U.S. patent application number 13/944291 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-30 for versatile transport-delivery vessel system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Martin Operating Partnership L.P.. Invention is credited to Edward H. Grimm, III.
Application Number | 20140318434 13/944291 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51788157 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140318434 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grimm, III; Edward H. |
October 30, 2014 |
VERSATILE TRANSPORT-DELIVERY VESSEL SYSTEM
Abstract
The disclosure relates to a versatile transport-cargo vessel
system configured for travel on water. The vessel system either
includes a single self propelled vessel or a tugboat section and a
barge section configured to interlock. The self propelled vessel or
the barge section is configured to carry liquefied natural gas and
at least one additional cargo. The additional cargo may include a
cargo for resupplying another vessel. The cargo may include at
least one of marine gas oil, lubricant, distillates, bio-fuels and
water. The disclosure also relates to a method of resupplying a
second vessel using the versatile transport-delivery vessel.
Inventors: |
Grimm, III; Edward H.;
(Houston, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Martin Operating Partnership L.P. |
Kilgore |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51788157 |
Appl. No.: |
13/944291 |
Filed: |
July 17, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61816862 |
Apr 29, 2013 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
114/74R |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 2025/087 20130101;
B63B 35/28 20130101; B63B 21/56 20130101; B63B 2021/563 20130101;
B63B 35/66 20130101; B63B 17/0027 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
114/74.R |
International
Class: |
B63B 35/00 20060101
B63B035/00; B63B 35/28 20060101 B63B035/28; B63B 35/66 20060101
B63B035/66 |
Claims
1. A marine vessel, comprising: a marine vessel configured to carry
LNG and a resupply cargo.
2. The marine vessel of claim 1, wherein the marine vessel
comprises: a tug boat; and a barge configured to carry the LNG and
the resupply cargo, wherein the tug boat and the barge are
configured to interlock.
3. The marine vessel of claim 2, wherein the barge comprises a
hull; and wherein the hull comprises at least one integrated tank
configured to hold the resupply cargo.
4. The marine vessel of claim 2, wherein the barge comprises: a
hull; and at least one non-hull integrated tank configured to hold
the resupply cargo.
5. The marine vessel of claim 1, wherein the resupply cargo
includes at least one of: MGO, ii) hydraulic fluid, iii) bio-fuel,
iv) lubricant, v) distillate and vi) water.
6. The marine vessel of claim 1, wherein the marine vessel is
configured to meet certification requirements for operation on at
least one of i) high seas and ii) US inland waterways.
7. The marine vessel of claim 1, wherein the marine vessel is
dimensioned for travel on US inland waterways.
8. The marine vessel of claim 1, wherein the marine vessel is
configured to resupply a second marine vessel.
9. The marine vessel of claim 8, wherein configuration to resupply
includes configuration for at least one of: bunkering,
re-provisioning, and midstream refueling.
10. The marine vessel of claim 1, further comprising: a crane
configured to move the resupply cargo.
11. A method of resupplying a second marine vessel, the method
comprising: resupplying the second marine vessel with a resupply
cargo from a first marine vessel, the first marine vessel being
configured to transport LNG and carry the resupply cargo.
12. The method claim 11, wherein the first marine vessel comprises:
a tug boat; and a barge configured to carry the LNG and the
resupply cargo, wherein the tug boat and the barge are configured
to interlock.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the resupplying step comprises:
moving at least part of the resupply cargo from the first marine
vessel to the second marine vessel using a crane.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the crane is mounted on the
first marine vessel.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the resupplying step comprises:
pumping the at least part of the resupply cargo from an integrated
tank on the first marine vessel to a tank disposed on the second
marine vessel.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein moving the at least part of the
resupply cargo comprises: pumping the at least part of the resupply
cargo from a non-integrated tank on the first marine vessel to a
tank disposed on the second marine vessel.
17. The method of claim 11, wherein the resupplying step comprises
at least one of bunkering, re-provisioning, and midstream
refueling.
18. The method of claim 11, wherein the resupply cargo comprises at
least one of: i) MGO, ii) hydraulic fluid, iii) bio-fuel, iv)
lubricant, v) distillate and vi) water.
19. A marine vessel, comprising: a tug boat; and a barge configured
to interlock with the tug boat, wherein the tug boat and the barge
are configured for operation on an ocean and an inland
waterway.
