the shore facility in question. Consequently, a solution like this is very expen- sive, particularly taking into account the resulting limitations in use. Furthermore, any benefits of this solution are limited only to the two deck levels concerned.
JP 2002-109999 A1 suggests a multi-part ramp structure outside the marine vessel with a turnable part functioning as a swing bridge. This structure is rather complicated and intended for delivery of specific hazardous cargo to a given deck or location on the marine vessel.
Summary of invention
An object of the present invention is to avoid the above mentioned problems and to achieve a marine vessel which allows for efficient loading and unloading flows to the various deck levels on the marine vessel. This object is attained by a marine vessel according to claim 1 .
The basic idea of the invention is to provide a flexible and free flowing access to the various deck levels on a marine vessel from the outside of the main hull structure of the marine vessel. For this purpose the marine vessel is provided with at least one auxiliary ramp, which is located outside the main hull structure of the marine vessel and at a side of the marine vessel, whereby more space is provided for cargo handling and load carrying inside the marine vessel. Furthermore, more free lanes are available on the deck levels concerned. This provides for quicker loading and unloading. The auxiliary ramp has a fixed ramp structure and is fixed to the outside of the main hull structure of the marine ves- sel. The fixed structure and mounting also makes the auxiliary ramp simple and robust. The fixed structure and mounting also allows for streamlining the auxiliary ramp with regard to the outside of the marine vessel.
The auxiliary ramp is advantageously arranged as an out hang outside the main hull structure of the marine vessel and at a side of marine vessel.
Alternatively, the auxiliary ramp is advantageously arranged within an overhang outside the main hull structure of the marine vessel and at a side of the marine vessel.
The marine vessel has a longitudinal axis, whereby the auxiliary ramp prefera- bly is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the marine vessel.
The auxiliary ramp is preferably provided with a dedicated shore ramp to allow access to the auxiliary ramp and the respective deck levels the auxiliary ramp is arranged to lead to. In this way the auxiliary ramp can better be adapted to the prevailing shore facility conditions. The dedicated shore ramp can be fastened or hinged to the side of the marine vessel, to the auxiliary ramp, or to the overhang extending outside the main hull structure of the marine vessel. Further, the dedicated shore ramp can alternatively be fully covered, partially covered or totally open.
In this manner loading or unloading of the main deck level and an upper deck level will not interfere with each other.
Advantageously, the auxiliary ramp is arranged to lead from a quay or other shore facility to one or more upper deck levels of the marine vessel by way of the dedicated shore ramp. This is advantageous as loading and unloading can take place to or from one or more deck levels in any preferred order. The auxiliary ramp can advantageously also be arranged to have access from the main deck level, whereby it can lead from the main deck level to one or more upper and/or lower deck levels. In this manner loading or unloading of the main deck level and an upper deck level or a lower deck level will not interfere with each other. This is advantageous as loading and unloading can take place to or from one or more deck levels in any preferred order. This also allows the use of a fixed ramp structure for the auxiliary ramp without blocking any main deck level cargo space on the marine vessel. Access from a quay or other shore facility to the main deck level can be provided by a ramp.
The marine vessel is preferably provided with openings at the side, which are arranged to lead from the auxiliary ramp to one or more upper deck levels within the main hull structure of the marine vessel.
The main deck level, the upper deck levels and/or the lower deck levels are preferably roll-on and roll-off cargo decks, whereby the advantages relating to quicker loading and unloading are fully realized.
The advantageous embodiments of the marine vessel are further defined in claims 2-15.
Brief description of drawings In the following the invention will be described, by way of example only, in more detail with reference to the attached schematic drawings, in which
Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a side view of a first embodiment of a marine vessel according to the present invention,
Figure 3 illustrates an upper view of the first embodiment, Figure 4 illustrates a stern end view of the first embodiment,
Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a side view of a second embodiment of a marine vessel according to the present invention,
Figure 7 illustrates an upper view of the second embodiment, and Figure 8 illustrates a stern end view of the second embodiment. Detailed description
Figures 1 , 2, 3 and 4 illustrate a first embodiment of a marine vessel indicated by reference numeral 1 . A longitudinal axis of the marine vessel 1 is indicated by reference L. The marine vessel comprises a main hull structure 2, a bow 3, a stern 4, two sides including a first side 5a and a second side 5b, a main deck level 6 and upper deck levels 7a and lower deck levels 7b. Said deck levels are arranged as cargo facilities within the main hull structure 2 of the marine vessel 1 . Said deck levels are advantageously roll-on and roll-off cargo decks.
