System and method for mooring vessel and supplying fluid or fluid and power to vessel

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and method for mooring a vessel and supplying fluid to a vessel or mooring a vessel and supplying fluid to a vessel and supplying power to a vessel, the system comprising a mooring buoy, a mooring connection, which is a combined mooring and power source connection, and a retractable vessel connector, the mooring connection comprises a mooring line and a fluid pipe or a mooring line, a fluid pipe and an electrically conductive cable for supplying said electrical power, a retractable ship connector is provided at one end of the mooring connection, where the ship connector is a combined mooring connector and fluid connector or a combined mooring connector, fluid connector and electrical connector. The system further includes or relates to a clamping device disposed on the vessel, where the clamping device is configured to clamp and lock the vessel connector to mooring the vessel to the mooring buoy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for mooring a ship and supplying fluid to the ship or mooring the ship, supplying fluid to the ship, and supplying electric power. The system includes a mooring buoy, a mooring connection member, and a retractable ship connector. The mooring connection member is a combined mooring and power source connection member, including a mooring rope and a fluid pipe, or a mooring rope, a fluid pipe, and a conductive cable for supplying the electric power. The retractable ship connector is provided at one end of the mooring connection member, wherein the ship connector is a combined mooring connector and fluid connector, or a combined mooring connector, fluid connector, and electrical connector. The system further includes or relates to a clamping device arranged on the ship, wherein the clamping device is configured to clamp and lock the ship connector to moor the ship to the mooring buoy. Background Art

[0002] Offshore wind turbine facilities can be used to power offshore equipment for generating various fluid fuels (such as hydrogen and oxygen) through an electrolysis process in which seawater (preferably desalinated seawater) is separated into hydrogen and oxygen. Such fluid is valuable in the sense that it can be used in a fuel cell to generate electric power. The electric power generated by offshore wind power equipment can be particularly used for on-site fluid production and storage during periods when there is wind but low or no direct power consumption.

[0003] Such fluid generated at an offshore location can be used to drive the propulsion system of a ship through a fuel cell of the ship, or can be used to generate electric power to power electrical equipment on the ship. In combination with or as an alternative to this, the fluid can be stored in a tank on the ship and transported to, for example, an onshore docking facility that receives the fluid. In both cases, the ship needs to be fluid-connected to a fluid source that provides the fluid, such as offshore equipment, and the fluid connection typically lasts for a long time.

[0004] As is well known, the sea surface can be calm or rough, and anchoring a ship at an offshore location can be a tricky operation, which becomes increasingly dangerous when the sea becomes rough. When fluid transfer is to be carried out, the anchoring operation becomes even more dangerous, as the fluid may be flammable or even explosive under atmospheric conditions.

[0005] In some cases, it may also be necessary to transfer electric power to the ship together with the fluid, which makes the anchoring operation even more complex.

[0006] During the process of transferring fluid to a ship, the ship is sometimes in a waiting position. During such time periods, the ship may still need to power different electrical equipment, such as climate control, communication, entertainment, lighting, refrigeration, seawater desalination, and water treatment, etc. Such an electric power load is generally referred to as hotel power.

[0007] Vessels typically have two sets of engines, one for vessel propulsion and the other, often referred to as auxiliary engines, for driving generators that supply electricity to cover hotel power, where the motors for propulsion are shut down while the engines driving the generators operate during waiting periods. During such waiting periods, the vessel is typically anchored, which can be assisted by a positioning system using electric drive thrusters to hold the vessel in a desired position, such as with the bow facing the wind and / or waves.

[0008] While using auxiliary engines does provide a viable solution, some drawbacks of this solution are the excessive emission of exhaust gases and the storage of fuel taking up storage capacity on the vessel.

[0009] Since the auxiliary engines drive the generators, an attempt can be made to seek a solution in which electricity is supplied from a power source different from the auxiliary engines driving the generators, and the different power source is located outside the vessel.

[0010] Such a different source can be a wind turbine farm, an inland power generation facility or even an offshore power cable for transmitting electricity at sea.

[0011] In addition, the charging of electricity is also related to vessels driven partly (hybrid), mainly or solely by electric propulsion devices (such as electric ferries and electric cargo ships, etc.). In such cases, a power supply is required to charge the electricity storage device (such as a battery) on the vessel through a power source outside the vessel. The charging facilities for such vessels can be distributed at strategic geographical locations to ensure the possibility of charging along the travel route of the vessel within or between ports. From a logistics perspective, the charging facilities for charging the battery can generally be arranged near coastal or offshore wind turbine farms to utilize the generated renewable energy. However, other power sources can also be used and supplied at these charging points.

[0012] While an attempt can be made to supply electricity to the vessel from one or more such different sources, such a connection requires cable connections to the vessel and connection to the power-consuming equipment on the vessel.

[0013] Therefore, when considering connecting a vessel to a fluid source or a fluid source combined with an external power source, one faces the problem of mooring the vessel in a way that does not interfere with the fluid connection and / or the electrical connection, and vice versa. At the same time, the safety of operating the mooring, the fluid connection and the electrical connection must be considered. In addition, common anchoring techniques can also be time-consuming and laborious, and it is considered beneficial to have a safe, efficient and rapid anchoring.

[0014] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to improve the mooring and fluid connection of a ship, or to improve the mooring, fluid connection and electrical connection of a ship. In particular, a more efficient and / or more reliable mooring and fluid connection of a ship, or mooring, fluid connection and electrical connection of a ship would be advantageous.

[0015] Object of the Invention

[0016] In particular, it can be seen that the object of the present invention is to provide a mooring and fluid connection of a ship, or a mooring, fluid and electrical connection of a ship, which solves one or more of the above problems.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide an alternative to the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0018] Accordingly, in a first aspect of the present invention, it is intended to achieve the above object and several other objects by providing a system for mooring a ship and supplying motive fluid to the ship, or mooring the ship, supplying motive fluid to the ship and supplying electric power to the ship, the system comprising:

[0019] · A mooring buoy configured to float on the sea surface and be anchored to the seabed;

[0020] · A mooring connector, which is a combined mooring and power source connector, including

[0021] ο A mooring rope and a fluid pipe for supplying the fluid, or

[0022] ο The mooring rope, the fluid pipe and a conductive cable further for supplying electric power;

[0023] · Wherein the mooring rope is configured to absorb the tension generated by a ship moored to the mooring buoy by using the mooring connector, while substantially not applying mooring tension to the fluid pipe or the conductive cable, and the mooring rope is connected to the mooring buoy or anchored to the seabed at the seabed;

[0024] · A retractable ship connector provided at one end of the mooring connector, the ship connector being a combined mooring connector and fluid connector or a combined mooring connector, fluid connector and electrical connector, and

[0025] · A clamping device arranged on the ship, the clamping device being configured to clamp and lock the ship connector to moor the ship to the mooring buoy or moor it to the seabed.

[0026] The mooring used herein preferably refers to the procedure of anchoring a ship to the seabed or a floating mooring buoy and maintaining the connection of the ship, such as during the delivery of fluid or fluid and electricity. The safety mooring should preferably withstand various forces, such as wind, water current, tide and waves. In a preferred embodiment, the strength of the mooring rope and other elements involved in the mooring (such as fasteners and anchors for fastening the mooring rope, etc.) is generally selected to withstand such forces that occur during the mooring process. In a preferred embodiment, the mooring rope disclosed herein is configured to absorb at least a large amount of the tension generated by the ship moored to the mooring buoy, such as absorbing all the tension. A large amount of tension generally means that the mooring of the ship may include other mooring devices, such as an additional system for mooring according to a preferred embodiment, one or more anchors and / or a general mooring buoy. All the tension generally means that the ship is moored only by the system for mooring according to a preferred embodiment, that is, by single point mooring via the mooring buoy.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the system for mooring and supplying fluid or supplying fluid and electricity is generally designed to comply with the regulations related to mooring, such as the regulations implemented by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), usually MSC.1 / Circ, with an implementation date of 1691. Such an embodiment generally covers the mooring of ships with a gross tonnage ranging from 500 GT to 400,000 GT.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the system for mooring and supplying fluid or supplying fluid and electricity can be designed to comply with the regulations related to supplying fluid or supplying fluid and electricity. Specifically, the system can be designed for automatic and manual safety disconnection according to relevant rules, standards, requirements and Hazid (Hazard Identification), FMECA (Failure Mode, Effects and Criticality Analysis), CONOPS (Concept of Operations) and other risk assessments. At the implementation date, such regulations can be IEC / IEEE 80005 and / or DNV-OS-E403.