20. The marine vessel of claim 19, wherein the barge is configured
to carry LNG and a resupply cargo.
21. The marine vessel of claim 20, wherein the barge comprises: a
hull; and wherein the hull comprises at least one integrated tank
configured to hold the resupply cargo.
22. The marine vessel of claim 20, wherein the barge comprises: a
hull; and at least one non-hull integrated tank configured to hold
the resupply cargo.
23. The marine vessel of claim 20, wherein the marine vessel is
configured to resupply a second marine vessel.
24. The marine vessel of claim 23, wherein configuration to
resupply includes configuration for at least one of: bunkering,
re-provisioning, and midstream refueling.
25. The marine vessel of claim 20, further comprising: a crane
configured to move the resupply cargo.
26. The marine vessel of claim 20, wherein the resupply cargo
includes at least one of: i) MGO, ii) hydraulic fluid, iii)
bio-fuel, iv) lubricant, v) distillate and vi) water.
27. The marine vessel of claim 19, wherein the marine vessel is
configured to meet certification requirements for operation on at
least one of i) high seas and ii) US inland waterways.
28. The marine vessel of claim 19, wherein the marine vessel is
dimensioned for travel on US inland waterways.
29. A method of transporting LNG, the method comprising:
transporting the LNG on a first marine vessel configured for
operation on an ocean and an inland waterway, wherein the first
marine vessel comprises: a tug boat; and a barge configured to
interlock with the tug boat.
30. The method claim 29, wherein the first marine vessel is
configured to carry a resupply cargo; and the method further
comprising: resupplying a second marine vessel with the resupply
cargo from the first marine vessel.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein the resupplying step comprises:
moving at least part of the resupply cargo from the first marine
vessel to the second marine vessel using a crane.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein the crane is mounted on the
first marine vessel.
33. The method of claim 30, wherein the resupplying step comprises:
pumping the at least part of the resupply cargo from an integrated
tank on the first marine vessel to a tank disposed on the second
marine vessel.
34. The method of claim 30, wherein moving the at least part of the
resupply cargo comprises: pumping the at least part of the resupply
cargo from a non-integrated tank on the first marine vessel to a
tank disposed on the second marine vessel.
35. The method of claim 30, wherein the resupplying step comprises
at least one of: bunkering, re-provisioning, and midstream
refueling.
36. The method of claim 30, wherein the resupply cargo comprises at
least one of i) MGO, ii) hydraulic fluid, iii) bio-fuel, iv)
lubricant, v) distillate and vi) water.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/816,862 filed Apr. 29, 2013, which
application is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes in
its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] 1. Field of Disclosure
[0003] The present disclosure relates to a vessel for transporting
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), petroleum products, such as Marine Gas
Oils (MGO), hydraulic fluids, distillates, bio-fuels, lubricants,
water and performing cargo delivery over water, and, in particular,
on the ocean, lakes, bays, sounds and inland waterways.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] LNG may be transported across the sea and along inland
waterways using specially designed water-going vessels, including
self-propelled vessels and barge that may be combined tugs (such as
an Integrated Tug-Barge (ITB) or an Articulated Tug-Barge (ATB)).
Typically, LNG transport vessels are designed to carry LNG (for
hire by others) as their sole cargo. Thus, an LNG transport vessel
is unable to resupply another vessel with non-LNG supplies, such as
MGO, hydraulic fluids, distillates, bio-fuels, lubricants, and
water. One or more additional vessels, trucks or other delivery
methods are required to supply a vessel with non-LNG supplies.
[0006] Typically LNG transport vessels are designed to be compliant
with regulations for their transport medium. LNG transport vessel
may be designed for compliant operation as sea-going vessels or as
inland waterway vessels.
[0007] Substantial cost is incurred by using two vessels to
resupply a vessel in need of LNG and additional supplies. Involving
two resupply vessels with a vessel to be resupplied requires
coordination and timing of the resupply operation to prevent
downtime and avoid conflicts. What is needed is a single vessel
that can resupply the needs of the vessel requiring resupply.
Additionally, most LNG transport vessels are designed for operation
at sea. What is needed is a LNG transport vessel that is configured
to deliver various cargos for both sea-going, lakes, bays, sounds
and inland waterway operation.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0008] In aspects, the present disclosure is related to a method of
processing an insurance application, and, in particular, performing
a suitability analysis on insurance products during the application
process.