A ramp 8 is arranged to provide access from a quay or other shore facility 20 to the main deck level 6. The main deck level 6, as well as the various upper deck levels 7a and lower deck levels 7b are mainly illustrated in Figure 4. The main deck is the so-called bulkhead deck in marine terminology.
The marine vessel 1 is additionally provided with one or more auxiliary ramps according to the present invention. The first embodiment includes a first auxiliary ramp 1 1 , which is located outside the main hull structure 2 of the marine vessel 1 and at a side, in this embodiment at the second side 5b, of the marine vessel 1 . The first auxiliary ramp 1 1 is fixed to the outside of the main hull structure 2 of the marine vessel 1 .
Additionally, this embodiment includes a second auxiliary ramp 12 and a third auxiliary ramp 13, which are located outside the main hull structure 2, and at both sides, in this embodiment at the first side 5a and at the second side 5b, of the marine vessel 1 . These two auxiliary ramps are located at the stern 4 end of the marine vessel 1 . These two auxiliary ramps are also fixed to the outside of the main hull structure 2 of the marine vessel 1 . The first auxiliary ramp 1 1 is arranged at the second side 5b of the marine vessel 1 , at some distance from both the bow 3 as well as the stern 4 of the marine vessel 1 . The first auxiliary ramp 1 1 is thus aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the marine vessel 1 . The first auxiliary ramp 1 1 has a fixed ramp structure, which is arranged as an out hang 1 1 1 at the second side 5b of the marine vessel 1 and which is fixed to the second side 5b of the marine vessel 1 . The first auxiliary ramp can be fully covered, providing a tunnel like watertight space, or only partially covered or to- tally open, providing a so-called outdoor space. In the latter case, the deck plating could even be with an open mesh structure to allow water draining through the deck.
The first auxiliary ramp 1 1 is provided with a dedicated shore ramp 21 , provided with a first end 21 1 and a second end 212, in order to allow access from or to the quay or other shore facility 20. In this embodiment, the first auxiliary ramp 1 1 is shown to lead from the quay or other shore facility 20 to one or more upper deck levels 7a by way of the dedicated shore ramp 21 .
The first auxiliary ramp 1 1 can thus lead to one or more upper deck levels. This is illustrated in Figure 1 , Figure 2 (solid lines) and Figure 4 by openings 7a1 at the side, in this embodiment at the second side 5b of the marine vessel 1 . The first auxiliary ramp 1 1 is outside the main hull structure 2 of the marine vessel 1 , whereby the openings 7a1 are arranged to lead into the main hull structure 2 of the marine vessel 1 and to one or more upper deck levels 7a within the main hull structure of the marine vessel. The openings 7a1 can be provided with wa- tertight doors or normal doors.
The first end 21 1 of the dedicated shore ramp 21 is hinged X to the side of the marine vessel 1 or to the end of the first auxiliary ramp 1 1 . The second end 212 of the dedicated shore ramp 21 is arranged to be raised or lowered in relation to the quay or other shore facility 20 for cargo loading or unloading purposes. The term hinged indicates that the desired movement to raise or lower the dedicated shore ramp 21 is provided.
Figure 1 shows the dedicated shore ramp 21 in a lowered position (solid line) providing access from and to the quay or shore facility 20 and Figure 2 shows the dedicated shore ramp 21 in a raised position (solid line). In Figure 1 and Figure 2 the main deck level 6 and the quay or other shore facility 20 are shown to be on the same level. This of course depends on the loading situation and the configuration of the quay or other shore facility. In comparison, Figure 4 shows the main deck level 6 being slightly higher up than the quay or other shore facility 20.
In this embodiment, the dedicated shore ramp 21 is shown to lead from the quay or other shore facility 20 in a direction from the stern 4 to the bow 3 of the marine vessel 1 . Clearly, the dedicated shore ramp could also be arranged to lead aboard the marine vessel in an opposite direction, in a direction from the bow to the stern of the marine vessel.
The dedicated shore ramp can be fully covered, providing a watertight space, or only partially covered or totally open, providing a so-called outdoor space. In the latter case, the deck plating could even be with an open mesh structure to allow water draining through the deck.
The marine vessel can be provided with more than one auxiliary ramp corresponding to the first auxiliary ramp. Such ramps can be located on one or both sides of the marine vessel. The auxiliary ramps do not necessarily have to be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the marine vessel, if the marine vessel e.g. is wedge-shaped.
