[0001] The present invention relates to a transverse propulsion device of a ship.

[0002] As known, maneuvering a ship is complex, and in particular a large ship, during berthing or unberthing using the main propulsion system and the rudder.

[0003] Indeed, using the rudder is neither easy nor effective in confined spaces and at low speeds because the rudder, being an airfoil, needs to flow in a stream of water of a given speed to develop lift. Furthermore, since the main propulsion system and the rudder are arranged aft, the bow area of the ship is left substantially uncontrolled during the berthing and unberthing maneuvers.

[0004] Thus, it is known to equip ships with at least one transverse propulsion device, also known as a maneuvering propeller, which comprises an impeller arranged with the rotation axis directed perpendicular to the symmetry plane of the ship.

[0005] The transverse propulsion device is built into a tunnel defined in the hull of the ship, which crosses the ship from side to side, at the bow or even the stern.

[0006] To protect the transverse propulsion devices from possible collisions or damage, it is known to install grates or opening doors at the entrances of the tunnel in which the transverse propulsion device is housed.

[0007] The opening doors, compared to grates, have the advantage of being able to be closed when the transverse propulsion device is not in use, while cruising, to minimize the turbulence phenomena generated by the tunnel openings, as well as to cover and protect the transverse propulsion device in an optimal manner and be opened when the use of the transverse propulsion device is required.

[0008] Solutions are known in which doors are installed on a plurality of through hinges connected to the tunnel entrance. Examples of these solutions are described in CN205819525, CN105329405, CN102381439, CN109094715, CN205327529, WO2019/220152 and GB782628. These known solutions show structures that must be accommodated in appropriate apertures made as recesses at the entrance of the tunnel and as clearly described, welded to the hull. These known solutions, precisely because of the need to weld the frame which surrounds and supports the doors to the hull, oblige designing the maneuvering tunnel entrances with square and sharp edges, which generate vorticity and turbulence in the flow of fluid either entering or exiting from the tunnel which generate high losses of energy.

[0009] The presence of the doors at the tunnel entrance makes maintenance of the transverse propulsion device slow and laborious because the doors prevent a maintenance person from quickly reaching inside the tunnel to able to intervene on the transverse propulsion device.

[0010] A further drawback of the known transverse propulsion devices is that the doors, in a closed configuration and while cruising, generate friction and eddy resistance due to the discontinuity of the hull profile at the doors.

[0011] A further drawback of the known transverse propulsion devices is that the doors, in an open configuration and when the impeller is in use, generate turbulent flows which affect the operational conditions of the impeller itself.

[0012] It is the object of the present invention to make available a transverse propulsion device such as to solve at least some of the drawbacks of the background art.

[0013] It is a particular object of the present invention to provide a transverse propulsion device which facilitates maintenance operations by facilitating access to the transverse propulsion device by a maintenance person.

[0014] It is a further special object of the present invention to provide a transverse propulsion device which reduces the eddy resistance and friction generated while cruising. [0015] It is a further particular purpose of the present invention to provide a transverse propulsion device which reduces turbulent flow generation, preserving laminar flows and avoiding phenomena of boundary layer separation and vorticity during the use of the transverse propulsion device.

[0016] These and other objects are achieved by means of a transverse propulsion device according to claim 1 .

[0017] The dependent claims relate to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] In order to better understand the invention and appreciate the advantages thereof, some non-limiting exemplary embodiments thereof will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] - figure 1 is a detail view of a ship on which a transverse propulsion device according to an embodiment of the invention is installed;

[0020] - figure 2 is a further detail view of a ship on which a transverse propulsion device is installed, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0021] - figure 3 is a front view of a transverse propulsion device, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0022] - figure 4 is a prospective view of a transverse propulsion device, according to an embodiment of the invention; [0023] - figure 5 is a prospective view of a transverse propulsion device, in an open configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0024] - figure 6 is a frontal view of the transverse propulsion device, in an open configuration, shown in figure 5;