[0009] One embodiment according to the present disclosure includes
a marine vessel, comprising: a marine vessel configured to carry
LNG and a resupply cargo. The marine vessel may be a self propelled
vessel or the marine vessel may comprise: a tug boat and a barge,
the marine vessel (self propelled vessel or barge) configured to
carry the LNG and the resupply cargo, wherein the tug boat and the
barge are configured to interlock. The LNG may be stored in at
least one of: a tank integrated into the hull of the marine vessel
and a non-integrated tank. The resupply cargo may include at least
one of: i) MGO, ii) hydraulic fluid, iii) bio-fuel, iv) lubricant,
and v) water. The marine vessel may be configured to meet
certification requirements for operation on at least one of: i)
high seas and ii) US inland waterways. The marine vessel may be
dimensioned for travel on US inland waterways. The marine vessel is
configured to resupply a second marine vessel. The resupply
configuration may include at least one of: bunkering,
re-provisioning, and midstream refueling under weigh or at anchor.
The marine vessel may include a crane configured to move the
resupply cargo.
[0010] Another embodiment according to the present disclosure
includes a method of resupplying a second marine vessel, the method
comprising: resupplying the second marine vessel with a resupply
cargo from a first marine vessel, the first marine vessel being
configured to transport LNG and carry the resupply cargo. The first
marine vessel may comprise: a tug boat; and a barge configured to
carry the LNG and the resupply cargo, wherein the tug boat and the
barge are configured to interlock. The resupplying step may
comprise: moving at least part of the resupply cargo from the first
marine vessel to the second marine vessel using a crane. The crane
may be mounted on the first marine vessel. In some aspects, the
resupplying step may comprise: pumping the at least part of the
resupply cargo from an integrated tank on the first marine vessel
to a tank disposed on the second marine vessel and/or pumping the
at least part of the resupply cargo from a non-integrated tank on
the first marine vessel to a tank disposed on the second marine
vessel. In some aspects, the resupplying step may comprise at least
one of: bunkering, re-provisioning, and midstream refueling of the
second marine vessel under weigh or at anchor. The resupply cargo
may comprise at least one of: i) MGO, ii) hydraulic fluid, iii)
bio-fuel, iv) lubricant, and v) water.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0011] For a detailed understanding of the present disclosure,
reference should be made to the following detailed description of
the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which like elements have been given like numerals,
wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a versatile
transport-delivery vessel according to one embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the versatile transport-delivery
vessel of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 shows a view of the versatile transport-delivery
vessel of FIG. 1 from the tugboat side;
[0015] FIG. 4 shows a view of another versatile transport-delivery
vessel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 5 shows a view of the barge of FIG. 1 from the recessed
notch coupling side;
[0017] FIG. 6A shows a schematic of the barge of FIG. 1 from the
topside;
[0018] FIG. 6B shows a schematic of the barge of FIG. 1 from the
side;
[0019] FIG. 6C shows a schematic of the barge of FIG. 1 from the
front; and
[0020] FIG. 7 shows a cutaway view of the barge of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0021] Generally, the present disclosure relates to a water-going
vessel for transporting LNG and at least one other cargo.
Specifically, the present disclosure is related to transporting LNG
and at least one other cargo, where the vessel is a barge
configured to interlock with a tugboat, and where the cargo is a
material required for resupply of a water-going vessel. The novel
vessel is configured for "bunkering" operations (such as the
resupply of consumables, fuel for propulsion or auxiliaries (e.g.,
generators)) to other vessels under weigh or at anchor. In
addition, the vessel is configured for "re-provisioning" to other
vessels for MGOs, hydraulic fluids, distillates, bio-fuels,
lubricants, water, stores or groceries. The vessel may be
configured for performing "midstream fueling," provisioning of
engineering equipment and supplying "stores" for other consumables
when operating on inland waters. The present disclosure is
susceptible to embodiments of different forms. There are shown in
the drawings, and herein will be described in detail, specific
embodiments of the present disclosure with the understanding that
the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of
the principles of the present disclosure and is not intended to
limit the present disclosure to that illustrated and described
herein.
