SYSTEM, DEVICE AND METHOD FOR HANDLING A TRAWL NET

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a kit of parts in accordance to claim 1.Background art

[0002] In conventional trawling, regardless of whether the vessel or vessels (in case of pair trawling) is / are towing one or more trawls, all gear and operating time in fishing relies on that the trawl(s) is / are hauled into the vessel to collect the catch gathered in the cod end. The time spent on such hauling is time during which the machinery of the ship runs idle not performing active fishing. Also, each hauling causes considerable wear to the trawling gear.

[0003] The size of the equipment and the number of trawls used for fishing are limited by the fact that each trawl has to be able to be pulled onboard the towing vessel to enable the catch to be collected.

[0004] This imposes a limitation on the number of hauls in a 24-hour period to avoid an unnecessary long operating time with no fishing, but also to reduce wear and improve the safety of the deck crew. As a consequence of this, a substantial part of the catch eventually pulled onboard has spent a considerable amount of time at the bottom of the cod end, increasing the risk of dead and pressure injuries to the individuals of the catch caught at the beginning of the cycle. The quality of the catch is further deteriorated by pulling the cod end dry and compacted up the slip at the stern of the vessel. The catch can be left on the slip for several minutes before it is introduced into reception tanks awaiting processing.

[0005] A proposal for continuous trawling is provided in FR 1 399 321 A. The system includes a trawl with an open cod end; a flexible pipe is connected to the cod end. The flexible pipe is connected to a pump station; the pump station is further connected with a flexible pipe, which is in communication with a single fishing vessel. The intention of the system is to provide a continuous trawl fishing system as the cod end can be continuously emptied by pumping out fish. The pump station has the ability to manoeuvre thereby controlling the depth of the flexible hoses - which may be essential to empty / pump out fish from the cod end. The pump station includes two cells, one cell for filling and one cell for emptying fish from the pump station. The length and size of the flexible pipe is a serious challenge with respect to the enormous draught caused by the pipe during trawling at trawling speed, typically 3.5 knots.

[0006] US 2013 / 305975 A1 provides a catch system for catching biological specimens / organic material deep sea on a seabed. The system is directed to research and not to a catch handling fleet, a catch collection system, a catch transport system or transport system. The biological specimens are captured by torpedo like deep-sea device. The deep-sea device is watered from a vessel and sinks towards the seabed with its top torpedo end facing vertically down, due to a weight means arranged at the top of the deep-sea device. At the seabed, as soon as a catch is captured in a chamber of the deep se device, the weight means is separated from the deep-sea device. The nose of the deep-sea device is filled with a buoyancy unit which will lift the tip of the deep see device up into a vertical direction and the deep-sea device will move up in a vertical direction due to the buoyancy unit. To speed up the climb a drive unit is included in the deep-sea device.

[0007] US 2,890,543 discloses a shrimp trawling system which aims to provide continuous trawling. It discloses a trawl net attachment for shrimp fishing. Figure 1 of the publication discloses the main elements described. A shrimper 1 is seen pulling a net with a pick-up at its end. The pick-up comprising a rigid portion and net or retaining portion. When the retaining portion is full of shrimps it may according to the publication be reeled in by a line, the aim being that continuous trawling can be possible.

[0008] WO 2010 / 015254 A1 discloses a trawl system that comprises a trawl which is pulled under the sea surface during fishing, the trawl comprising a front opening and two sides, the system further comprising two vessels connected to respective sides of the trawl for the purpose of pulling it. One vessel is an unmanned, submerged trawl pulling vessel, and the other vessel is a surface vessel floating on the sea.

[0009] WO 2017 / 048134 A1 discloses a method for extracting aquatic animals from an apparatus containing aquatic animals, where the apparatus comprises a apparatus body with an open end, a substantially closed end, and one or more side walls between the open end and the substantially closed end, wherein at least a major portion of the sidewall(s) comprise a flexible membrane, and at least a major portion of the sidewall(s) and the substantially closed end are impervious to water. The method comprises to arrange the apparatus with the open end of the apparatus positioned higher than the substantially closed end. And further to introduce a flow of liquid into an interior region of the apparatus proximal the substantial closed end. And finally, to use the introduced flow of liquid to transport aquatic animals contained in the apparatus out of the open end of the apparatus.

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to solve the above problems associated with current trawling systems.Summary of the invention

[0011] The above indicated problems are solved by providing a kit of parts including a transport node and a carrier drone (107), the kit of parts including: a. the transport node (251) comprising means for connection to the carrier drone (107) and to one or more units of a catch handling fleet wherein said means for connection to the carrier drone (107) includes a releasable connection to the carrier drone (107) the transport node (251) further comprising one elongate tubular body having first and second free ends and an internal tubular cavity said first and second free ends comprising at least coupling means for connection to one of: a transport bag (101), cod end (13), recovery bag (91); pipes (201) for receiving catch at a catch reception facility; b. the carrier drone (107) being adapted to operate in a catch handling fleet (1), where the carrier drone (107) at least comprises: i. a transport means for transporting the transport node (251); ii. one or more manoeuvring means (271, 109) for manoeuvring the carrier drone (107); iii. one or more propulsion means for propelling the carrier drone (107); and iv. one or more means (106) for physically connecting the carrier drone to units (10) at a distance from the carrier drone.