[0025] - figure 7 is a further prospective view of a transverse propulsion device, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0026] - figure 8 is a further prospective view of a transverse propulsion device, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0027] - figure 9 is a side view of a transverse propulsion device, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0028] - figure 10 is a cross section, prospective view of a transverse propulsion device, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0029] - figure 11 is a view of a detail of a transverse propulsion device, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0030] - figure 12 is a view of a detail of a transverse propulsion device, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0031] - figure 13 is a detail view of a transverse propulsion device, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0032] - figure 14 is a further detail view of a transverse propulsion device, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0033] - figure 15 is a further detail view of a transverse propulsion device, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0034] - figure 16 is a view of a component of a transverse propulsion device, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0035] - figure 17 is a partially exploded view of a transverse propulsion device, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0036] - figure 18 is a perspective view of a transverse propulsion device, associated with a disassembly tool, in a first step of disassembly, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0037] - figure 19 is a further perspective view of a transverse propulsion device associated with a disassembly tool, in a second step of disassembly, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0038] - figure 20 is a prospective view of a disassembly tool, according to an embodiment of the invention; [0039] - figure 21 shows a local and cross section of a ship hull with a transverse propulsion device, which depicts the closing doors of a maneuvering tunnel open and the maneuvering propulsion in operation, highlighting the fluid flow entering the maneuvering tunnel and exiting from the opposite side, highlighting the laminar flow achieved by virtue of the suggested device and the rounded connection shape between the inner surface of the tunnel and the outer surface of the ship hull;

[0040] - figure 22 shows an axonometric view with separate parts of an alternative embodiment of the invention in which the actuators of the closing doors are arranged on the support structure avoiding any passage to the hull and limiting the overall dimensions of the solution;

[0041] - figure 23 shows a local and cross section of the ship hull in figure 22, which depicts the closing doors of the maneuvering tunnel open, highlighting the rounded shape of the connection between the inner surface of the tunnel and the outer surface of the ship hull;

[0042] - figure 24 is an axonometric section view of the maneuvering tunnel of figure 23 in which a central pair of counter-rotating doors is highlighted, facing each other open mutually forming a hydrodynamic shape.

[0043] According to a general embodiment, a transverse propulsion device 1 of a ship 2 comprising:

[0044] - a maneuvering tunnel 3 defined in a hull 4 of the ship 2, and adapted to contain at least one maneuvering propeller 5;

[0045] - said maneuvering tunnel 3 being delimited by tunnel walls 6, which extend between a first tunnel entrance 7 and an opposite second tunnel entrance 8;

[0046] - at least one coupling 9, which extends from the tunnel walls 6 at the at least one tunnel entrance 7, 8;

[0047] - at least one support structure 10, comprising at least one counter-coupling 27;

[0048] - said support structure 10 being connected in a separable manner with said at least one counter-coupling 27 thereof to said at least one coupling 9;

[0049] wherein

[0050] - said transverse propulsion device 1 further comprising at least two closing doors 12 shaped so as to close the at least one tunnel entrance 7, 8, as a whole, when in the closing position;

[0051] said at least one support structure 10 comprises hinges 1 1 ; and wherein

[0052] - said at least two closing doors 12 are rotatably supported only on said hinges 11 of the support structure 10, [0053] and wherein

[0054] - said at least one counter-coupling 27 has a shape which is complementary to the shape of the at least one coupling 9 and geometrically couplable with the at least one coupling 9,

[0055] - and in that the at least one counter-coupling 27 and the at least one coupling 9 are shaped so that, when they are geometrically coupled, they define a hydrodynamic shape.

[0056] With reference to the figures, a transverse propulsion device is indicated by reference numeral 1 .

[0057] The transverse propulsion device 1 of a ship 2 comprises a maneuvering tunnel 3 defined in a hull 4 of the ship 2 and adapted to contain at least one maneuvering propeller 5.

[0058] The maneuvering tunnel 3 is delimited by tunnel walls 6 which extend between a first tunnel entrance 7 and an opposite second tunnel entrance 8.

[0059] The transverse propulsion device 1 further comprises at least one coupling 9 which extends from the tunnel walls 6 the at least one tunnel entrance 7, 8.

[0060] Furthermore, the transverse propulsion device 1 comprises at least one support structure 10 comprising at least one counter-coupling 27.

[0061] The support structure 10 is connected in a separable manner to said at least one coupling 9 with said at least one counter-coupling 27 thereof.

[0062] The transverse propulsion device 1 further comprises at least two closing doors 12 shaped so as to close the at least one tunnel entrance 7, 8 as a whole when in the closing position.