[0029] "Power fluid", also referred to herein as "fluid", means a fluid carrying energy that can be released through one or more chemical reactions. Non-limiting examples are biogas, natural gas such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), hydrogen, ammonia, nitrogen, oxygen, alkane gas, methanol, ethanol, propane, butane, gasoline, intermediate fuel oil, synthetic oil, diesel such as marine diesel, or e-fuel. The fluid can be liquefied by pressurization and / or cooling (if not a liquid under atmospheric conditions). In some preferred embodiments, the power fluid is one or more hydrogen derivatives (such as ammonia), which can be used as fuel or in the fertilizer industry.

[0030] By way of an embodiment according to the first aspect, mooring and providing fluid connection and optional additional electrical connection have become safe and easy. Since mooring, fluid connection, and optional electrical connection can be regarded as only requiring bringing the ship connector to the ship and reaching the clamping device, the risks involved in handling the mooring rope, fluid pipe, and optional conductive cable independently have been reduced. Thus, the connection points of the fluid pipe, optional cable, and mooring are in the same position, and no additional mooring means for the connector are required when the connector is locked by the clamping device.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the ship connector can have a fluid coupler fluidly connected to the fluid pipe, and when the system includes the conductive cable, the ship connector can further have an electrical plug and / or an electrical socket, to which the conductive cable can be electrically connected.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the mooring connection can further include a tubular sheath, which preferably surrounds the mooring rope, at least a portion of the fluid pipe, and, when the system includes the conductive cable, the tubular sheath can further surround at least a portion of the conductive cable. Such a tubular sheath can preferably extend from the ship connector.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the mooring rope, fluid pipe, and (when present) conductive cable can be arranged coaxially, with the conductive cable arranged inside the mooring rope. In other embodiments, the mooring rope, fluid pipe, and (when present) cable can be arranged in an umbilical structure.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the mooring rope, fluid pipe, and (when present) conductive cable can be arranged side by side, preferably without being wound and / or meshed.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the clamping device can include one or more engaging elements, which are preferably configured to engage the ship connector to clamp and lock the ship connector.

[0036] Preferably, the engaging element is capable of retracting from a first position where it engages the marine connector to a second position where it does not engage the marine connector. Such retraction can be a reciprocating motion.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the engaging element may include a chain stopper. Such a chain stopper may be a chain stopper for engaging the anchor chain of a conventional mooring. In a preferred embodiment, the engaging element of the clamping device may be a fork, a clamp, a hook with a release function (such as a towing hook), a SMIT towing bracket or a towing bracket.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the clamping device may be arranged at a deck location of the ship, which is preferably a location on the open deck, preferably at the bow of the ship. However, the clamping device may be arranged at other suitable locations on the ship.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the system may further include a winch, which is preferably configured to wind ropes, cords, cables, wires, etc. connected to the marine connector. Preferably, such a winch may be positioned relative to the clamping device such that the winch pulls the marine connector towards the clamping device when winding.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the marine connector may further include a pick-up rope connected to the marine connector. Preferably, such a pick-up rope is sized to allow the marine connector to be lifted or winched on the ship. In a preferred embodiment, the pick-up rope may have positive buoyancy and / or be provided with buoyancy elements to prevent the pick-up rope from being completely submerged when in water.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the marine connector may have a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the marine connector extending along the longitudinal axis; the mooring connection extends from the proximal end towards the mooring buoy. Preferably, the marine connector may include an elongate section at a distance from the proximal end, which preferably includes a protrusion arranged closer to the distal end than the elongate section, and the clamping device may include two fork-like members sized and shaped to receive the elongate section while preventing the protrusion from passing between the fork-like members.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the marine connector may have a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the marine connector extending along the longitudinal axis; the mooring connection extends from the proximal end towards the mooring buoy; wherein the marine connector may include a tapered section extending from the proximal end towards the distal end. Preferably, the tapered section may have a minimum cross-sectional area at the proximal end.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the marine connector may include a housing structure that preferably defines at least the outer profile or outer housing of the marine connector. Preferably, such a housing structure may include internally disposed mechanical connection points or areas to which a mooring line may be mechanically connected, and when the system includes an electrical conductive cable, the housing structure may further include internally disposed electrical connection points or areas to which the strands of the electrical conductive cable may be electrically connected.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the marine connector may be rotationally symmetric about the longitudinal axis of the marine connector.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the mooring buoy may include a floating body that preferably has a vertically extending through-opening when viewed from the position where the mooring buoy is floating on a horizontal sea surface. Preferably, the marine connector and the vertically extending through-opening are shaped and dimensioned to releasably receive at least a portion of the marine connector within the vertically extending through-opening.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the upper section of the through-opening may be funnel-shaped, preferably having a reduced cross-section in the downward direction of the vertically extending through-opening.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the mooring line may extend downward in a loop through the vertically extending through-opening in its retracted position for a distance.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the floating body may include fastening elements preferably arranged on the lower side of the floating body for fastening an anchor line to the floating body, wherein the anchor line is used to anchor the floating body.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the buoyancy of the mooring buoy may be greater than the total weight of the mooring buoy, the marine connector, and preferably the mooring connection member.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, a part or even all of the power supply may be used to charge an electrical energy storage device (such as an on-board battery) on the vessel.

[0051] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a marine connector having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end, the marine connector extending along the longitudinal axis, the proximal end being configured to receive a mooring connection member, and the distal end being opposite the proximal end. Preferably,

[0052] · The marine connector may include an elongate section at a distance from the proximal end, which preferably includes a protrusion disposed closer to the distal end than the elongate section, the protrusion being configured to cooperate with a clamping device, which preferably includes two forks sized and shaped to receive the elongate section while preventing the protrusion from passing between the forks.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the elongate section may be flexible / bendable.

[0054] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method of mooring a ship and supplying fluid to the ship, or a method of mooring a ship, supplying fluid to the ship, and supplying electricity to the ship. Preferred embodiments include:

[0055] · Providing a system according to the first aspect at an offshore location and anchoring a mooring buoy to the seabed;

[0056] · Connecting a fluid pipe to a fluid source;

[0057] · When the system includes a conductive cable, connecting the conductive cable to a power source;

[0058] · Navigating the ship to a position adjacent to the offshore location to allow access to the marine connector from the ship;

[0059] · Hoisting or winching the marine connector onto the ship and to the clamping device;

[0060] · Engaging the clamping device to clamp the marine connector, thereby mooring the ship;

[0061] · Connecting the fluid pipe to a fluid inlet of the ship, the fluid inlet being configured to direct the received fluid to a container, such as a storage tank;

[0062] · When a conductive cable is present, connecting the conductive cable to a distribution board of the ship, the distribution board preferably being configured to distribute power to one or more power-consuming devices on the ship, and

[0063] · Transferring fluid or fluid and electricity to the ship.

[0064] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the fluid supplied is a gas, preferably hydrogen. Description of the Drawings

[0065] The present invention and its particularly preferred embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. The drawings illustrate the manner of implementing the present invention and should not be construed as being limited to other possible embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0066] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a system for mooring a ship and supplying fluids or fluids and electricity to the ship. A ship connector is shown positioned within a mooring buoy, with the internal placement portion of the ship connector and the through-opening within the mooring buoy shown by grey lines. Additionally, an enlarged cross-sectional view along A-A of Figure 1 is provided, showing details of the mooring connection extending downward from the ship connector; Figure 1B A cross-sectional view of an embodiment including a mooring line and a fluid pipe is shown, Figure 1C A cross-sectional view of an embodiment including a mooring line, a fluid pipe, and an electrical conductive cable is shown. Figure 1D An embodiment is schematically shown in which a fluid coupling and an electrical plug or socket are provided in a protrusion of the ship connector ( Figure 1D the upper part is a top view and the lower part is a cross-sectional view).

[0067] Figure 2 A ship connector of the first embodiment is shown;

[0068] Figure 3 shows a ship connector of the first embodiment, which is winched into a clamping device ( Figure 3A ) and clamped within the clamping device ( Figure 3B );

[0069] Figure 4 schematically shows typical steps involved in mooring a ship and supplying fluids or fluids and electricity to the ship according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Figure 5 schematically shows typical steps involved in mooring a ship and supplying fluids or fluids and electricity to the ship according to the preferred embodiment of Figure 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] Referring to Figure 1, a first embodiment of a system for mooring a ship and supplying fluids or mooring a ship, supplying fluids and supplying electricity to the ship is shown. As shown, the system includes a mooring buoy 1, which is configured to float on the sea surface and be anchored to the seabed. The mooring buoy 1 is typically anchored to the seabed by an anchor line 34, which may be connected at the seabed to one or more anchoring devices, such as large masses, thereby allowing the mooring buoy 1 to remain in a substantially stationary position when a ship is moored to the buoy 1.

[0072] The system further includes a mooring connection 2. In the illustrated embodiment, such a mooring connection 2 is configured as a combined mooring line and power source connection. The mooring connection 2 may include a mooring line 3 and a fluid pipe 40 for supplying fluids (gases and / or liquids). Alternatively, the mooring connection may include a mooring line 3, a fluid pipe 40, and an electrical conductive cable 4. These two alternatives are respectively disclosed in Figure 1B and Figure 1C whereFigure 1B The fluid pipe 40 and the mooring line 3 are shown in cross - section. Figure 1C The fluid pipe 40, the mooring line 3 and the conductive cable 4 are shown in cross - section. It should be noted that Figure 1B and Figure 1C should not be considered limited to other relative dimensions. For example, the size of the mooring line 3 depends especially on the size of the ship to be moored.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the mooring line 3 is configured to absorb at least a substantial amount of the tension generated by a ship moored to the mooring buoy 1 by using the mooring connector 2, while applying substantially no mooring tension to the fluid pipe 40 or (when present) the conductive cable 4. In such an embodiment, the remaining tension generated by the ship can be absorbed by other mooring devices and / or counteracted by a dynamic positioning system.

[0074] In other preferred embodiments, the mooring line 3 is configured to absorb all of the tension generated by a ship moored to the mooring buoy 1 by using the mooring connector 2, while applying substantially no mooring tension to the fluid pipe 40 or (when present) the conductive cable 4. Such an embodiment can include single - point mooring, where the ship is not moored by using other mooring devices.

[0075] The preferred embodiments can be applicable to mooring larger and / or smaller ships. In a preferred embodiment, the mooring line 3 is configured to absorb the tension generated by a ship moored to the mooring buoy 1 by using the mooring connector 2, while applying substantially no mooring tension to the fluid pipe 40 or (when present) the conductive cable 4, and the ship has a gross tonnage greater than 50 GT, such as greater than 200 GT, preferably greater than 500 GT and less than 400,000 GT, preferably less than 300,000 GT.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment, the mooring is single - point mooring, that is, the ship is moored only by an embodiment of the system according to the present invention.

[0077] Figure 1D An embodiment is schematically shown in which the fluid coupling 41 and the electrical plug or socket 12 are provided at the upper end of the ship connector. In the shown embodiment, the fluid coupling 41 and the plug or socket 12 are provided in the protrusion 23, which will be described in detail below. When the conductive cable 4 is not implemented, the plug or socket 12 is usually omitted. Looking closely, due to the orientation of the view used in Figure 1D although there is a mooring line 3, the mooring line 3 is not visible. Further, the optional pick - up line 28 is omitted to make the figure clearer.

[0078] In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid coupling 41 is the concave member of the coupling and includes a check valve having a ball 42 that bears against a valve seat 43 to prevent fluid from flowing out of the fluid pipe 40 until the valve is opened. In the illustrated embodiment, the ball 42 is forced towards the seat by the fluid in the fluid pipe 40 being at a higher pressure than the surrounding pressure. The coupling also includes a plurality of spring - actuated retainers (four are shown), and the spring - actuated retainers cooperate with a convex member coupling (not shown). When the convex member is introduced into the concave member, the spring - actuated retainer 44 is pushed back, allowing the convex member to travel into the concave member and push the ball 42 away from the valve seat 43. In this position, the retainer 44 engages a notch in the convex member to lock the convex member in a position where the valve is open and fluid can flow towards the vessel. A locking device 45 is provided to prevent the retainer 44 from disengaging. The locking device is configured to move between a position where the retainer 44 cannot move outwards and the illustrated position where the retainer 44 can move outwards, thus allowing the convex member to be disengaged. Suitable seals are typically provided to make the connection between the convex member and the concave member fluid - tight.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment, the fluid pipe 40 is optionally connected to the fluid coupling by suitable fittings (not shown) in combination such as heat - shrinking and welding, so as to provide a fluid - tight connection between the fluid pipe 40 and the fluid coupling 41.

[0080] The mooring line 3 is configured to absorb the tension generated by a vessel moored to the mooring buoy 1 by using the mooring connection 2, while applying substantially no mooring tension to the fluid pipe 40 and (when present) the electrical cable 4. This absorption of tension by the mooring line 3 is typically achieved by the mooring line 3, the fluid pipe 40, and the electrical cable 4 not being connected in a manner that would transfer the tension from the mooring line 3 to the fluid pipe 40 or to the electrical cable 4.

[0081] The mooring connection 2 is an elongate element, and in the illustrated embodiment, the mooring line 3 is connected to the mooring buoy at one end of the mooring buoy 1. This is perhaps most clearly visible in Figure 5, where the mooring line 3 extends in a loop under the mooring buoy 1 from the vessel connector 7 by being connected to the mooring buoy 1 at one end. The connection of the mooring line 3 to the mooring buoy 1 is strong enough to withstand the forces generated by a vessel moored to the buoy 1 by the mooring line 3. In other embodiments, the mooring line 3 may be anchored to the seabed.

[0082] The system also includes a vessel connector 7 (Figures 1 and Figure 2)。The marine connector 7 is typically provided at one end of the mooring connection member 2. The marine connector 7 serves at least two purposes, namely as a combined mooring connector and fluid connector or a combined mooring connector, fluid connector, and electrical connector, where the mooring connector is for mooring the ship, the fluid connector is for supplying fluid to the ship, and the electrical connector is for supplying electricity to the ship.

[0083] It should be noted that although the present disclosure focuses on supplying fluid to the ship and also supplies electricity in some embodiments, the present invention can also be used to supply fluid or fluid and electricity from the ship to an offshore device (such as an ROV or other ship). In addition to supplying fluid or fluid and electricity, the present invention can also be used to supply signals, such as data signals. Although such data can be transmitted by using a conductive cable, a separate data cable, such as an optical fiber or a conductive cable, can also be applied. In such an embodiment, the separate data cable is typically combined into a combined mooring, fluid, and electrical connection member.

[0084] The clamping device 13 is arranged on the ship 14 to be moored, and the clamping device 13 is configured to clamp and lock the marine connector 7 to moor the ship 14 to the mooring buoy 1 ( Figure 3A and Figure 3B ).

[0085] The fluid pipe 40 is typically made of a flexible material to prevent the fluid pipe 40 from absorbing the basic tension that may otherwise be caused by mooring. The fluid pipe 40 can be reinforced by strands or fibers embedded in the flexible material, and / or a braid made of strands or fibers can be applied to the fluid pipe 40. This will increase the ability of the fluid pipe 40 to withstand elevated pressures while still being bendable due to its flexibility.

[0086] The fluid pipe 40 may also preferably be provided with a length to allow the fluid pipe to hang freely when the ship is moored by the mooring rope 3. The fluid pipe 40 will exert a pulling force on the ship due to the mass of the fluid pipe 40. However, since the mooring of the ship is provided by the mooring rope 3, the pulling force from the ship during mooring will be substantially absorbed by the mooring rope. Thus, mooring can be considered to involve not only the mooring force exerted by the ship itself but also the force exerted by the weight of the fluid pipe 40 and (when present) the force exerted by the weight of the conductive cable 4.

[0087] Accordingly, in some embodiments, the fluid pipe 40 generally has a length longer than that of the mooring line 3. The material is sized and selected according to the type of fluid and the pressure for conveying the fluid to avoid damaging the fluid pipe 40 during use. As will be detailed below, the fluid pipe extends from a fluid source, which may be an offshore drill rig that generates fluid or a device / apparatus that separates and desalinates seawater through electrolysis powered by electricity, such as electricity generated by one or more offshore wind turbines. However, the present invention is not limited to such fluid sources, as the fluid source may also be a land-based fluid production facility, such as a facility that generates biogas. In such a case, the fluid pipe 40 extends from the land-based facility to the mooring system. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the fluid produced and conveyed is hydrogen.

[0088] The fluid pipe 40 can be assembled by splicing pipe segments together to form the fluid pipe 40, or it can be a continuous fluid pipe. Additionally, the fluid pipe can extend from a sea-based distribution device 37', which is similar to the distribution device 37 connected to the conductive cable as disclosed in connection with FIG. 4.

[0089] The conductive cable generally has a length longer than that of the mooring line 3 and extends from a power source via the mooring buoy 1. It should be noted that the conductive cable does not necessarily extend uninterruptedly from the power source, as the conductive cable can be connected to a distribution device 37 (see FIG. 4), which is used to distribute power to multiple systems for mooring a ship and supplying power to the ship as disclosed herein. In such an embodiment, the distribution device 37 is connected to the power source. Such a power source can be a wind turbine, such as a wind farm or any other power source or production system. The power source can be located offshore or onshore.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 1 and Figure 2 as depicted, the ship connector 7 is connected to the mooring line 3 at the end of the mooring connection 2. It should be noted that the mooring connection 2 can extend into the ship connector 7, as is most clearly visible in Figure 2 this regard.

[0091] To connect the conductive cable to the ship, the ship connector 7 includes an electrical plug and / or an electrical socket 12, and the conductive cable 4 is electrically connected to the electrical plug and / or the electrical socket 12. The plug and / or the socket 12 are typically arranged behind a waterproof and openable cover to prevent water from coming into contact with the plug and / or the socket 12.

[0092] In a preferred embodiment, the mooring connector 2 has a tubular sheath 15 that surrounds at least a portion of the mooring line 3, the fluid pipe 40, and (when present) the electrical conductive cable 4. The tubular sheath 15 extends a distance from the vessel connector 7. The tubular sheath 15 is sized such that the mooring line 3, the fluid pipe 40, and (when present) the electrical conductive cable 4 can move substantially freely relative to one another inside the tubular sheath 15. Thus, the tubular sheath 15 can serve as a protective element for the mooring line, the fluid pipe 40, and (when present) the electrical conductive cable 4, while assembling the mooring line, the fluid pipe, and (when present) the electrical conductive cable into an assembled element for ease of operation.

[0093] The mooring line 3 and the electrical conductive cable 4 can be arranged coaxially, with the electrical conductive cable 4 disposed inside the mooring line 3 (or vice versa). Additionally, the mooring line 3 and the fluid pipe 40 can be arranged coaxially, with the mooring line 3 disposed inside the fluid pipe 40 (or vice versa). In these embodiments, it is generally preferred that the electrical conductive cable 4 and the mooring line 3 are sized relative to one another to allow the two elements to move relative to one another in their longitudinal directions to avoid transferring the tension borne by the mooring line 3 during mooring, at least, to the electrical conductive cable 4. In a further embodiment, the fluid pipe 40 and the electrical conductive cable 4 can be arranged coaxially inside the mooring line 3, with the electrical conductive cable 4 typically inside the fluid pipe 40 (or vice versa).

[0094] In another embodiment (see Figure 2 ), the mooring line 3, the fluid pipe 40, and (when present) the electrical conductive cable 4 are arranged side by side, preferably without being twisted and / or meshed. To make such a side-by-side configuration into an assembled element, a tubular sheath 15 as disclosed above can be provided (see also Figures 1B - 1C , enlarged cross-section A-A).

[0095] Now referring to Figure 3A and Figure 3B , a preferred embodiment of the clamping device 13 is particularly shown. As shown, the clamping device 13 includes a retractable engagement element 16, where the engagement element 16 can be retracted from a first position where it engages the vessel connector 7 to a second position where it does not engage the vessel connector 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement element 16 is configured to reciprocate between a position where it does not engage the vessel connector 7 (as shown in Figure 3A ) and a position where it engages the vessel connector 7. In a preferred embodiment, the non-engagement position is a position where the engagement element 16 is retracted to a lower position, such as towards or even below the deck level of the vessel.

[0096] The clamping device 13 is preferably arranged at a deck position of the vessel, which is preferably a position on the open deck, preferably at the bow of the vessel. This position is typically the position where the vessel will be moored when the vessel is moored to, for example, a dock.

[0097] An optional engagement element 16 of the clamping device 13 can generally be a chain stopper, a fork, a clamp, a hook with a release function (such as a towing hook), a SMIT towing bracket or a towing bracket.

[0098] Similarly as Figure 3A and Figure 3B shown, the system can further include a winch 17 which is configured to wind ropes, cords, cables, wires, etc. connected to the ship connector 7, as shown by the pick-up rope 28 in Figure 3A and Figure 3B . The pick-up rope 28 is also shown in FIG. 1. The intended use of the pick-up rope 28 is to first pick up by the pick-up rope 28 and then wind it up by using the winch 17 to lift the ship connector 7 onto the ship and into the clamping device. Therefore, the winch 17 is preferably positioned relative to the clamping device 13 such that the winch pulls the ship connector 7 towards the clamping device 13 when winding.

[0099] Therefore, the pick-up rope 28 connected to the ship connector is preferably sized to allow the ship connector 2 to be lifted or winched onto the ship. Preferably, when the pick-up rope 28 is in water, the pick-up rope 28 has positive buoyancy and / or is provided with a buoyancy element 29 (see FIG. 1) to prevent the pick-up rope 28 from being completely submerged.

[0100] As can be seen most clearly from FIG. 1, the ship connector 7 has a longitudinal axis 19 and a proximal end 20. The ship connector 7 extends along the longitudinal axis 19. The mooring connection member 2 extends from the proximal end to a mooring point (e.g., the seabed or a mooring buoy) and a fluid source respectively, and also extends to a power source in embodiments including a conductive cable. The ship connector 7 also has a distal end 21 opposite to the proximal end 20. In the disclosed embodiments, the outer contour of the ship connector 7 is rotationally symmetric about the longitudinal axis 19, although the present invention is not limited to such symmetric shapes.

[0101] It is generally preferred that the ship connector 7 is provided with positive buoyancy to allow the ship connector 7 to float on the sea surface. Depending on the buoyancy of the mooring rope 3, the fluid pipe 40 and (when present) the conductive cable 4, the buoyancy provided to the ship connector 7 can be sufficient to prevent the mooring rope 3, the fluid pipe 40 and / or (when present) the conductive cable from submerging the ship connector 7. In other embodiments, the mooring rope 3, the fluid pipe 40 and / or (when present) the conductive cable 4 can be provided with buoyancy-providing elements.

[0102] The marine connector 7 has an elongate section 22 at a distance from the proximal end 20, the elongate section 22 including a protrusion 23 disposed closer to the distal end 21 than the elongate section 22. The elongate section 22 is preferably a straight section with a uniform cross-sectional diameter along the elongate section, but other shapes such as a tapered shape may be used. The purpose of the straight elongate section 22 in combination with the protrusion 23 is to define an edge that can abut one or more elements of the clamping device 13 when a tensile force is provided in the marine connector 7 in the direction towards the mooring buoy 1 from the mooring line. In a preferred embodiment, the elongate section 22 may have a degree of flexibility / non-rigidity. This will allow this part of the connector to be able to bend during lifting and mooring operations, such as when lifting the connector on the weather deck of a ship. This can be provided by an elongate section 22 made of rubber (such as steel-reinforced rubber).

[0103] In Figure 3A and Figure 3B the illustrated embodiment, the clamping device 13 includes two fork-like members 24 that are sized and shaped to receive the elongate section while preventing the protrusion 23 from passing between the fork-like members 24. As shown, the two fork-like members 24 define a funnel-shaped upper section with an end opening, and a narrower and straight section therebelow. The narrow section can accommodate the elongate section 22 while preventing the protrusion 23 from passing through by the edge of the protrusion 23 abutting the fork-like members 24. Thus, the marine connector 7 is prevented from moving further in a direction away from the winch 17 aligned with the longitudinal axis 19 than defined by the protrusion 23. During operation, the marine connector 7 is pulled towards the clamping device 13 by the winch 17 while the fork-like members 24 are in a retracted position, thereby allowing the marine connector to be positioned at a location where the fork-like members 24 can clamp the marine connector 7, at which time the fork-like members move upward as Figure 3B shown to engage the marine connector 7.

[0104] After the fork-like members 24 have engaged the marine connector 7, the tension in the pick-up rope 28 can be released because now the clamping device is the tension-bearing element. Preferably, after the marine connector 7 has engaged and after the tension in the pick-up rope has been released, the fluid pipe 40 and (when present) the conductive cable are connected to supply fluid and electricity to the ship. The advantage of this is that the operator has a reduced risk of entering the mooring line tensioning area. For example when connecting the fluid pipe 40 and / or the cable 4.

[0105] The clamping device 13 is typically arranged at a position elevated relative to the mooring buoy 1, whereby the mooring connection member 2 extends obliquely downward from the ship towards the mooring buoy 1. Additionally, the clamping device 13 is typically arranged and dimensioned such that the longitudinal axis 19 of the ship connector 7 is horizontal or substantially horizontal. Thereby, the upward force acting on the ship connector 7 is typically eliminated or at least reduced to an extent where it is not necessary to prevent the ship connector 7 from moving upward in the clamping element 13, whereby a mooring connection can be established by the upwardly moving fork member.

[0106] The illustrated ship connector 7 has a tapered-outward section extending from the proximal end 20 towards the distal end 21, wherein the tapered-outward section 5 has a minimum cross-section at the proximal end 20. By providing such a tapered-outward section for the ship connector 7, the ship connector 7 can exhibit a self-centering function when it is arranged in the opening of the mooring buoy 1. Referring to FIG. 1, the ship connector 7 is placed in such an opening 31 of the mooring buoy 1, and due to the weight of the mooring connection member 2 extending through the opening and the ship connector 7 and the weight of the ship connector 7, the ship connector 7 is pulled into the opening 31 by gravity. The opening 31 in the illustrated embodiment has a funnel-shaped upper section, which helps to place the ship connector 7 in the opening 31.

[0107] In a preferred embodiment, the ship connector 7 includes a housing structure that defines at least the outer contour or outer shell of the ship connector 7. The housing structure is preferably selected to provide a lower weight for the ship connector 7 while still ensuring sufficient strength to allow it to absorb mooring forces. Reinforcing elements can be arranged inside the housing to increase mechanical strength. The lower weight can further provide positive buoyancy for the ship connector 7, preventing it from sinking in the event of falling into the sea.

[0108] As Figure 2 shown, the housing structure preferably has a mechanically connected point or area 26 placed internally, to which the mooring rope 3 is mechanically connected. In an embodiment including a conductive cable, an electrically connected point or area 27 placed internally can be provided, to which the strands of the conductive cable 4 are electrically connected. An internal electrical connection is provided between the electrically connected point or area 27 and the plug and / or socket 12.

[0109] The fluid pipe 40 is connected to a fluid coupling placed inside the ship connector 7 (in Figure 1DExample of the fluid coupler 41 shown in [description]. The fluid coupler 41 is typically mechanically connected to the marine connector 7 at an internally placed mechanical fluid pipe connection point or area (which may be the same as the conductive cable when present). Such a fluid pipe connection point or area is typically designed as a load-bearing part so that the fluid coupler 41 can be released from the tension generated by the weight of the fluid pipe 40 (the fluid coupler 41 is typically arranged at one end of the fluid pipe 40).

[0110] The marine connector 7 may have an access hatch 25 that provides access to a point in the internally placed electrical connection area 27 from the outside of the marine connector 7. Such a configuration has been found to be practical, for example, in the case of replacing a damaged conductive cable and / or providing space for ropes operating inside the marine connector 7.

[0111] Similarly, an access hatch may be provided to provide access to the fluid pipe 40 and the fluid coupler 41. The access hatch may be common to the fluid pipe 40 and the electrical connection point and is practical, for example, in the case of replacing or repairing the fluid coupler 41, the fluid pipe 40, or the connection between the fluid pipe 40 and the fluid coupler 41.

[0112] The mooring line 3 is selected according to the strength and length required for mooring the ship, and non-limiting examples of the mooring line 3 are ropes, cords, cables, wires, and chains, etc.

[0113] Although the mooring buoy can be raised from the seabed in other ways, the mooring buoy 1 according to the preferred embodiment includes a floatable body 30. A floatable body generally means that it floats due to buoyancy, which is the case in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, when viewed from the position where the mooring buoy 1 floats on the horizontal sea surface, the floatable body 30 has a vertical through-opening 31. The marine connector 7 and the vertical through-opening 31 are jointly shaped and sized to releasably accommodate at least a part of the marine connector 7 in the vertical through-opening 31. Releasably accommodating generally means that the marine connector 7 can be pulled up from its position in the through-opening 31. The mooring buoy generally floats both when the marine connector is retracted into the buoy and when moored to the ship.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 1, the upper section of the through-opening may be in the shape of a funnel 32, which has a reduced cross-section in the downward direction of the vertical through-opening 31, as disclosed above, which can assist in the positioning of the marine connector 7 in the through-opening 31.

[0115] Since the mooring buoy 1 is to be used for mooring a ship, in some embodiments, the mooring buoy 1 is anchored to the seabed. In a preferred embodiment, the anchoring is effected by anchoring the floating body 30 to the seabed, for which purpose the floating body generally has fastening elements, such as eyelets, arranged on the lower side of the floatable body 30 for fastening the mooring rope 34 to the floatable body 30.

[0116] Preferably, as described above, the proximal end of the mooring rope is connected to the floating body of the mooring buoy 1. In an alternative embodiment, the mooring rope may extend via a through-opening in the mooring buoy to the seabed or a fixed installation and be directly connected thereto at its proximal end. Thus, the mooring rope also serves as an anchoring rope.

[0117] Since in many embodiments it is preferred that the mooring buoy 1 floats on the sea surface, the buoyancy of the mooring buoy 1 is preferably greater than the total gravity of the mooring buoy 1 and the anchor chains and cables of the ship connector 7, etc. Depending on the buoyancy of the mooring rope, the buoyancy of the mooring buoy 1 can be made such that it also bears the load of the mooring connection 2.

[0118] The invention also relates to a method for mooring a ship, supplying a fluid to a ship or supplying a fluid and electricity to a ship. In a preferred embodiment, such a method involves providing a system for mooring, supplying a fluid or supplying a fluid and electricity as described herein at an offshore location and anchoring the mooring buoy (1) to the seabed. The offshore location should be understood in a broad context as it may be close to the coast, such as in a port, or may also be far from the coast.

[0119] The fluid pipe 40 is fluidly connected to a fluid source. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid source may be an offshore facility for extracting natural gas. In such an embodiment, the fluid pipe 40 is fluidly connected to the natural gas supply of the offshore facility in order to receive the gas extracted from the offshore facility.

[0120] In other embodiments, the fluid source is an offshore electrolysis facility to which the fluid pipe 40 is fluidly connected. In the electrolysis facility, seawater is desalinated and split into hydrogen and oxygen by an electrolysis process. The electricity for desalination and electrolysis is preferably provided by one or more offshore wind turbines. The hydrogen produced is typically stored in a suitable storage tank (fluid source) until it is transferred to a ship including one or more tanks for storing hydrogen on board the ship. The transfer is effected via the fluid pipe 40. Storage tanks may be provided at the site where hydrogen (or other fluid) is produced and / or in a storage tank included in the mooring buoy 1.

[0121] Using the provided system, the fluid pipe 40 is connected to a fluid source, and the conductive cable 4 (when present) is connected to a power source (not shown in the figure). It should be noted that such fluid connection and electrical connection may be provided or even re-established before or after the mooring buoy 1 is anchored to the seabed.

[0122] The ship is navigated to a position adjacent to the offshore position to allow access to the ship connector 7 from the ship. When the ship is in this position, the ship connector 7 is lifted or winched onto the ship and to the clamping device 13.

[0123] With the ship connector 7 positioned in the clamping device 13, the clamping device is engaged to clamp the ship connector 7, after which the ship is moored. The winch or elevator for pulling the ship connector 7 on board can now be released. Thus, the only mooring point on the ship can be achieved by the engagement of the ship connector 7 with the on-board clamping device that absorbs all the tension of the mooring. Such a mooring point can be referred to as a single mooring point because the ship connector is clamped and locked by the clamping device, and thus the clamping and locking form the mooring at a single mooring point.

[0124] Although the fluid pipe 40 and, when present, the conductive cable can be connected to supply fluid and power to the ship at any time when the ship connector 7 is basically within the reach of the ship, it is generally preferred to make the fluid connection and electrical connection after the ship connector 7 has been clamped by the clamping device 13. The fluid connection is provided by connecting the fluid pipe through a coupling such as shown in Figure 1D . As shown in Figure 4, the electrical connection is generally provided by connecting the conductive cable 4 to the distribution board 36 of the ship by using a cable 38 having plugs and / or sockets that match the plugs and / or sockets of the distribution board 36 and the ship connector 7. Such a distribution board 36 is generally configured to distribute power to one or more power-consuming devices and / or power storage devices on the ship. Further preferably, power is supplied from the power source to the cable only when the electrical connection has been actually established on the ship. Before connection, the electrical connectors can be cleaned with fresh water to remove salts.

[0125] Although it may be preferred that the fluid pipe 40 is not pressurized before being connected to the ship, this may be impracticable, and the present invention includes two cases. On the ship, the fluid pipe 40 is generally fluidly connected to the fluid inlet of the ship by using a flexible pipe that matches the fluid coupling 41 of the ship connector 7. The fluid inlet is generally fluidly connected to a storage tank on the ship. In an embodiment where the fluid is a gas, the gas can be pressurized on the ship to increase the loading capacity of the ship.

[0126] Typically, it is preferred that the conductive cable is not energized, but can be electrically disconnected from the power source by an electrical switch (not shown) in order to reduce the risk of electric shock, especially during operation of the marine connector 7 and during establishment of an electrical connection from the marine connector 7 on the vessel. Such an electrical switch can be located in different positions, such as on the pontoon 1 or at a more remote location, such as the power source or other location. It can even be placed within or on the marine connector 7. In embodiments where the electrical switch is located remotely from the vessel to prevent manual activation and deactivation, the electrical switch is typically remotely operated. Such remote operation can include, for example, transmission of an activation code or a deactivation code (when disconnecting the marine connector 7) via a conductive cable or a data cable, SMS, and via radio transmission. Security can be established in the transmission of the code, such as an authentication protocol, to avoid unintentional activation and deactivation.

[0127] The fluid flow in the fluid pipe 40 can also be activated, for example, by a remotely operated valve, which can be activated by the electrical switch as described above to allow fluid.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 4, which schematically shows the typical steps involved in mooring a vessel 14, supplying fluid to the vessel 14, and (when a conductive cable is present) supplying power to the vessel 14 by using the system according to the present invention. Note that FIG. 4 includes Figures 4A - 4L , in which Figure 4A , Figure 4B shows the vessel approaching the mooring pontoon 1, Figure 4C shows the mooring pontoon 1 floating on the water surface, Figure 4D shows an optional distribution device 37 for distributing power to a plurality of systems for mooring the vessel and supplying power to the vessel. Figures 4E - 4L Schematically shows different stages during mooring the vessel 14 and supplying power to the vessel.

[0129] As can be seen most clearly in Figure 4B , the system for mooring a vessel, supplying fluid to the vessel, and (when a conductive cable is present) supplying power to the vessel, as further disclosed herein, is arranged at an offshore location. The mooring pontoon 1 is anchored to the seabed by using the anchor rope 34.

[0130] The fluid pipe 40 (not shown) is connected to a fluid source, and the conductive cable 4 (when present) is connected to a power source (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive cable 4 is connected to the power source via an optional distribution device 37, which has an electrical connection to the power source that is not shown.

[0131] As described herein, typically, it is preferred that the conductive cable is not energized, but can be electrically disconnected from the power source by an electrical switch (not shown) in order to reduce the risk of electric shock, especially during operation of the marine connector 7 and during establishment of an electrical connection from the marine connector 7 on the vessel.

[0132] When mooring and supplying fluid or fluid and power, the vessel 14 is navigated to a position adjacent to the offshore position of the mooring buoy 1 to allow access to the vessel connector 7 from the vessel.

[0133] Referring Figure 4C to, such a position is typically one where the pick-up line 28 is within the reach of the vessel 14. If the pick-up line 28 is not implemented, the vessel is typically navigated to a position where the vessel connector 7 is within the reach of the vessel 14, and the pick-up line can be applied to the vessel connector 7. Below, typical related steps after positioning the vessel are disclosed.

[0134] As Figure 4E shown, the deckhand uses a boat hook to pick up the pick-up line 28 and bring the pick-up line 28 onto the vessel 14 (see Figure 4F ). With the pick-up line 28 on board, the pick-up line 28 is arranged in the winch 17, and the winch 17 hoists the vessel connector 7 onto the vessel 14 by winding the pick-up line 28 and reaches the clamping device 13, as Figure 4H shown. It should be noted that Figure 3A , Figure 3B the clamping device shown in Figure 4 is shown in more detail in.

[0135] With the vessel connector 7 in the clamping device 13, the clamping device engages (as Figure 3B shown) to clamp the vessel connector 7. Thus, the mooring tension is now borne by the clamping device 13, and if necessary, the tension in the pick-up line 28 can be released, as Figure 4J shown.

[0136] The fluid pipe 40 and the conductive cable 4 (when present) can now be safely connected to the fluid inlet and the distribution board 36 of the vessel. The fluid inlet is typically configured to direct fluid to one or more storage facilities, such as one or more tanks, and the distribution board 36 is typically configured to distribute power to one or more power-consuming devices and / or power storage devices on the vessel. The fluid connection is typically performed by the fluid pipe, and the electrical connection is typically performed by the cable 38. The fluid connection and the electrical connection can be guided from the fluid inlet and / or the distribution board 36 to the moored vessel connector 7 by a common or separate guide 39. In an embodiment where the conductive cable 4 is connected to a power source through an electrical switch, the switch is turned on. For the fluid pipe 40, the fluid coupling (such as the fluid coupling described in detail in conjunction with Figure 1D ) automatically opens and closes for fluid flow when connecting and disconnecting.

[0137] In embodiments having both a conductive cable 4 and a fluid tube 40, fluid and electricity can be transferred one at a time. The change between transferring fluid and electricity can be automated or based on an operator's selection of the fluid or electricity to be transferred. In automated operation, the change can be instantiated based on the required need for fluid or electricity, the required fill level of the fluid tank, and / or the required charge state of the battery. By transferring only electricity or fluid in one operation, the safety of the transfer can be improved as the possibility of contact between the current and the fluid in the mooring connector 2 is at least reduced.

[0138] In embodiments where fluid and electricity are transferred one at a time, this can be done by alternating between transferring fluid and transferring electricity. A non-transfer time period can be introduced between the alternation from transferring fluid to transferring electricity and between the alternation from transferring electricity to transferring fluid. During such a non-transfer time period, neither fluid nor electricity is transferred. Such a non-transfer time period can be used to substantially empty the fluid tube before conduction or to purge the fluid tube and / or release static and / or capacitive electricity from the conductive cable.

[0139] In a preferred embodiment, the system can be equipped with sensors configured to obtain the transfer status of electricity and / or fluid. Such sensors can include flow sensors and sensors configured to sense current or electrostatic force. Based on the sensor readings of the sensors, in a preferred embodiment, fluid transfer can be initiated when the sensor reading signal has no current or electrostatic force, and in a preferred embodiment, electricity transfer can be initiated when the sensor reading signal has no fluid transfer.

[0140] Figure 5 shows some of the steps disclosed in conjunction with Figure 4 from a different perspective. Figures 5A - 5C A deckhand is shown pulling the pick-up rope 28 on a ship. Figure 5C The mooring connector 2 is shown about to be pulled onto the ship. Figure 5D The moored ship is shown, and it is shown that the mooring rope 3 is tight while the conductive cable 4 is loose, i.e., the mooring force is absorbed by the mooring rope 3. Similarly, although not shown, the fluid tube 40 is loose and the mooring force is absorbed by the mooring rope 3.

[0141] Once the ship is moored and the connection is made, the transfer of fluid can begin, and when there is a conductive cable, the transfer of electricity can begin.

[0142] Instead of mooring the ship connector to the ship via a clamping device, in principle, the ship connector can also be used only for supplying fluid and when used only for charging purposes, and the ship can be held in a stable position by other means, such as by an anchor, a dynamic positioning system, or other devices during the supply / charging process / electricity transfer of the fluid.

[0143] List of specific embodiments of the preferred embodiment

[0144] Item 1. A system for mooring a ship and supplying motive fluid to the ship, or mooring the ship, supplying motive fluid to the ship, and supplying electric power to the ship, the system comprising:

[0145] · A mooring buoy (1), which is configured to float on the sea surface and be anchored to the seabed;

[0146] · A mooring connector (2), which is a combined mooring and power source connector, including

[0147] ο A mooring rope (3) and a fluid pipe (40) for supplying the fluid, or

[0148] ο The mooring rope (3), the fluid pipe (4), and a conductive cable (4) for further supplying electric power;

[0149] · Wherein, the mooring rope (3) is configured to absorb the tension generated by a ship moored to the mooring buoy (1) through the mooring connector (2), and at the same time, substantially does not apply mooring tension to the fluid pipe (40) or the conductive cable (4), and the mooring rope (3) is connected to the mooring buoy or anchored to the seabed at the seabed;

[0150] · A retractable ship connector (7), which is provided at one end of the mooring connector (2), and the ship connector (7) is a combined mooring connector and fluid connector or a combined mooring connector, fluid connector, and electrical connector, and

[0151] · A clamping device (13), which is arranged on the ship (14), and the clamping device (13) is configured to clamp and lock the ship connector (7) to moor the ship (14) to the mooring buoy (1) or to the seabed.

[0152] Item 2. The system according to Item 1, wherein the ship connector (7) includes a fluid coupling (41), the fluid pipe is fluidly connected to the fluid coupling (41), and when the system includes the conductive cable (4), the ship connector (7) further includes an electrical plug and / or an electrical socket (12), and the conductive cable (4) is electrically connected to the electrical plug and / or the electrical socket (12).

[0153] The system according to Item 1 or 2, wherein the mooring connector (2) further includes a tubular sheath (15), the tubular sheath (15) surrounds at least a part of the fluid pipe (40) and the mooring rope (3), and when the system includes the conductive cable (4), the tubular sheath (15) further surrounds at least a part of the conductive cable (4), and the tubular sheath (15) extends from the ship connector (7).

[0154] Item 4. The system according to any one of Items 1 - 3, wherein the mooring line (3), the fluid pipe (40), and (when the system includes an electrical conductive cable (4)) the electrical conductive cable (4) are also arranged coaxially inside the mooring line (3) or arranged side by side, preferably without being wound and / or meshed.

[0155] Item 5. The system according to any one of the preceding Items 1 - 4, wherein the clamping device (13) includes one or more engaging elements (16), and the one or more engaging elements (16) are configured to engage the ship connector (7) to clamp and lock the ship connector (7).

[0156] Item 6. The system according to Item 5, wherein the engaging element (16) can retract from a first position where it engages the ship connector (7) to a second position where it does not engage the ship connector (7).

[0157] Item 7. The system according to any one of Items 1 - 6, wherein the system further includes a winch (17), and the winch (17) is configured to wind ropes, cords, cables, wires, etc. connected to the ship connector (7), and the winch (17) is positioned relative to the clamping device (13) such that when winding, the winch pulls the ship connector (7) towards the clamping device (13).

[0158] Item 8. The system according to any one of Items 1 - 7, wherein the ship connector (7) further includes a pick - up rope (28) connected to the ship connector (7), and the pick - up rope is sized to allow the ship connector (7) to be lifted or hoisted on the ship. The pick - up rope (28) has positive buoyancy and / or is provided with buoyancy elements (29) to prevent the pick - up rope (28) from being completely submerged when the pick - up rope (28) is in water.

[0159] Item 9. The system according to any one of Items 1 - 8, wherein the ship connector (7) has a longitudinal axis (19), a proximal end (20), and a distal end (21). The ship connector (7) extends along the longitudinal axis (19), the mooring connection member (2) extends from the proximal end (20) towards the mooring buoy (1), and the distal end is opposite to the proximal end (20), wherein

[0160] · The ship connector (7) includes an elongate section (22) at a distance from the proximal end (20), and the elongate section (22) includes a protrusion (23), and the protrusion (23) is arranged closer to the distal end (21) than the elongate section (22), and

[0161] · The clamping device (13) includes two fork-shaped members (24), which are sized and shaped to receive the elongate section while preventing the protrusion (23) from passing between the fork-shaped members (24).

[0162] Item 10. The system according to any one of Items 1 - 9, wherein the marine connector (7) has a longitudinal axis (19), a proximal end (20), and a distal end (21), the marine connector (7) extends along the longitudinal axis (19), the mooring connection member (2) extends from the proximal end (20) towards the mooring buoy (1), the distal end (21) is opposite to the proximal end (20), and wherein the marine connector (7) includes an outwardly tapered section extending from the proximal end (20) towards the distal end (21), and the outwardly tapered section (5) has a minimum cross-section at the proximal end (20).

[0163] Item 11. The system according to any one of Items 1 - 10, wherein the marine connector includes a housing structure that at least defines the outer contour or outer housing of the marine connector (7), and the housing structure includes:

[0164] · An internally placed mechanical connection point or area (26) to which the mooring rope (3) is mechanically connected,

[0165] · An internally placed fluid pipe connection point or area to which the fluid pipe (40) is mechanically connected, and

[0166] When the system includes a conductive cable (4), the housing structure further includes an internally placed electrical connection point or area (27) to which the strands of the conductive cable (4) are electrically connected.

[0167] Item 12. The system according to any one of Items 1 - 11, wherein the marine connector (7) is rotationally symmetric about the longitudinal axis of the marine connector (7).

[0168] Item 13. The system according to any one of Items 1 - 12, wherein the mooring buoy (1) includes a floatable body (30), and when viewed from the position where the mooring buoy (1) floats on the horizontal sea surface, the floatable body (30) has a vertical through-opening (31), and wherein the marine connector (7) and the vertical through-opening (31) are jointly shaped and sized to releasably receive at least a portion of the marine connector (7) within the vertical through-opening (31).

[0169] Item 14. The system according to any one of Items 1 - 13, wherein the mooring rope passes through the vertical through-opening (31) in its retracted position and extends downward in a loop for a certain distance.

[0170] Item 15. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the buoyancy of the mooring buoy (1) is greater than the total gravity of the mooring buoy (1), the ship connector (7), and preferably the mooring connection member (2).

[0171] Item 16. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the mooring rope (3) is configured to absorb at least a large amount of the tension generated by a ship moored to the mooring buoy (1) by using the mooring connection member (2), while substantially not applying mooring tension to the fluid pipe (40) or (when present) the conductive cable (4).

[0172] Item 17. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the mooring rope (3) is configured to absorb all of the tension generated by a ship moored to the mooring buoy (1) by using the mooring connection member (2), while substantially not applying mooring tension to the fluid pipe (40) or (when present) the conductive cable (4).

[0173] Item 18. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the mooring rope (3) is configured to absorb the tension generated by a ship moored to the mooring buoy (1) by using the mooring connection member (2), while substantially not applying mooring tension to the fluid pipe (40) or (when present) the conductive cable (4), and the total tonnage of the ship is greater than 50 GT, such as greater than 200 GT, preferably greater than 500 GT and less than 400,000 GT, preferably less than 300,000 GT.

[0174] Item 19. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the fluid is selected from the following: biogas, natural gas such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), hydrogen, ammonia, nitrogen, oxygen, alkane gas, methanol, ethanol, propane, butane, gasoline, intermediate fuel oil, synthetic oil, diesel such as marine diesel oil, or e-fuel, which is in a liquid phase or a gas phase.

[0175] Item 20. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the clamping and locking of the ship connector (7) by the clamping device (13) constitutes a single mooring point on the ship, such as the only mooring point on the ship.

[0176] Item 21. A ship connector (7), the ship connector (7) having a longitudinal axis (19), a proximal end (20), and a distal end (21), the ship connector (7) extending along the longitudinal axis (19), the proximal end (20) being configured to receive a mooring connection member, the distal end (21) being opposite to the proximal end (20), wherein

[0177] · The marine connector (7) includes an elongate section (22) at a distance from the proximal end (20), the elongate section including a protrusion (23) which is arranged closer to the distal end (21) than the elongate section (22), the protrusion being configured to cooperate with a clamping device (13) which includes two fork-like members (24) dimensioned and shaped to receive the elongate section while preventing the protrusion (23) from passing between the fork-like members (24).

[0178] Item 22. The marine connector according to item 21, wherein the elongate section (22) is flexible / bendable.

[0179] Item 23. A method of mooring a vessel and supplying fluid to the vessel or mooring a vessel and supplying fluid and electricity to the vessel, the method comprising:

[0180] · Providing the system according to any one of the preceding items at an offshore location and anchoring the mooring buoy (1) to the seabed;

[0181] · Connecting a fluid pipe (40) to a fluid source;

[0182] · When the system includes a conductive cable, connecting the conductive cable (4) to a power source (35);

[0183] · Navigating the vessel to a position adjacent to the offshore location to allow access to the marine connector (7) from the vessel;

[0184] · Lifting or hoisting the marine connector (7) onto the vessel and to the clamping device (13);

[0185] · Engaging the clamping device to clamp the marine connector (7) so as to moor the vessel;

[0186] · Connecting the fluid pipe (40) to a fluid inlet of the vessel, the fluid inlet being configured to direct the received fluid to a container, such as a storage tank;

[0187] · When a conductive cable is present, connecting the conductive cable (4) to a distribution board (36) of the vessel, the distribution board (36) being configured to distribute power to one or more power-consuming devices on the vessel, and

[0188] · Transferring fluid to the vessel and, when power is present, transferring power to the vessel.

[0189] Item 24. The method according to item 23, wherein the system includes a conductive cable (4), the method comprising transferring fluid and power one at a time.

[0190] Item 25. The method according to item 24, wherein the transfer of fluid and electricity one at a time is alternated between the transfer of fluid and the transfer of electricity, preferably including non-transfer time periods between the alternations of fluid transfer to electricity transfer and between the alternations of electricity transfer to fluid transfer.

[0191] Although the present invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments, it should not be construed as being limited in any way to the examples presented. The scope of the present invention is set forth by the appended claims. In the context of the claims, the term "comprising" or "including" does not exclude other possible elements or steps. Additionally, references such as "a" or "an" should not be construed as excluding a plurality. The use of reference numerals in the claims with respect to elements shown in the figures should also not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the various features recited in different claims may be advantageously combined, and the recitation of these features in different claims does not exclude the combination of features from being possible and advantageous.

[0192] List of reference numerals used:

[0193] 1 Mooring buoy

[0194] 2 Mooring connection

[0195] 3 Mooring rope

[0196] 4 Conductive cable

[0197] 5 Outwardly tapering section

[0198] 7 Ship connector

[0199] 8 Beacon

[0200] 9 Loop for picking up the rope

[0201] 12 Plug and / or socket

[0202] 13 Clamping device

[0203] 14 Ship

[0204] 15 Tubular sheath

[0205] 16 Joining element, preferably a retractable 17 Winch

[0206] 18 Ropes, cords, cables, wires, etc.

[0207] 19 Longitudinal axis

[0208] 20 Proximal end

[0209] 21 Distal end

[0210] 22 Elongated section

[0211] 23 Protrusion

[0212] 24 Fork

[0213] 25 Access Hatch

[0214] 26 Internally Placed Mechanical Connection Point or Area

[0215] 27 Internally Placed Electrical Connection Point or Area

[0216] 28 Pickup Rope

[0217] 29 Buoyancy Element

[0218] 30 Floating Body

[0219] 31 Vertically Penetrating Opening

[0220] 32 Funnel-Shaped Section

[0221] 34 Anchor Rope

[0222] 35 Power Source

[0223] 36 Distribution Plate

[0224] 37 Distribution Device

[0225] 38 Cable

[0226] 39 Guide

[0227] 40 Fluid Pipe

[0228] 41 Fluid Coupling

[0229] 42 Ball

[0230] 43 Valve Seat

[0231] 44 Retainer

[0232] 45 Locking Device

Claims

1. A system for mooring a ship and supplying motive fluid to the ship, or for mooring the ship, supplying motive fluid to the ship, and supplying electricity to the ship, the system comprising: · A mooring buoy (1), which is configured to float on the sea surface and be anchored to the seabed; · A mooring connection member (2), which is a combined mooring and power source connection member, including ο a mooring rope (3) and a fluid pipe (40) for supplying the fluid, or ο the mooring rope (3), the fluid pipe (4), and a conductive cable (4) further for supplying electricity; · Wherein, the mooring rope (3) is configured to absorb the tension generated by a ship moored to the mooring buoy (1) through the use of the mooring connection member (2), while basically not applying mooring tension to the fluid pipe (40) or, when the conductive cable (4) exists, also basically not applying mooring tension to the conductive cable (4), and the mooring rope (3) is connected to the mooring buoy or anchored to the seabed at the seabed; · A retractable ship connector (7), which is provided at one end of the mooring connection member (2), and the ship connector (7) is a combined mooring connector and fluid connector or a combined mooring connector, fluid connector, and electrical connector, and · A clamping device (13), which is arranged on the ship (14), and the clamping device (13) is configured to clamp and lock the ship connector (7) to moor the ship (14) to the mooring buoy (1) or to the seabed.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The ship connector (7) includes a fluid coupling member (41), the fluid pipe is fluidly connected to the fluid coupling member (41), and when the system includes the conductive cable (4), the ship connector (7) further includes an electrical plug and / or an electrical socket (12), and the conductive cable (4) is electrically connected to the electrical plug and / or the electrical socket (12).

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The mooring connection member (2) further includes a tubular sheath (15), which surrounds at least a part of the fluid pipe (40) and the mooring rope (3), and when the system includes the conductive cable (4), the tubular sheath (15) further surrounds at least a part of the conductive cable (4), and the tubular sheath (15) extends from the ship connector (7).

4. The system according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, When the system includes the conductive cable (4), the fluid pipe (40) and the conductive cable (4) are preferably arranged coaxially inside the mooring rope (3) or side by side and preferably not wound and / or meshed.

5. The system according to any one of the preceding claims 1-4, wherein, The clamping device (13) includes one or more engaging elements (16), and the one or more engaging elements (16) are configured to engage the ship connector (7) to clamp and lock the ship connector (7).

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein, The engaging element (16) can retract from a first position where it engages the ship connector (7) to a second position where it does not engage the ship connector (7).

7. The system according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The system further includes a winch (17) configured to wind a rope, cord, cable, wire, or the like connected to the vessel connector (7), the winch (17) being positioned relative to the clamping device (13) such that the winch pulls the vessel connector (7) towards the clamping device (13) when winding.

8. The system according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein, The vessel connector (7) further includes a pick-up rope (28) connected to the vessel connector (7), the pick-up rope being sized to allow the vessel connector (7) to be lifted or winched on the vessel, the pick-up rope (28) having positive buoyancy and / or being provided with buoyancy elements (29) to prevent the pick-up rope (28) from being fully submerged when the pick-up rope (28) is in water.

9. The system according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein The vessel connector (7) has a longitudinal axis (19), a proximal end (20), and a distal end (21), the vessel connector (7) extending along the longitudinal axis (19), the mooring connection (2) extending from the proximal end (20), the distal end (21) being opposite the proximal end (20), wherein · the vessel connector (7) includes an elongate section (22) at a distance from the proximal end (20), the elongate section (22) including a protrusion (23) arranged closer to the distal end (21) than the elongate section (22), and · the clamping device (13) includes two fork-like members (24) sized and shaped to receive the elongate section while preventing the protrusion (23) from passing between the fork-like members (24).

10. The system according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein, The vessel connector (7) has a longitudinal axis (19), a proximal end (20), and a distal end (21), the vessel connector (7) extending along the longitudinal axis (19), the mooring connection (2) extending from the proximal end (20) towards the mooring buoy (1), the distal end (21) being opposite the proximal end (20), wherein the vessel connector (7) includes an outwardly tapering section extending from the proximal end (20) towards the distal end (21), the outwardly tapering section (5) having a minimum cross-section at the proximal end (20).

11. The system according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein, The vessel connector includes a housing structure at least defining an outer profile or outer housing of the vessel connector (7), the housing structure including: · a mechanically connected point or area (26) placed internally, the mooring rope (3) being mechanically connected to the mechanically connected point or area (26) placed internally, · a fluid pipe connection point or area placed internally, the fluid pipe (40) being mechanically connected to the fluid pipe connection point or area placed internally, and when the system includes the conductive cable (4), the housing structure further includes an electrically connected point or area (27) placed internally, the strands of the conductive cable (4) being electrically connected to the electrically connected point or area (27) placed internally.

12. The system according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein, The marine connector (7) is rotationally symmetric about the longitudinal axis of the marine connector (7).

13. The system according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein, The mooring buoy (1) includes a floating body (30) which, when viewed from the position where the mooring buoy (1) floats on a horizontal sea surface, has a vertically through-opening (31), wherein the marine connector (7) and the vertically through-opening (31) are jointly shaped and dimensioned to releasably receive at least a portion of the marine connector (7) in the vertically through-opening (31).

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein, The mooring line passes through the vertically through-opening (31) in its retractable position and extends downward in a loop for a distance.

15. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The buoyancy of the mooring buoy (1) is greater than the total weight of the mooring buoy (1), the marine connector (7), and preferably the mooring connection member (2).

16. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The mooring line (3) is configured to absorb at least a substantial amount of the tension generated by a ship moored to the mooring buoy (1) using the mooring connection member (2).

17. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The mooring line (3) is configured to absorb all of the tension generated by a ship moored to the mooring buoy (1) using the mooring connection member (2).

18. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The mooring line (3) is configured to absorb the tension generated by a ship moored to the mooring buoy (1) using the mooring connection member (2), while substantially not applying mooring tension to the fluid pipe (40) or, when the conductive cable (4) is present, also substantially not applying mooring tension to the conductive cable (4), the total tonnage of the ship being greater than 50 GT, such as greater than 200 GT, preferably greater than 500 GT and less than 400,000 GT, preferably less than 300,000 GT.

19. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The fluid is selected from the following: biogas, natural gas such as liquefied natural gas LNG, hydrogen, ammonia, nitrogen, oxygen, alkane gas, methanol, ethanol propane, butane gasoline, intermediate fuel oil, synthetic oil, diesel such as marine diesel oil, or e-fuel, which is in a liquid or gaseous phase.

20. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The clamping and locking of the marine connector (7) by the clamping device (13) constitutes a single mooring point on the ship, such as the only mooring point on the ship.

21. A marine connector (7) having a longitudinal axis (19), a proximal end (20), and a distal end (21), the marine connector (7) extending along the longitudinal axis (19), the proximal end (20) being configured to receive a mooring connection member, the distal end (21) being opposite the proximal end (20), wherein · The marine connector (7) includes an elongate section (22) at a distance from the proximal end (20), the elongate section including a projection (23) which is arranged closer to the distal end (21) than the elongate section (22), the projection being configured to cooperate with a clamping device (13) which includes two forks (24) dimensioned and shaped to receive the elongate section while preventing the projection (23) from passing between the forks (24).

22. The ship connector according to claim 21, wherein, The elongate section (22) is flexible / bendable.

23. A method for mooring a ship and supplying fluid to the ship or mooring the ship and supplying fluid and power to the ship, the method comprising: · Providing the system according to any one of the preceding claims at an offshore location and anchoring the mooring buoy (1) to the seabed; · Connecting the fluid pipe (40) to a fluid source; · When the system includes the conductive cable, connecting the conductive cable (4) to a power source (35); · Navigating the ship to a position adjacent to the offshore location to allow access to the marine connector (7) from the ship; · Hoisting or lifting the marine connector (7) onto the ship and to the clamping device (13); · Engaging the clamping device to clamp the marine connector (7) so as to moor the ship; · Connecting the fluid pipe (40) to a fluid inlet of the ship, the fluid inlet being configured to direct the received fluid to a container, such as a storage tank; · When the conductive cable is present, connecting the conductive cable (4) to a distribution board (36) of the ship, the distribution board (36) being configured to distribute power to one or more power-consuming devices on the ship, and · Transmitting the fluid to the ship and, when the power is present, transmitting the power to the ship.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein, The system includes the conductive cable (4), and the method includes transmitting the fluid and the power one at a time.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein, Transmitting the fluid and the power one at a time alternates between transmitting the fluid and transmitting the power, preferably including non-transmission time periods between the alternations of fluid transmission to power transmission and between the alternations of power transmission to fluid transmission.

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