The marine vessel 1 is further provided with two additional auxiliary ramps, in this embodiment a second auxiliary ramp 12 and a third auxiliary ramp 13, which are located outside the main hull structure 2 of the marine vessel 1 and at a side of the marine vessel 1 .
The second auxiliary ramp 12 is located at the stern 4 end of the marine vessel 1 , at a side of the marine vessel, in this embodiment at the second side 5b of the marine vessel 1 . The second auxiliary ramp 12 is arranged to have access A1 from the main deck level 6 by way of the ramp 8 leading to the main deck level 6. The second auxiliary ramp 12 is arranged to lead from the main deck level 6 to one or more upper deck levels 7a.
The second auxiliary ramp 12 has a fixed ramp structure and is arranged as an out hang 1 12 at the second side 5b of the marine vessel 1 and is fixed to the outside of the main hull structure 2 of the marine vessel 1 . As the second auxil- iary ramp 12 is arranged outside the main hull structure 2 of the marine vessel 1 , the second auxiliary ramp does not block any main deck level cargo space or cargo loading lanes. The second auxiliary ramp 12 is thus also aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the marine vessel 1 . The second auxiliary ramp 12 can lead to one or more upper deck levels. This is illustrated in Figure 1 and Figure 2 by openings 7a2 (solid lines) at the side, in this embodiment at the second side 5b of the marine vessel 1 . The second auxiliary ramp 12 is outside the main hull structure 2 of the marine vessel 1 , whereby the openings 7a2 are arranged to lead into the main hull structure 2 of the marine vessel 1 and to one or more upper deck levels 7a within the hull structure 2 of the marine vessel 1 . The openings 7a2 can be provided with watertight doors or normal doors.
The third auxiliary ramp 13 is also located at the stern 4 end of the marine vessel 1 , at a side of the marine vessel, in this embodiment at the first side 5a of the marine vessel 1 . The third auxiliary ramp 13 is arranged to have access A2 from the main deck level 6 and is arranged to lead to one or more upper deck levels within the marine vessel (not shown).
The third auxiliary ramp 13 has a fixed ramp structure and is arranged as an out hang 1 13 at the first side 5a of the marine vessel 1 and is fixed to the outside of the main hull structure 2 of the marine vessel 1 . As the third auxiliary ramp 13 is arranged outside the main hull structure 2 of the marine vessel 1 , the third auxiliary ramp does not block any main deck level cargo space or cargo loading lanes. The third auxiliary ramp can lead to one or more upper deck levels within the main hull structure of the marine vessel by way of openings in a correspond- ing manner as discussed in connection with the second auxiliary ramp. The third auxiliary ramp 13 is thus also aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the marine vessel 1 .
In this embodiment, the second auxiliary ramp 12 and the third auxiliary ramp 13 are shown to lead from the main deck level 6 to an upper deck level 7a in a direction from the stern 4 to the bow 3 of the marine vessel 1 . Clearly, the second auxiliary ramp and/or the third auxiliary ramp could also be arranged to lead from the main deck level to an upper deck level in an opposite direction, in a direction from the bow to the stern of the marine vessel. Consequently, a ramp corresponding to ramp 8, would be arranged at the bow of the marine vessel.
The second auxiliary ramp and the third auxiliary ramp can be fully covered, providing a tunnel like watertight space, or only partially covered or totally open, providing a so-called outdoor space. In the latter case, the deck plating could even be with an open mesh structure to allow water draining through the deck.
Access to the main deck level 6 is provided by the ramp 8.
The marine vessel can be provided with one or more than two auxiliary ramps corresponding to the second and third auxiliary ramps. Such ramps can be located on one or both sides of the marine vessel. Such ramps can also be arranged to lead from the main deck level to one or more lower deck levels. The auxiliary ramps do not necessarily have to be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the marine vessel, if the marine vessel e.g. is wedge-shaped. Figures 5, 6, 7 and 8 illustrate a second embodiment of a marine vessel indicated by reference numeral 1 . A longitudinal axis of the marine vessel 1 is indicated by reference L. The marine vessel comprises a main hull structure 2, a bow 3, a stern 4, two sides including a first side 5a and a second side 5b, a main deck level 6 and upper deck levels 7a and lower deck levels 7b. Said deck levels are arranged as cargo facilities within the main hull structure 2 of the marine vessel 1 . Said deck levels are advantageously roll-on and roll-off cargo decks.
A ramp 8 is arranged to provide access from a quay or other shore facility 20 to the main deck level 6. The main deck level 6, as well as the various upper deck levels 7a and lower deck levels 7b are mainly illustrated in Figure 8. The main deck is the so-called bulkhead deck in marine terminology.
The marine vessel 1 is additionally provided with one or more auxiliary ramps according to the present invention. The second embodiment includes a first auxiliary ramp 1 1 , which is located outside the main hull structure 2 of the marine vessel 1 and at a side, in this embodiment at the second side 5b, of the marine vessel 1 . The first auxiliary ramp 1 1 is fixed to the outside of the main hull structure 2 of the marine vessel 1 . Additionally, this embodiment includes a second auxiliary ramp 12 and a third auxiliary ramp 13, which are located outside the main hull structure 2, and at both sides, in this embodiment at the first side 5a and at the second side 5b, of the marine vessel 1 . These two auxiliary ramps are located at the stern 4 end of the marine vessel 1 . These two auxiliary ramps are also fixed to the outside of the main hull structure 2 of the marine vessel 1 .
The first auxiliary ramp 1 1 is arranged at the second side 5b of the marine vessel 1 , at some distance from both the bow 3 as well as the stern 4 of the marine vessel 1 . The first auxiliary ramp 1 1 is thus aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the marine vessel 1 . The first auxiliary ramp 1 1 has a fixed ramp structure, which is arranged within an overhang 51 at the second side 5b of the marine vessel 1 and which is fixed to the second side 5b of the marine vessel 1 . The overhang 51 forms a superstructure which extends outside the main hull structure 2 of the marine vessel 1 and covers the first auxiliary ramp 1 1 . The first auxiliary ramp, which is located within the overhang, can be totally open or partially covered. The deck plating can be provided with an open mesh structure to allow water draining through the deck. It is also possible to have a fully covered first auxiliary ramp forming a tunnel like construction.
The first auxiliary ramp 1 1 is provided with a dedicated shore ramp 21 , provided with a first end 21 1 and a second end 212, in order to allow access from or to the quay or other shore facility 20. In this embodiment, the first auxiliary ramp 1 1 is shown to lead from the quay or other shore facility 20 to one or more upper deck levels 7a by way of the dedicated shore ramp 21 .
The first auxiliary ramp 1 1 can thus lead to one or more upper deck levels. This is illustrated in Figure 5, Figure 6 (broken lines) and Figure 8 by openings 7a1 at the side, in this embodiment at the second side 5b of the marine vessel 1 . The first auxiliary ramp 1 1 is outside the main hull structure 2 of the marine vessel 1 , whereby the openings 7a1 lead into the main hull structure 2 of the marine vessel 1 and to one or more upper deck levels within the main hull structure of the marine vessel. The openings 7a1 can be provided with watertight doors, normal doors, or be plain openings.
The first end 21 1 of the dedicated shore ramp 21 is hinged X to the side of the marine vessel 1 , to the end of the first auxiliary ramp 1 1 or to the overhang 51 . The second end 212 of the dedicated shore ramp 21 is arranged to be raised or lowered in relation to the quay or other shore facility 20 for cargo loading or unloading purposes. The term hinged indicates that the desired movement to raise or lower the dedicated shore ramp 21 is provided. Advantageously, the dedicated shore ramp 21 is arranged under the overhang 51 .
Figure 5 shows the dedicated shore ramp 21 in a lowered position (solid line) providing access from and to the quay or shore facility 20 and Figure 6 shows the dedicated shore ramp 21 in a raised position (solid line), in which the dedicated shore ramp 21 is raised up against the overhang 51 . In Figure 5 and Figure 6 the main deck level 6 and the quay or other shore facility 20 are shown to be on the same level. This of course depends on the loading situation and the configuration of the quay or other shore facility. In comparison, Figure 8 shows the main deck level 6 being slightly higher up than the quay or other shore facility 20.
In this embodiment, the dedicated shore ramp 21 is shown to lead from the quay or other shore facility 20 in a direction from the stern 4 to the bow 3 of the marine vessel 1 . Clearly, the dedicated shore ramp could also be arranged to lead aboard the marine vessel in an opposite direction, in a direction from the bow to the stern of the marine vessel.
The dedicated shore ramp can be fully covered, providing a watertight space, or only partially covered or totally open, providing a so-called outdoor space. In the latter case, the deck plating could even be with an open mesh structure to allow water draining through the deck. The marine vessel can be provided with more than one auxiliary ramps corresponding to the first auxiliary ramp. Such ramps can be located on one or both sides of the marine vessel. The auxiliary ramps do not necessarily have to be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the marine vessel, if the vessel e.g. is wedge-shaped.
The marine vessel 1 is further provided with two additional auxiliary ramps, in this embodiment a second auxiliary ramp 12 and a third auxiliary ramp 13, which are located outside the main hull structure 2 of the marine vessel 1 and at a side of the marine vessel 1 . The second auxiliary ramp 12 is located at the stern 4 end of the marine vessel 1 , at a side of the marine vessel, in this embodiment at the second side 5b of the marine vessel 1 . The second auxiliary ramp 12 is arranged to have access A1 from the main deck level 6 by way of the ramp 8 leading to the main deck level 6. The second auxiliary ramp 12 is arranged to lead from the main deck level 6 to one or more upper deck levels 7a.
The second auxiliary ramp 12 has a fixed ramp structure and is arranged within the overhang 51 extending outside the main hull structure 2 of the marine vessel 1 , at the second side 5b of the marine vessel. The overhang 51 forms a superstructure which extends outside the main hull structure 2 of the marine ves- sel 1 and covers the second auxiliary ramp 12. The second auxiliary ramp 12 is arranged outside the main hull structure 2 of the marine vessel 1 , whereby the second auxiliary ramp does not block any main deck level cargo space or cargo loading lanes. The second auxiliary ramp 12 is thus also aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the marine vessel 1 . The second auxiliary ramp 12 can lead to one or more upper deck levels 7a. This is illustrated in Figure 5 and Figure 6 by openings 7a2 (broken lines) at the side, in this embodiment at the second side 5b of the marine vessel 1 . The second auxiliary ramp 12 is outside the main hull structure 2 of the marine vessel 1 , whereby the openings 7a2 lead into the main hull structure 2 of the marine ves- sel 1 and to one or more upper deck levels within the main hull structure of the marine vessel. The openings 7a2 can be provided with watertight doors, normal doors, or be plain openings.
The third auxiliary ramp 13 is also located at the stern 4 end of the marine vessel 1 , at a side of the marine vessel, in this embodiment at the first side 5a of the marine vessel 1 . The third auxiliary ramp 13 is arranged to have access A2 from the main deck level 6 and is arranged to lead to one or more upper deck levels within the marine vessel (not shown).
The third auxiliary ramp 13 has a fixed ramp structure and is arranged within an overhang 52 extending outside the main hull structure 2 of the marine vessel 1 , at the first side 5a of the marine vessel 1 . The overhang 52 forms a superstructure which extends outside the main hull structure 2 of the marine vessel 1 and covers the third auxiliary ramp 1 1 . The third auxiliary ramp 12 is arranged outside the main hull structure 2 of the marine vessel 1 , whereby the third auxiliary ramp does not block any main deck level cargo space or cargo loading lanes. The third auxiliary ramp can lead to one or more upper deck levels by way of openings in a corresponding manner as discussed in connection with the second auxiliary ramp._The third auxiliary ramp 13 is thus also aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the marine vessel 1 .
In this embodiment, the second auxiliary ramp 12 and the third auxiliary ramp 13 are shown to lead from the main deck level 6 to an upper deck level 7a in a direction from the stern 4 to the bow 3 of the marine vessel 1 . Clearly, the second auxiliary ramp and/or the third auxiliary ramp could also be arranged to lead from the main deck level to an upper deck level in an opposite direction, in a direction from the bow to the stern of the marine vessel. Consequently, a ramp corresponding to ramp 8, would be arranged at the bow of the marine vessel.
The second auxiliary ramp and the third auxiliary ramp, which are located within the overhang, can be totally open or partially covered. The deck plating can be provided with an open mesh structure to allow water draining through the deck. It is also possible to have fully covered second and third auxiliary ramps forming tunnel like constructions. Access to the main deck level 6 is provided by the ramp 8.
The marine vessel can be provided with one or more than two auxiliary ramps corresponding to the second and third auxiliary ramps. Such ramps can be located on one or both sides of the marine vessel. Such ramps can also be ar- ranged to lead from the main deck level to one or more lower deck levels. The auxiliary ramps do not necessarily have to be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the marine vessel, if the vessel e.g. is wedge-shaped.
The description and the thereto related drawings are only intended to clarify the basic idea of the invention. The invention may vary in detail within the scope of the ensuing claims.