[0022] A versatile transport-delivery vessel may be configured for
operation on water to transport LNG and to deliver supplies as
additional cargo. This additional cargo is not configured to be
used or consumed by the transport-delivery vessel. The additional
cargo is configured for at least one of: bunkering,
re-provisioning, and midstream fueling of another vessel as would
be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art with the
benefit of the present disclosure. The versatile transport-delivery
vessel may include one or more LNG tanks and one or more additional
tanks configured to carry the additional cargo. The cargo may be
stored in one or more tanks or compartments. The one or more of the
tanks may be integrated with the hull of the versatile
transport-delivery vessel. One or more of the tanks may be separate
from the hull. In some embodiments, the additional cargo may be
resupply cargo. Herein, "resupply cargo" is cargo that is used for
resupplying operational consumables in a lake, sound, bay, inland
or ocean going vessel. For instance, resupply cargo may include,
but is not limited to, one or more of MGO, hydraulic fluids,
distillates, bio-fuels, lubricants, and water.
[0023] The versatile transport-delivery vessel may include a barge
section and a tug section. Each of the two sections may be
configured to mate with the other to form a locking connection.
Other configurations, such as a self-propelled single vessel is
also contemplated. In the tug barge configuration, the locking
connection may be rigid (as in ITBs) or allow for some movement (as
in ATBs or Push Boat & Barge or Tug and barge on tow line). The
preferred embodiment is an ATB configuration. Both of the sections
may be configured to comply with Det Norske Veritas (DNV)
certification (or other classification societies) and Jones Act
requirements for water vessels. Both of the sections may also be
configured with a fully loaded draft that is compliant with inland
waterway requirements. In some embodiments, the fully loaded draft
of the sections is at or under 9 feet and 6 inches. The LNG
transport-delivery vessel may be configured to comply with overall
length, beam, and channel requirements for transit on US Inland
Waterways (including, but not limited to, GIWW, Mississippi River,
and Ohio River). The overall length and beam are configured for
transit through lock structures, bridges, overhangs and channels
along US Inland Waterways. The LNG transport-delivery vessel may
have an aerial draft that is under the lowest aerial clearances for
GIWW, Mississippi River, and Ohio River.
[0024] FIG. 1 shows a versatile transport-delivery vessel 100
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The vessel
100 may include a tugboat 140 and a barge 105. The barge 105 may
have a first end 101 and a second end 102. The tugboat 140 may have
a first end 141 and a second end 142, where the first end 141 is
configured to interlock with the barge 105. The second end 102 of
the barge 105 may include a notch coupling, such as recessed area
110, so that the barge 105 is configured to receive the first end
141 of the tugboat 140. The recessed area 110 may be U-shaped and
form arms 120 on either side of the recessed area 110 on the second
end 102. The arms 120 may include attachment mechanisms 130 for
interlocking the tugboat 140 and the barge 105. The attachment
mechanism 130 may comprise connection notches at the second end 102
of the barge 105 configured to receive corresponding connecting
wedges (not shown) at the first end 141 of the tugboat 140. The use
of notches and wedges as the attachment mechanism 130 is
illustrative and exemplary only, as other suitable means known to a
person of ordinary skill in the art may be used, including, but not
limited to, one or more of: wire, chains, and rope. The attachment
mechanism 130 may be configured for at least one of an articulated
connection and a rigid connection between the barge 105 and the
tugboat 140. The tugboat 140 is configured to propel the barge 105
while the tugboat 140 and barge 105 are interlocked. The tugboat
140 can be configured for push/pull operations. The tugboat 140 may
be configured to pull the barge 105 when the tugboat 140 is
disengaged from attachment means 130.
[0025] The barge 105 may include a hull 115 with an upper deck 117.
The barge 105 may also include one or more tanks 150 configured to
store and transport LNG. In some embodiments, the tanks 150 may be
integrated into the hull 115 of the barge 105. In some embodiments,
the tanks 150 may be positioned in the hull 115 by saddles (e.g.,
U-supports) or membranes (not shown). In some embodiments, the
tanks 150 may protrude above the level of the upper deck 117. The
barge 105 may also include one or more compartments 160 for storing
additional cargo. The compartments 160 may include tanks or
enclosed containers (such as Marine Portable Tanks). In some
embodiments, the compartments 160 may be integrated into the hull
115. In some embodiments the additional cargo may be stored in
tanks 180 that are not integrated into the hull 105. In the
preferred embodiment, the barge 105 may also include one or more
service cranes 170. The crane 170 may be configured for moving
cargo or lifting doors to deck hatches.
