System And Method Of Transporting Over Water With Multiple Vessels

Abstract

A ship and associated methods of operation. In an example embodiment, a method of transporting includes providing multiple vessels each having a hull defining an air cavity over a water surface. Different ones of the vessels are loaded with material destined for different end locations. The vessels are connected to one another with rigid couplings to effect tandem movement of the multiple vessels over water as one ship while permitting each vessel to undergo changes in pitch. The vessels are transported to a first destination and one or more of the vessels are disconnected from the ship.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 909,850 filed Apr. 3, 2007.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates generally to ships and, more particularly, to maritime designs and methods of transport.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The transportation industry provides a wide variety of modes and routes with which to meet diverse demands. Selection can be based on numerous factors, including required delivery speed, security and the influence of transportation cost on the price of goods and services. When rapid, time-critical movement is required over a long distance, e.g., thousands of miles, air service has been the norm for both passenger and cargo transport. By way of example, rapid deployment of large military operations can require significant levels of air transport to place equipment and personnel where they are needed when they are needed. On the other hand, when commodity freight is being mov...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This solution allows for faster, more flexible, and cost-efficient maritime transportation, enabling longer and lighter vessels that can operate effectively under various sea conditions, achieving speeds of 50 to 100 knots and overcoming traditional structural limitations.

Problems solved by technology

On the other hand, when commodity freight is being moved large distances, selection of the transportation mode is more cost sensitive, but often limited by the availability of low-cost choices.

The cost of freight transport is highly dependent on operational costs.

Commerce along some large inland waterways may be predominantly by barge or freighter, being limited to commodity products or large cargo which is cost prohibitive or impractical to ship over land.

When multiple transportation modes are available to reach a freight destination the competitiveness of the maritime industry has been challenged.

Other modes may be less fuel efficient but are still cost competitive while also providing greater speed and flexibility.

However, operating costs, often increase with speed, particularly for freightliners.

Such limiting factors are rooted in the limits of achievable hydrodynamic efficiencies for vessel designs.

Limitations in achievable performance stem from inherent structural issues associated with performance under high structural loads and bending moments such as experienced in high sea states.

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