[0063] According to an aspect of the invention, the at least one support structure 10 comprises hinges 11 .

[0064] Furthermore, the at least two locking doors 12 are rotatably hinged only to the hinges 11 of the support structure 10, so that when the at least one counter-coupling 27 of the support structure 10 is separated from the at least one coupling 9, the closing doors 12 are separated from the maneuvering tunnel 3 together with the support structure 10, allowing access to the maneuvering tunnel 3.

[0065] Advantageously, a transverse propulsion device 1 thus configured facilitates the maintenance operations by facilitating access to the transverse propulsion device by a maintenance person. [0066] According to an embodiment, said maneuvering tunnel 3 comprises tunnel walls 6. Said tunnel walls 6 form fillet walls 16 at tunnel entrances 7, 8. Said fillet walls 16 are connected to outer walls 17 of the hull 2.

[0067] By virtue of the fillet walls 16, any discontinuity or edge between the tunnel walls 6 and the outer hull walls 17 is avoided, allowing the fluid entering or exiting the maneuvering tunnel 3 to move quickly and without or with minimal vorticity, which allows the advancement resistance of the ship to be greatly reduced.

[0068] The provision of at least one coupling 9 fixed to the tunnel walls 6, at least one removable counter-coupling 27 of the support structure 10, which is also removable, as well as of closing doors 12 operatively connected to the support structure 10 so as to be separable from the maneuvering tunnel 3 together with the support structure 10, without thereby altering the geometry of the fillet walls 16, enables to obtain the maximum hydrodynamics of the transverse propulsion device 1 , and thus the possibility of using this solution on pre-existing maneuvering tunnels 3 optimized for hydrodynamic efficiency and thus initially not provided with closing doors 12 (allowing retrofitting on old solutions not provided with closing doors 12).

[0069] CONNECTING THE SUPPORT STRUCTURE 10 TO THE COUPLINGS 9

[0070] According to an embodiment, the shape of the at least one counter-coupling 27 is complementary to that of the at least one coupling 9 so as to be geometrically couplable with the at least one coupling 9.

[0071] Furthermore, the at least one counter coupling 27 and the at least one coupling 9 are shaped such that they define a hydrodynamic shape when they are geometrically coupled.

[0072] Advantageously, the hydrodynamic shape reduces the generation of turbulent flows, preserving laminar flows while using the transverse propulsion device 1 .

[0073] According to an embodiment, the at least one counter-coupling 27 is separably connectable to the at least one coupling 9 through a threaded connection.

[0074] According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one counter-coupling 27 and the at least one geometrically coupled coupling 9 are locked together by a threaded connection, preferably by a plurality of captive screws 28.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the transverse propulsion device 1 comprises at least one pair of couplings 9 positioned opposite to each other relative to the tunnel entrance 7, 8.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the support structure 10 comprises at least one beam 21 extending between two beam ends. [0077] Each beam end is configured so as to make a counter-coupling 27, separable by said coupling 9.

[0078] According to this embodiment, the hinges 1 1 are connected to the at least one beam 21 , so that each of the hinges 11 defines a door rotation axis 14 lying in a plane transverse to the ship.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the support structure 10 comprises at least two beams 21 substantially parallel to each other.

[0080] According to this embodiment, the hinges 11 positioned on one beam 21 are directed towards the hinges 1 1 positioned on the at least one second beam 21 , so as to form a plurality of pairs of hinges 1 1 , and wherein each pair of hinges 1 1 defines a door rotation axis 14 lying in a plane transverse to the ship.

[0081] According to an embodiment, the at least one beam 21 is an airfoil or is shaped so as to be hydrodynamic.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the support structure 10 comprises at least one upright 22 extended between two upright ends. The upright ends are connected with two opposite couplings 9.

[0083] Furthermore, the at least one upright 22 is connected to the at least one beam 21 and is positioned transversely relative to the at least one beam 21 .

[0084] According to an embodiment, the upright ends are connected to the couplings 9 by a threaded connection, preferably by a plurality of captive screws.

[0085] According to an embodiment, each upright end is configured so as to make a counter-coupling 27.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the at least one upright 22 is an airfoil or is shaped so as to be hydrodynamic.