[0012] Further advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the accompanying patent claims.Brief description of the drawings

[0013] The present invention will be more easily understood by referring to the attached drawings, in which; Fig. 1 shows one fishing vessel 10 trawling using a single trawl 11 having a cod end 13 according to prior art, Fig. 2 shows a catch transport system 4 comprising a carrier drone 107 and a transport system 5 containing catch coupled to a recovery bag 91, Fig. 3 shows a catch collection system 3 in which the catch transport system 4 is provided with a sonar device, Fig. 4 shows the catch collection system 3 of Fig. 3, with the catch transport system 4 located at a different position, Fig. 5 shows the catch collection system 3 of Figs. 3 and 17, with the catch transport system 4 located at a different position, Fig. 6 shows a catch collection system 3 comprising a trawler 10, a trawl 11, a transport bag 101, a carrier drone 107, with the transport bag 101 being coupled to a transport node 251 not shown in the figure, Fig. 7 shows a detail A of the catch collection system of Fig. 6 comprising the catch transport system 4, Fig. 8 shows a catch collection system 3 comprising a trawler 10, a trawl 11, and a carrier drone 107 coupled to a transport bag 101 by coupling means, coupled to an unloading point 201 on the trawler 10 for unloading catch, Fig. 9 shows a detail B of catch collection system 3 of Fig. 8 comprising the carrier drone 107 and transport bag 101 connected to the unloading point 201 on trawler 10 by way of coupling means between the unloading point and transport bag 101, Fig. 10 shows a trawl 11, a catch transport system 4, as well as a transport bag 101 having coupling means in different situations, with the transport bag 101 with coupling means being shown connected to cod ends in two examples, Fig. 11 shows a catch transport system comprising a carrier drone 107 engaged with a transport node 251, which is in turn connected to a transport bag 101, the transport node serving as coupling means for transport bag 101, the catch transport system being in the process of becoming connected to a trawl through a cod end adapter 171 at the cod end 13 of trawl 11, Fig. 12 shows a trawl with a catch transport system and a transport system in different configurations, Fig. 13 shows the catch transport system 4 taken from a detail D of Fig. 12, Fig. 14 shows a transport bag 101 connected to a cod end 13 via a transport node 251, with the transport node 251 serving as coupling means between transport bag 101 and cod end 13, Fig. 15 shows a catch transport system 4, Fig. 16 shows a node hangar for receiving therein transport node 251 and transport bag 101 containing catch collected from an active trawl, Fig. 17 shows the manner in which transport node 251 with transport bag 101 is towed back to a ship 10 by way of wire and is finally taken into the ship through a port 311 at the broadside below the waterline, Fig. 18 shows a catch transport system 4 comprising modules for transporting, unloading, and loading of catch, Fig. 19 is a top view of the catch transport system 4 of Fig. 31 comprising modules for transporting, unloading, and loading of catch, Fig. 20 is a side view of a catch transport system 4 in a connected state, Fig. 21 is a top view of a catch transport system 4 in a connected state, and Fig. 22 shows a transport system 5 including a transport node 251 with a transport bag 101 connected to a cod end 13. Detailed description of the invention

[0014] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0015] Terms used repeatedly throughout the patent application: a. Catch, by the term catch is meant both live and dead objects catchable by means of catching equipment that a catch handling fleet 1 according to the present invention is able to catch and possibly process. Typically, catch may consist of fish, marine animals, and waste catchable using a trawl. b. Fleet, in this application, shall refer to two or more vessels operating together to solve a common task such as collecting and handling catch. c. The terms line, cable, wire, or rope are used interchangeably throughout the specification. It is to be understood that a line, cable, wire, or rope may all function as a power and / or signal cable.

[0016] It is to be understood that the present invention relates to a complete catch handling fleet with all the individual elements of the fleet enabling the collection and handling of catch.

[0017] In other words, catch handling fleet 1 comprises a plurality of subsystems each comprising a number of modules.

[0018] The object of the catch handling fleet 1 provided according to the present invention is to provide automated or semi-automated handling of catch, transportation of catch, loading and unloading of catch.

[0019] An element of a catch handling fleet 1 is a carrier drone 107 that may be fully, or partially autonomous, which carrier drone is a «busy bee» in the catch handling fleet 1 that transports transport systems 5 and other equipment within catch handling fleet 1.

[0020] In the following, the individual elements of catch handling fleet 1 will be described in more detail, referring to the drawings where applicable in order to facilitate the understanding of the invention and all the aspects thereof.