[0026] FIG. 2 shows the vessel 100 from FIG. 1 from the side. The
tugboat 140 may include a propulsion system including a propeller
210. In some embodiments, the propulsion system may include one or
more of: three propellers, a ducted propeller (such as a KORT
nozzle), and azimuth thrusting propulsion pods. The tugboat 140 may
also include a rudder 220. Herein, the tugboat 140 is shown with a
draft 146 that is substantially similar to a draft 106 of the barge
105. In some embodiments, the draft 146 and the draft 106 may be
different depending in conditions (ocean or inland operation). FIG.
3 shows a view of the vessel 100 from FIG. 1 from the tugboat
140.
[0027] FIG. 4 shows a versatile transport-delivery vessel 400
according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The
vessel 400 may be self-propelled and have a first end 401 and a
second end 402. The vessel 400 may include a hull 415 with an upper
deck 417. The vessel 400 may also include one or more tanks 150
configured to store and transport LNG. In some embodiments, the
tanks 150 may be integrated into the hull 415 of the vessel 400. In
some embodiments, the tanks 150 may be positioned in the hull 415
by saddles (e.g., U-supports) or membranes (not shown). In some
embodiments, the tanks 150 may protrude above the level of the
upper deck 417. The vessel 400 may also include one or more
compartments 460 for storing additional cargo. The compartments 460
may include tanks or enclosed containers (such as Marine Portable
Tanks). In some embodiments, the compartments 160 may be integrated
into the hull 415. In the preferred embodiment, the vessel 400 may
also include one or more service cranes 170. The crane 170 may be
configured for moving cargo or lifting doors to deck hatches.
[0028] FIG. 5 shows the barge 105 from FIG. 1 viewed mostly from
the second side 102. The recessed area 110 is shown as a
substantially smooth U-shape. The smooth U-shape is exemplary and
illustrative only, as any shape for the recessed area 110 so long
at the front end 141 of the tugboat 140 may be received and the
tugboat 140 interlocked with the barge 105 at attachment mechanism
130.
[0029] FIG. 6A shows a top view of barge 105 from FIG. 5. As shown,
the barge 105 includes two tanks 150 for storing LNG disposed on
each side (port and starboard) of the barge 105. This distribution
of the tanks 150 is exemplary and illustrative only, as the tanks
150 may be distributed in any manner (i.e. fore and aft, etc.). In
some embodiments, the tanks 150 are integrated with the hull 115.
The number of tanks 150 is shown as two, however, more than two
tanks 150 may be included in barge 105. In some embodiments, a
single tank 150 may be disposed on the barge 105. The additional
cargo containment 160 may include one or more tanks or
compartments. As shown here, the additional containment 160 may be
integrated into the hull 115. In some embodiments, the containment
160 may include one or more of MGO, hydraulic fluids, distillates,
bio-fuels, lubricants, and water. Here, the containment 160
includes a port MGO tank 163p, a starboard MGO tank 163s, a port
fuel oil tank 165p, and a starboard fuel oil tank 165s. FIG. 6B
shows a side view of barge 105 from FIG. 5. FIG. 6C shows a front
view of barge 105 from FIG. 5.
[0030] FIG. 7 shows a cutaway view showing the starboard side of
the barge 105. The starboard fuel oil tank 165s and the starboard
MGO tank 163s are shown integrated in hull 115 below the level of
the deck 117 near the recessed area 110. The location of the
additional cargo compartments 160 near the second end 102 is
exemplary and illustrative only, as the additional cargo
compartments 160 may be located anywhere on or in the barge
105.
[0031] In operation, the additional cargo stored in the
compartments 160 or non-integrated tanks 180 may be moved from the
vessel 100, 400 to a second marine vessel. The additional cargo may
be moved by pumping of the additional cargo (if pumpable) through
umbilicals or hoses between the marine vessels, by crane
offloading, or by manual offloading of the additional cargo as
would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art.
[0032] While the disclosure has been described with reference to
exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that various changes
may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof
without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition,
many modifications will be appreciated to adapt a particular
instrument, situation or material to the teachings of the
disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include
all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *