The invention relates to a modular vessel according to the preamble of claim 1. Background

In a world where the search for natural resources both is increasing and in increasing degree is performed in areas having little or no infrastructure, there is a need for novel and innovative technical solutions.

When the activity is performed by sea, there are often large limitations with regard to vessel size due to the possibilities to bring such a vessel into an area with difficult access.

There is normally also a frequent need for several types of vessels, such as vessels adapted for seismic, diving, ROV, exploratory drilling and test production in one single location. In addition, there is a need for accommodation and office facilities, supply, safety etc.

So far, the attempt to organize activity of this type in a lake in an area having little or no infrastructure has been so demanding that large and interesting areas has been exploited only to a small degree.

Weight and dimensions of suitable vessels is the first limiting factor for transport.

The largest helicopter is Russian and has today a maximum payload of about 40 tons, whereas road transport often is imposed by severe limitations, as maximum width and axle pressure. Moreover, during natural disasters there have often been large needs for quickly establishing temporary hospitals, health care centers and other installations.

DE 42 33 526 Al discloses the use of containers as construction modules to assemble a vessel including a propulsion means.

DE 199 63 423 Al describes a collapsible vessel which in "unfolded" condition can become one or more variants of floating vessels. In folded condition, the external measures are coinciding with the dimension of a standard container, and can be handled and transported as a container.

US 5,915,321 describes a modern streamlined catamaran hull where the deck arrangement can be rebuilt and adapted to different (seasonal) requirements, from pure cargo transport to tourist vessel for sightseeing.

From US 3,878,806 it is known a modular solution which is built upon a principle of insertion, alternatively withdrawal of, hull modules in order to change length/tonnage as needed.

GB 1,188,528 discloses water borne cargo carrying system comprising a first bow section and a first aft section comprising propulsion and steering means. Between the bow section and the aft section, additional sections can be arranged to extend the length/tonnage of the vessel. WO 2008/018829 Al discloses a solution which is based on that at least one of the parts (bow or aft) are hinged so that when the part in question is pivoted 180 degrees upwards, it will form one of the ends of a container (together with the main hull). Further, it is described that instead of hinging, the aft can be detachably arranged, and when the aft is mounted "upside-down" to the middle body, they will together form one end of a standard container.

WO 2005/087580 Al describes in the principle a modular "house" which can be furnished for numerous purposes, from camping to service facilities on a beach. One option is to place this "house" on a frame having buoyancy devices for movement/anchoring on the water.

GB 2 334 485 describes a solution where the idea is to employ a raft consisting of a frame having buoyancy devices to transport standard ship containers, in the principle, from an oversea vessel (container ship) and to the receiver over the ocean.

None of the publications above neither describe nor suggest solutions which meet the need for organizing activity in difficult accessible areas having little or no infrastructure, and possibilities for changing the properties of the vessel to make it applicable for the desired operations which are to be performed in a simple manner.

Object

The main object of the present invention is to provide a modular vessel which improves or removes the disadvantages of prior art.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular vessel which can be changed depending of the desired properties of the vessel.

It is also an object of the invention that modules forming the vessel are formed in such a manner that one is able to build the vessel into an operative condition by means of brought equipment.

An object of the present invention is that the modules which the vessel are formed of can be transported by means of traditional transportation means.

Further, an object of the present invention is that the vessel should be changeable within a short period of time depending on the desired properties by having a number of assembly modules arranged for special tasks or functionality/facilities which in a quick and simple manner can be arranged to or detached from the vessel.

The invention

A modular vessel according to the invention is described in claim 1. Preferable features and details of the vessel are described in the remaining claims. According to the invention it has been provided a modular vessel which meets the above described limitations of the transportation possibilities and continuously increasing demand for maritime equipment.

In other words, a vessel according to the invention is assembled by different modules which form a hull, deck, wheel house and other parts of the vessel.

The modules are preferably based on the same standard international dimensions, as regards length, width, height, corner plates and so on, as standard containers. Examples of standard dimensions are containers having a substantially rectangular shape and are designated as 8-40 feet containers. This for that the modules needed to form a vessel according to the invention should be able to be transported to a location by all known means for standard containers, such as helicopter, heavy goods vehicles, trains, ships, planes and so on.

In this way the vessel can be assembled on-site, i.e. without external logistics when all modules have arrived. This makes it possible to use the vessel according to the invention, e.g. in areas where conventional vessel cannot access, or do not have the flexibility to perform several tasks, such as on lakes or similar.

If applicable, the modules can be provided with wheels/wagons or skis to be transported onshore or across areas covered by snow or ice.

According to the invention, the vessel includes two or more hull modules, which are adapted to be arranged together to form a hull. The hull modules can, for example, form a hull formation which corresponds to a multi-hull vessel, for example, of the catamaran type, trimaran type, etc. The hull modules can, where applicable, also form a single-hull vessel. The hull modules are provided with suitable attachment means which can hold modules constituting the hull together in the longitudinal direction and/or in the lateral direction. These attachment means exhibit the required stiffness and strength which is necessary for desired seaworthiness of the vessel.

One or more of the hull modules are preferably provided/arranged with means for

propulsion/steering of the vessel. These hull modules can, in addition to representing important parts of the hull structure, be provided with equipment and facilities both for personnel and function.

The hull modules are preferably adapted to provide necessary tank volume for fuel, buoyancy, ballast, and similar. It is also an advantage that freshwater and sewage water is located in the hull modules.

Moreover, the vessel includes one or more assembly modules arranged to be fastened to the hull to connect the hulls in the lateral direction and/or in the longitudinal direction.

The assembly modules and the hull modules are provided with mutually suitable attachment means for mutual attachment. The assembly modules are preferably arranged on an upper surface of the hull modules to hold the hull modules together in the lateral direction and to create a vessel structure which is stiff both in the lateral direction and in the longitudinal direction. Moreover, these assembly modules are preferably provided with desired properties, such as provided with wheel house functionality (navigation, communication and required control functions).

Other examples of fully equipped assembly modules can be living quarters, offices, sanitary rooms, ordinary galley/mess and cabin facilities, energy module for energy supply to the vessel, etc.

Moreover, the assembly modules can be adapted to the different operations the vessel is to perform. In this context, the assembly modules are preferably complete modules which are easily replaceable, so that the vessel within a short period of time can be fully rigged for other tasks.

Examples of operations which the assembly modules may be specially arranged for can be seismic, diving, ROV, deployment of oil weir, collection of oil spill, etc. Thus, the vessel can be provided with assembly modules which are particularly adapted to these operations.

The assembly modules are preferably adapted so that numerous assembly modules of this type can be arranged vertically to save badly needed deck area. The assembly modules can be adapted to be arranged along hull modules or other assembly modules, laterally of hull modules or other assembly modules, or extending vertically up from hull modules or other assembly modules.

Moreover, the hull modules and the assembly modules can be provided with means so that the assembly modules can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the hull modules. This is useful, for example, when the vessel is to be adapted to another type of operation and new assembly modules or hull modules are to be adapted to the vessel which will change the vessel properties.

In this way, it is provided a vessel that in a simple manner can be modified and changed as needed. For example, if there is a need for larger carrying capacity, better stability or more storage area on deck, the modular system can be reconfigured in a new way, extended by more assembly modules or hull modules, be extended in the longitudinal direction, increased in the lateral direction, extended, etc. in a short period of time.

Moreover, the vessel preferably includes deck elements which can be arranged in open fields between the hull modules after the hull modules and assembly modules have been assembled together into a vessel. The deck elements are advantageously provided with means for attachment to the hull modules and optionally mutual attachment. The deck elements the form a working or transport deck for transport of required equipment and accessories.

As mentioned above, the vessel is provided with propulsion/steering means in connection with one or more of the hull modules. By providing the vessel with suitable propulsion/steering means, e.g. in each corner of the vessel, and connect the same to a control system, such as dynamic positioning, a highly functional vessel can be achieved for many of the tasks required to be performed in an operation, such as in connection with exploration of oil or gas.

For example when using diesel-electric propulsion, a diesel motor with generator can also be located in the hull, but in connection with larger multi-hull constructions, it may be suitable to locate all generator units in a separate assembly module where also required electrical distribution and control constitute an integral part of the assembly modules. Such an assembly module will of course naturally be one of the assembly modules holding the hulls together.

If one should choose pure diesel motor propulsion, it will be natural to locate the motor in the hull module and directly connected to the propulsion means.

Several options can be considered with regard to propulsion/steering means, such as VSP (Voit Schneider Propulsion), azimuth-thruster (propel propulsion), water jet, conventional thrusters (propel propulsion), conventional propel propulsion or similar, or a combination of these.

The choice of propulsion/steering means will depend on the kind of flexibility which is needed, and the hull modules or special assembly modules for this are adapted to the propulsion/steering means in question.

In this way it is provided a modular vessel which can be adapted according to the desired field of use. Examples of field of use are:

• vessels for personal or passenger transport,

• cargo vessel for transport of cargo on deck or in tanks, ferry, barge, bridge/landing vessel or similar,

• vessel for performing seismic operations,

• vessel for performing ROV operations (mini submarine),

• diving vessel, including diving support,

• vessel for cable laying or pipe laying,

• vessel for lifting operations, including crane operations,

• vessel for exploration drilling,

• vessel for well development,

• vessel for oil collection, waste collection, or similar,

• vessel for mineral exploration, mineral field development, including test drilling, search for minerals, etc.,

• vessel for developing bases and installations onshore or on water,

• vessel for performing port operations, marine/coastal guard functions or similar,

• vessels for installation, maintenance and repair of seamarks, subsea installations or similar,

• vessel for construction and supply of offshore installations, • vessels for helicopter support,

• vessels for natural disasters or environmental disasters, including hospitals/medical

centers/vaccination centers,

• vessels to performing research

· etc.

This illustrates that a modular vessel according to the invention is very applicable. No shipyard is needed to change the vessel. In order to change the vessel, the vessel can be provided with necessary lifting equipment and power aggregate to meet the need for power supply to hydraulics, light, heat, etc. This can for example be arranged in a separate assembly module. When the vessel includes a separate assembly module, the vessel can be assembled and disassembled without the use of external equipment.

Further advantageous features and details of the present invention will appear from the following example description. Example

The invention will in the following be described in detail with reference to the non-limiting attached drawings, where:

Figure la shows a vessel according to a first embodiment of the invention, viewed from thebow,

Figure lb shows a vessel according to a first embodiment of the invention, viewed from the side,

Figures lc-d show a vessel according to a first embodiment of the invention, viewed from above,

Figure 2 shows a vessel according to a second embodiment of the invention, viewed from above,

Figure 3 shows a vessel according to a third embodiment of the invention, viewed from above, Figures 4a-c show modifications of the vessels in Figures 1-3, and

Figures 5a-b show a vessel according to the invention in use. Now referring to Figures la-d which show a modular vessel 11 according to a first embodiment of the invention, viewed from the bow, from the side and from above, respectively. According to the first embodiment the vessel 11 includes in total four hull modules 12, of which two and two hull modules 12 are arranged in two series to form two parallel hulls 13a and 13b, as illustrated in Figure lc, a hull formation of the type catamaran hull. The hull modules 12 which are arranged in series are provided with suitable attachment means (not illustrated) which provide desired strength and rigidity of the hull. The hull modules 12 are adapted with suitable properties to be floatable in the sea, and preferably have double walls and bilge systems for safe seaworthiness. Moreover, the hull modules 12 are preferably provided with means for simple access, both up to the deck and between the hull modules 12. The hull modules 12 are advantageously also provided with safety means that prevents water to flow freely between the hull modules 12 in case of damage on one of the hull modules.

Moreover, the vessel according to the first embodiment includes one or more assembly modules 14 extending in the lateral direction between the two hulls 13a and 13b and connects them together in the width direction. The assembly modules 14 can also be arranged along the hull modules 12 or in other ways, which is described in further detail below. For mutual attachment the hull modules 12 and the assembly modules 14 are provided with mutual suitable attachment means (not illustrated). The assembly modules 14 are preferably extending by at least a distance on an upper surface of the hull modules 12 and are in this way arranged on top of the hull modules 12. Preferably, at least one assembly module 14 is arranged in a way that it extends across the joint between two hull modules 12 in series to strengthen this joint.

It should in addition be noted that the hull modules 12 can be adapted with bow or aft if desirable for the properties of the vessel.

All the hull modules 12 and assembly modules 14 do advantageously have a substantially rectangular shape and have external measures that correspond to standard ISO containers, such as 8-40 feet containers.

The hull modules 12 are further preferably provided with propulsion/steering means 15 for propulsion of the vessel 11. By providing the vessel 11 with suitable propulsion means 15, e.g. in each corner of the vessel 11, and connect these up to a control system, such as dynamic positioning, a highly functional vessel 11 can be provided.

By, for example, diesel-electric propulsion, a diesel motor with a generator can also be located in the hull modules 12, but in connection with larger multi-hull constructions it can be suitable to locate all generator units in a separate generator module where also necessary electric distribution and control constitutes an integral part of the module. A module of this type will naturally also be one of the assembly modules 14 which hold the hulls 13a-b together.

If pure diesel motor power is selected, a natural location for the motor would be in the hull modules 12 and connected directly to the propulsion means 15.

Advantageously, the vessel 11 includes several assembly modules 14 which connect the hulls 13a-b together laterally to provide the vessel 11 with suitable properties. Assembly modules 14 which can be considered as standard will be, for example, assembly modules 14 with wheel house 16, office, sanitary room and ordinary galley/mess facilities, etc.

The assembly modules 14 are preferably adapted so that several assembly modules 14 can be arranged on top of each other to save badly needed deck area.

An example of normal standard equipment for a vessel 11 according to the invention will be a vessel 11 that includes three assembly modules 12, where e.g. the one assembly module 14 is an accommodation module provided with living room/dining room and cabins with shower and WC. The other assembly modules 14 is for example an operation module including, for example, office/laboratory facilities and sanitary room in addition to a wheel house 16 and its functions, such as required telecommunication/satellite communication for, among others, dynamic positioning of the vessel 11 during operation. The third assembly module 14 is, for example, an energy module including power supply, switchboards and connection points. The energy module can further be arranged to serve as a pure stand-by power unit for other installations.

The hull modules 12 and the assembly modules 14 will in this way form a hull formation that is rigid both lateral and longitudinal direction.

Further, the vessel advantageously includes deck elements 17, as shown in Figure lc, which are adapted to be arranged between the hulls 13a and 13b to establish a deck. The deck elements 17 can be formed by one or more parts extending in longitudinal and/or lateral direction of the vessel 11. The deck elements 17 are arranged where no assembly modules 14 are arranged.

Advantageously, the deck elements 17 are provided with attachment means for attachment to the hull modules 12 and optionally mutually attachment. These deck elements 17 can typically be made of composite material, steel, aluminum, wood or similar.

Reference is now made to Figure 2, which shows a vessel 11 according to a second embodiment of the invention. According to the second embodiment the vessel 11 includes three hulls 13a-c and form a trimaran hull formation. In this embodiment, the hulls 13a-c are formed of totally six hull modules 12. In this embodiment, three hull modules 12 are arranged in series, and for each of these hull modules 12, hull modules 12 are arranged in lateral direction so that three double parallel hulls 13a-c are formed.

Further, the vessel 11 includes assembly modules 14 extending laterally between the hulls 13a- b and 13b-c, respectively, and assembly modules 14 extending along the hulls 13a-c. In this way, the assembly modules 14 will strengthen the vessel construction both in lateral direction, by being arranged across joints between hull modules 12, and in the longitudinal direction by being arranged across joints between hull modules 12 in series. In this way, it has been provided a vessel 11 having a large surface and many functions.

Assembly modules 14 extending longitudinally of the hulls 13a-c are advantageously adapted so that they can be integrated with the assembly modules 14 extending laterally of the hulls 13a-c. Reference is now made to Figure 3, which shows a third embodiment according to the invention. This embodiment of the vessel 11 includes two double hulls 13a-b, in the same manner as in Figure 2, and forms a hull formation similar to a catamaran. Each hull 13a-b includes, as in the former embodiment, three hull modules 12 in the longitudinal direction and two in the lateral direction. Further, the vessel 11 includes assembly modules 14 which extend laterally of the hulls 13a-b, where the assembly modules 14 are arranged so that they are extending over the innermost hull modules 12 of each hull 13a-b.

The assembly modules 14 can further, as mentioned above, be adapted to be arranged laterally or longitudinally of the hull modules 12. Further, the assembly modules 14 can be adapted to be arranged vertically erecting from the hull modules 12. The assembly modules 14 can also be adapted to be arranged longitudinally or laterally of other assembly modules 14, i.e. so that the assembly modules 14 can be arranged on top of each other. Further, the assembly modules 14 can be adapted to be arranged vertically erecting up from other assembly modules 14. The assembly modules 14 can be fully equipped special modules, e.g. for operating a ROV (remotely controlled mini submarine), oil weir, pipeline deployment, drilling operations, acute medical assistance for humanitarian tasks, etc. These assembly modules can also be adapted to be arranged on deck elements 17 or with the possibilities to be arranged on top of each other, depending on weight and functionality.

Reference is now made to Figures 4a-c, which show alternative modifications of the

embodiments described above. Figure 4a shows a vessel 11 where an assembly module 14 is arranged vertically erecting from a hull module 12.

Figure 4b shows a vessel 11 where an assembly module 14 is arranged vertically erecting from the top of an elongate assembly module 14.

Figure 4c shows a vessel 11 similar to the vessel in Figure 2, where an assembly module 14 is arranged vertically erecting from a lateral assembly module 14. Further, propulsion/steering means 15 are arranged in connection with both hull modules 12 in the hulls 13a and 13c.

Moreover, Figure 4c shows that the vessel 11 can include spacer modules 18, which are adapted to be arranged to assembly modules 14 to improve rigidity, in lateral and longitudinal direction, or to provide passenger/windbreak outside the assembly modules 14. As shown in Figure 4c, e.g. the spacer modules 18 are arranged at the end, i.e. the short side, of laterally extending assembly modules 14, thus providing increased rigidity in the lateral direction of the vessel 11, and serve as spacers for the hulls 13a-b and 13b-c, respectively, and for providing passage outside the assembly modules 14. The spacer modules 18 are preferably provided with suitable attachment means for arranged to assembly modules 14 and hull modules 12. The spacer modules 18 can consist of only a frame structure or a covered frame structure so that a closed passage/windbreak is formed outside the assembly modules.

In this way it is provided a vessel that in a simple and quick manner can be assembled and disassembled. Moreover, it has been provided a system which makes the vessel simple to extend, reduce or modify to desired properties/requirements depending on the operation to be performed. It has further been provided a system which makes the vessel in disassembled state to be transported to areas which are impossible to reach from the sea. Bu that the vessel is formed by modules having a size corresponding to standard ISO containers, the vessel can be transported in a disassembled condition with traditional transport means, such as railway, floating vessels, planes and on the road.

By that the vessel is formed by modules which are fully equipped, the vessel can easily change properties by exchanging modules. By using modules being fully equipped with desired equipment this enables the vessel to be ready for use immediately after assembly of the module.

The vessel further preferably includes deck equipment, which is common for a vessel, such as rescue boat (MOD) 20, rescue rafts 21, lanterns, working light 22, moorings 23, crane 24, winches 25, etc., as shown in Figures l-4c. If desirable, the vessel may comprise winches 25 which not only are common deck equipment, but also for use as anchor winches e.g. during drilling operations involving hydrocarbons, i.e. for dynamic positioning together with one or more anchors (not illustrated) in each corner of the vessel, e.g. as shown in Figures 2 and 4b-c, known as thruster assisted mooring.

In connection with assembling the vessel in an area without access to lifting equipment, an assembly crane will be required to assemble the vessel. This need can be met by providing the vessel with a separate assembly module, which preferably is provided with a crane and other required equipment to set a crane in an operative state. This includes, for example, support legs, propulsion/steering means, hydraulic aggregate, light aggregate, strop equipment, etc.

Reference is now made to Figure 5a-b which shows the vessel in use under an operation of an ROV 30 in connection with a rescue operation and in connection with collection of oil spill by use of the rescue boat 20, respectively.

Modifications

Propulsion and positioning of the vessel can be effected by using conventional

propulsion/steering means (VSP, propels, thrusters, etc.), towing, anchoring or Jack-up (one or more submersible legs/supports that are arranged on the seabed.). The size of assembly modules does not have to be the size of standard dimensions, but can have dimensions which deviate from this if applicable.

The assembly modules can be adapted to or arranged for other functionality/other operations than described above.

The hull modules and the assembly modules can be made by different materials and have different sizes dependent on desired properties.

Even though it is not described in detail above, it should be evident that both the assembly modules and the hull modules advantageously are provided with doors, hatchways or similar to simplify access to the interior of the modules, both up to the deck and between the hull modules/assembly modules.