[0087] According to an embodiment, the support structure 10 comprises at least two uprights 22 substantially parallel to each other and connected to the at least one beam 21 . [0088] According to a preferred embodiment, the support structure 10 comprises two beams 21 each connected with two uprights 22, so as to make a frame, for example but not necessarily quadrangular.

[0089] CONNECTING THE CLOSING DOORS 12 TO THE HINGES 1 1

[0090] The closing doors 12 define a door outer surface 29 and an opposite door inner surface 30.

[0091] In a closed configuration, the door outer surface 29 faces outwards from the maneuvering tunnel 3, and the door inner surface 30 faces inwards from the maneuvering tunnel 3. [0092] According to an embodiment of the invention, the closing doors 12 are rotatably hinged on the hinges 11 so that, in a closing configuration, the outer surface of doors 29 is flush with a hull outer surface 17 of the ship 2.

[0093] Advantageously, such a positioning of the closing doors 12 reduces the formation of eddy resistance and vorticity, and by virtue of the closing doors 12 avoids the primary source of added resistance given by the stream of water impacting the inner surfaces of the tunnel acting as a brake.

[0094] According to an embodiment, each locking door 12 forms at least one pair of opposing prong-shaped eyelets 33 which embrace a hinge 11 so as to align with the hinge 11 for the insertion of the door rotation pin 34 that rotatably connects the eyelets 33 to the hinge 1 1 .

[0095] According to this embodiment, the closing doors 12 are connected with the support structure 10 to lie on a plane transverse to the ship when open.

[0096] According to an embodiment, the pair of opposing eyelets 33 comprises a through eyelet 36 and a threaded eyelet 37.

[0097] The door rotation pin 34 is configured to be inserted through the through eyelet 36 and the hinge 11 , and to be screwed into the threaded eyelet 37.

[0098] According to an embodiment, the door rotation pin 34 screwed to the threaded eyelet 37 protrudes beyond the through eyelet 36.

[0099] According to this embodiment, a nut 20 is screwed to said protruding portion of the door rotation pin 34 so as to tighten the hinge of the closing door 12 to at least one hinge 1 1 .

[00100] According to an embodiment, the opposing eyelets 33 are formed in a niche 35 of the closing door 12.

[00101] According to an embodiment, each closing door 12 comprises a closing wall 31 and a door frame 32, which are connected to each other.

[00102] According to this embodiment, the eyelets 33 are formed on the door frame 32.

[00103] According to an embodiment, the end wall 31 is shaped so as to geometrically couple with the eyelets 33 of the door frame 32.

[00104] According to an embodiment, a first set of closing doors 12, e.g., with five closing doors 12, is hinged to the support structure 10 so that, when partially open and when the ship 2 is moved forward, the fluid flow generated by the movement of the ship 2 tends to further close said first group of closing doors 12.

[00105] Furthermore, a second group of closing doors 12, e.g., with a single closing door 12, is hinged to the support structure 10 such that, when partially open and when the ship 2 is moved forward, the fluid flow generated by the movement of the ship 2 tends to open such a second group of closing doors 12.

[00106] According to an embodiment, a group of five total doors consists of four doors which tend to close with the ship in forward motion and only one that, in the presence of advancement, tends to open. Considering that the doors can be either all closed or all open, the group with more exposed hydrodynamic surface area prevails and the system tends to spontaneously close when the ship is in forward motion.

[00107] According to an embodiment, the closing doors 12 is an airfoil or shaped so as to be hydrodynamic when the closing doors 12 are in the open or partially open position.

[00108] Therefore, when the transverse propulsion device 1 is in motion, such a shaping of the closing doors 12 limits the formation of turbulent motions of the fluid passing through said closing doors 12.

[00109] According to a further embodiment, the at least one pair of adjoining closing doors 12 comprises an outer door surface 29 and an inner door surface 30.

[00110] In a closed configuration, the door outer surface 29 faces outwards from the maneuvering tunnel 3, and the door inner surface 30 faces inwards from the maneuvering tunnel 3.

[00111] In an open or opening configuration, at least said pair of adjoining doors 12 rotate so that each closing door 12 rotates in a mutually opposite direction, i.e., in a counterrotating manner, taking the respective door outer surfaces 29 to face each other, and the door inner surfaces 30 to be mutually opposite, together forming a hydrodynamic profile (in the set of the two contiguous open doors).

[00112] CLOSING DOORS 12 ACTUATION

[00113] According to an embodiment, the transverse propulsion device 1 comprises a door control mechanism 24 configured to move the closing doors 12 from a closing position to an opening position and vice versa.

[00114] According to an embodiment, the at least one closing door 12 forms at least one slot or eyelet 33 which aligns with at least one hinge 1 1 provided in the support structure 10.

[00115] At least one hinge 11 of the support structure 10 is a rotary motor 50 comprising a rotary motor stator 51 and a rotary motor rotor 53.

[00116] Said at least one eyelet 33 of the closing door 12 is connected to said rotary motor rotor 53, so that a rotary movement is generated in said closing door 12 upon rotation of said rotary motor rotor 53. [00117] According to an embodiment, the at least one closing door 12 forms at least one eyelet 33 which aligns with at least one hinge 11 provided in the support structure 10.

[00118] Said at least one eyelet 33 of the closing door 12 is a rotary motor 50 comprising a rotary motor stator 51 and a rotary motor rotor 53.

[00119] Said at least one hinge 11 comprises a slot and said slot is connected to said rotary motor rotor 53 so that a rotary movement is generated in said closing door 12 upon rotation of said rotary motor rotor 53.

[00120] According to an embodiment, said rotary motor 50 is a hydraulic or electric motor operatively connected to the hull by means of an operational connection of the rotary motor 53.

[00121] According to an embodiment, said rotary motor 50 is a hydraulic or electric motor operatively connected to the hull by means of an operational connection of the rotary motor 53 by means of a releasable connector 54, e.g., a quick connector 55.

[00122] By virtue of the provision of a rotary motor 50 fixed to the support structure 20 or to the closing door 12, it is possible to make an entirely outboard solution free from actuating mechanisms crossing the hull, simplifying the construction and greatly reducing the overall dimensions and avoiding moving sliding parts immersed in seawater.

[00123] According to an embodiment, an actuator, for example but not necessarily a linear actuator 38 exits from the hull by entering the maneuvering tunnel 3 and operatively and separably connects to said door control mechanism 24.

[00124] According to an embodiment, the door control mechanism 24 comprises a linear actuator 38 configured to act along a door actuation axis 26 substantially transverse to the door rotation axis 14.

[00125] According to an embodiment, the linear actuator 38 is positioned at a tunnel entrance 7, 8, and opens in sealed manner from the tunnel wall 6 into the inside of the maneuvering tunnel 3.

[00126] According to an embodiment, the door control mechanism 24 comprises a control console 23 connected to the linear actuator 38 through an articulated connection.

[00127] The control console 23 is further connected to the closing doors 12, so that the closing doors 12 are moved at a movement of the linear actuator 38.

[00128] According to an embodiment of the invention, the articulated connection between the control console 23 and the linear actuator 38 comprises a connecting pin 43 which rotatably connects the control console 23 to the linear actuator 38. [00129] According to an embodiment, the control console 23 is connected to the locking doors 12 by a plurality of control levers 39 connected to the locking doors 12 and rotatably connected to the control console 23.

[00130] Preferably, only one control lever 39 is connected to each closing door 12.

[00131] According to an embodiment, a reversing control lever 41 of the plurality of control levers 39 is connected to a motion reversing connecting rod 40 configured to reverse the direction of rotation of the closing door 12 connected with said reversing control lever 41 . [00132] In this manner, when the control console 23 actuates the control levers 39 to open the closing doors 12 in a counterclockwise direction, the motion reversing connecting rod 40 operates the reversing control lever 41 to open the corresponding closing door in a clockwise direction, and vice versa.

[00133] According to an embodiment, the motion reversal connecting rod 40 is pivoted to a control rod 42 stationary relative to the control console 23.

[00134] According to an embodiment, the control console 23 is configured to act on the door frame 32 of each closing door 12.

[00135] According to an embodiment of the invention, the transverse propulsion device 1 comprises two control mechanisms 24 positioned opposite each other relative to the tunnel entrance 7, 8.

[00136] Advantageously, one of the two control mechanisms 24 is redundant relative to the other control mechanism 24, so as to replace it in the event of a malfunction of the first control mechanism 24.

[00137] According to an embodiment, the respective linear actuators 38 of the two control mechanisms 24 act along the same door actuation axis 26, such that advancement of one of the linear actuators 38 corresponds to a retraction of the other linear actuator 38.

[00138] According to an embodiment, a first set of locking doors 12 is connected to the control console 23 of one of the two control mechanisms 24, and a second set of locking doors 12 is connected to the control console 23 of the other control mechanism 24.

[00139] Furthermore, the control consoles 23 of the two control mechanisms 24 are rotatably connected to each other.

[00140] According to an embodiment, both control mechanisms 24 comprise a reversing control lever 41 connected to the same motion reversing connecting rod 40.

[00141] Advantageously, the two control mechanisms 24 thus configured cooperate in the actuation of the closing doors 12 during the normal operation of both, while in the event of failure of one of the two control mechanisms 24, the other is configured to independently move all of the closing doors 12. [00142] DISASSEMBLY TOOL 44

[00143] According to a further aspect of the invention, an assembly kit 45 of a transverse propulsion device 1 comprises the transverse propulsion device 1 as previously described, and a disassembly tool 44.

[00144] According to an embodiment, the disassembly tool 44 comprises two hollow base rails 46 configured to be forked, e.g., by a forklift truck.

[00145] Furthermore, the disassembly tool 44 comprises at least one support column 47, transverse to the base rails 46, and configured to support the at least one counter-coupling 27 of the transverse propulsion device 1 disengaged from a hull 4 of a ship 2.

[00146] According to a preferred embodiment, the disassembly tool 44 comprises two support columns 47 configured to support the beam ends of the at least one beam 21 of the transverse propulsion device 1 disengaged from the hull 4 of the ship 2.

[00147] According to an embodiment, the disassembly tool 47 comprises a polygonal structure 48 which connects the support columns 47 to the base rails 46.

[00148] Stop elements 49 are formed at the connection between the polygonal structure 48 and the base rails 46 to prevent the detachment of the transverse propulsion device 1 disengaged from the hull 4 of the ship 2 and associated with the disassembly tool 44.

[00149] METHOD FOR MAINTAINING A TRANSVERSE PROPULSION DEVICE 1

[00150] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for maintaining a transverse propulsion 1 of the hull 4 of a ship 2 comprises the steps of:

[00151] - separating the at least one counter-coupling 27 of the transverse propulsion device 1 from the at least one coupling 9 of the hull 4 of the ship 2;

[00152] - removing the support structure 10, together with the closing doors 12, from the hull 4 of the ship 2;

[00153] - accessing the maneuvering tunnel 3 and performing the maintenance intervention;

[00154] - reconnecting the at least one counter-coupling 27 of the transverse propulsion device 1 to the at least one coupling 9 of the hull 4 of the ship 2.

[00155] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for maintaining a transverse propulsion 1 provided in the hull 4 a ship 2, comprises the steps of:

[00156] - associating a disassembly tool 44 to a transverse propulsion device 1 ;

[00157] - separating the at least one counter-coupling 27 of the transverse propulsion device 1 from the at least one coupling 9 of the hull 4 of the ship 2;

[00158] - supporting the support structure 10 by means of the disassembly tool 44; [00159] - separating the support structure 10, together with the closing doors 12, from the hull 4 of the ship 2, by means of the disassembly tool 44;

[00160] - accessing the maneuvering tunnel 3 and performing the maintenance intervention;

[00161] - repositioning the support structure 10 at the maneuvering tunnel 3, by means of the disassembly tool 44;

[00162] - reconnecting the at least one counter-coupling 27 of the transverse propulsion device 1 to the at least one coupling 9 of the hull 4 of the ship 2.

[00163] According to a further embodiment, a method for maintaining a transverse propulsion 1 of the hull 4 of a ship 2 comprises the steps of:

[00164] - separating the at least one actuator 38 from the door control mechanism 24 of the transverse propulsion device 1 ;

[00165] - separating the at least one counter-coupling 27 of the transverse propulsion device 1 from the at least one coupling 9 of the hull 4 of the ship 2;

[00166] - removing the support structure 10, together with the closing doors 12, from the hull 4 of the ship 2;

[00167] - accessing the maneuvering tunnel 3 and performing the maintenance intervention;

[00168] - reconnecting the at least one counter-coupling 27 of the transverse propulsion device 1 to the at least one coupling 9 of the hull 4 of the ship 2.

[00169] - reconnecting the at least one actuator 38 to the door control mechanism 24 of the transverse propulsion device 1 .

[00170] According to a further embodiment, a method for maintaining a transverse propulsion 1 of the hull 4 a ship 2 comprises the steps of:

[00171] - associating a disassembly tool 44 to a support structure 10 of a transverse propulsion device 1 ;

[00172] - separating the at least one actuator 38 from the door control mechanism 24 of the transverse propulsion device 1 ;

[00173] - separating the at least one counter-coupling 27 of the transverse propulsion device 1 from the at least one coupling 9 of the hull 4 of the ship 2;

[00174] - supporting the support structure 10, together with the closing doors 12 and the door control mechanism 24, by means of the disassembly tool 44; [00175] - detaching the support structure 10, together with the closing doors 12 and the door control mechanism 24, from the hull 4 of the ship 2, by means of the disassembly tool 44;

[00176] - accessing the maneuvering tunnel 3 and performing the maintenance intervention;

[00177] - repositioning the support structure 10, together with the closing doors 12 and the door control mechanism 24, at the maneuvering tunnel 3, by means of the disassembly tool 44;

[00178] - reconnecting the at least one counter-coupling 27 of the transverse propulsion device 1 to the at least one coupling 9 of the hull 4 of the ship 2.

[00179] - reconnecting the at least one actuator 38 to the door control mechanism 24 of the transverse propulsion device 1 .

[00180] SHIP 2

[00181] According to a further aspect of the invention, the ship 2 comprises at least one transverse propulsion device 1 as described above.

[00182] According to an embodiment, the ship 2 comprises a plurality of transverse propulsion devices 1 .

[00183] According to a preferred embodiment, the ship 2 comprises three transverse propulsion devices 1 .

[00184] According to an embodiment, the ship 2 comprises at least one transverse propulsion device 1 positioned in a bow region of the ship 2.

[00185] According to an embodiment, the ship 2 comprises at least one transverse propulsion device 1 positioned at an aft region of the ship 2.

[00186] Preferably, the ship 2 comprises at least two transverse propulsion devices 1 , one of which is positioned in a bow region of the ship 2 and the other positioned in an aft region of the ship 2.

[00187] FURTHER FEATURES OF TRANSVERSE PROPULSION DEVICE 1

[00188] According to an embodiment of the invention, the maneuvering tunnel 3 flows out on opposite sides 13 of the hull 4.

[00189] According to an embodiment of the invention, the propulsion device 1 comprises a maneuvering propeller 5 of a maneuvering thruster 15, rotatably supported to the tunnel walls 6.

[00190] According to an embodiment preferred, the maneuvering propeller 5 is of the adjustable blade type. [00191] Advantageously, the maneuvering propeller 5 of the adjustable blade type is operable to impart a pulse to the ship 2, selectively, in the direction of each tunnel entrance 7, 8.

[00192] According to an embodiment, the tunnel walls 6 are cylindrical.

[00193] Advantageously, the cylindrical shape preserves laminar flows within the maneuvering tunnel 3, hindering the formation of turbulent motions.

[00194] According to an embodiment of the invention, the tunnel walls 6 form fillet walls 16 connected to outer walls 17 of the hull 2 at tunnel entrances 7, 8. By virtue of the fillet walls 16 the inner surface of the tunnel, or tunnel walls 6, is connected with surface continuity and thus without any edge (in other words by means of a radius) to the outer walls 17 of the hull. The provision of the at least one coupling 9 extending from the tunnel walls 6 at the at least one tunnel entrance 7, 8 makes it possible not to alter this surface continuity between the tunnel walls 6 and the outer walls 17 of the hull 2. Furthermore, the integrity of the fillet walls 16 connected to outer walls 17 of the hull 2 is ensured, allowing a flow of fluid either into or out of the maneuvering tunnel 3 to be fluid dynamically optimized by virtue of the at least one support structure 10 comprising at least one countercoupling 27, which connects in separable manner to said at least one coupling 9.

[00195] Of course, the person skilled in the art will be able to make modifications or adaptations to the present invention without departing from the scope of the claims set forth hereinafter.

REFERENCES