[0021] Fig. 1 shows a trawl vessel 10 with a trawl 11 and associated trawl equipment in accordance with prior art. It can be seen that the trawl vessel is towing the trawl from its aft end, with the tow being performed via two otter boards 12. The most important function of otter boards 12 is to keep trawl 11 open so that the catch can enter into the trawl and then into a cod end 13. When cod end 13 is full, or when the person in charge of the trawling decides to do so, trawl 11 will be pulled in towards the ship 10 and into a slip-on trawl vessel 10. The catch will be processed onboard the ship 10. After trawl 11 has been emptied, it can be lowered via the slip to continue the catching provided that the trawl has not suffered any damage during the retrieval of the trawl.

[0022] Catch transport system 4 can be heading towards a trawl 33. Catch transport system 4 can be manoeuvred towards a terminal end of a cod end having a cod end adapter with an open-and-close valve either autonomously or via towing line from the vessel 32 in combination with manoeuvring means of a transport component of catch transport system 4. Details of the catch transport system will be discussed in more detail below. After the catch transport system has been guided to an opening such as a valve at the trailing end of a targeted cod end, then catch transport system 4 or a component of the catch transport system that includes a transport bag may be connected mechanically to the terminal end of the cod end.

[0023] Recovery bags 91 may be suitable habitats for storing live catch transferred from transport bags. The condition of catch is significantly more controllable and the yield of uninjured live catch from a catch handling fleet 1 according to the present invention can be significantly improved as compared to conventional trawl systems (see Fig. 1). Of course, recovery bags 91 may also be used as intermediate storage for waste and other caught objects collected by a catch handling fleet 1. Recovery bags 91 may be emptied through a pipe connection to a vessel 10, this pipe connection is not according to the present invention..

[0024] It is to be understood that recovery bags 91 can be left behind by a catch handling fleet to be towed / picked up by a vessel that does not necessary belong to the same fleet as recovery bags 91. For example, if the recovery bag stores dead matter such as waste, for example, a specialized waste handling ship can be used for collecting and handling the waste.

[0025] Similarly, recovery bags containing live catch can be picked up by vessels able to deliver live catch to fish farms or reception facilities adapted for receiving live catch.

[0026] Fig. 2 shows an assembly of a recovery bag 91 and a catch transport system 4. For illustration purposes, the recovery bag 91 shown has been provided with a window in which live catch in the form of fish 104 is depicted. A similar «window» is shown in a transport bag 101 in the figure. The windows are only included for the purpose of illustration.

[0027] Recovery bag 91 is shown with piping 103 for unloading / pumping of catch. A first end / nozzle 105 of the piping includes an adapter adapted for connection to unloading means such as additional pipe or hose systems having additional couplings for releasable connection to nozzles 103 of piping 103 of recovery bag 91.

[0028] In the figure, recovery bag 91 is depicted with a «mesh-like» surface. The mesh-like surface illustrates that the bag can be made of an outer material allowing for flow-through of fluids. The aperture / mesh width can be determined based on the desired function / type of catch. The larger aperture the better replacement of oxygen and liquid, while on the other hand the flow-through in case of a coarse mesh width may become slightly high during towing for some types of catch. A mesh-like surface is an example which is not according to the present invention.

[0029] Recovery bag 91 includes means for filling the bag 91. In the figure this is illustrated as a second nozzle 102. In the figure, a transport bag 101 is releasably engaged with the second nozzle 102 for emptying catch 104 contained in transport bag 101 into recovery bag 91. Transport bag 101 is provided with a close / open device at a second end adapted for the releasable connection to the second nozzle 102.

[0030] The recovery bag in the figure is elongated sausage-shaped, other shapes of course being conceivable.

[0031] Transport bag 101 has a first end adapted for releasable connection to first coupling means, the interconnected assembly of the transport bag 101 and first coupling means together forming what is referred to as a transport system 5. The first coupling means provides releasable connection at the first terminal end of cod end 101 and at the same time releasable connection to unloading systems and cod ends via a third nozzle / adapter 108. Further, the carrier drone 107 shown is provided with means for releasable connection to the first coupling means.

[0032] In the figure, carrier drone 107 is shown surrounded by the first coupling means. The first coupling means will be discussed in more detail in the following description in a more particular implementation.

[0033] In the figure, carrier drone 107 is shown with fastening means in the form of a fastening eye 106. One or more such fastening means may be provided on carrier drone 107 in order to tie carrier drone 107 mechanically to remote units via a line, cable, wire, or rope. In one implementation of carrier drone 107, signal and power supply cables may be connected via said fastening means 106, this is not in accordance with the present invention. The carrier drone is also shown with navigation means 109. In the figure, the navigation means is illustrated as a side rudder 109, but other implementations of navigation means are conceivable, such as directional thrusters / propellers.

[0034] Catch transport system 4 and recovery bag 91, , can be transported as a single unit. In many cases, however, carrier drone 107 will be omitted, so that a unit including transport system 5 and recovery bag 91 remains.

[0035] For illustration purposes, a window has been created in the meshed surface of recovery bag 91, depicting catch 104, illustrated as live fish, without the catch being not limited to live fish. Further, the surface of recovery bag 91 could just as well have been a fluid-tight surface or a combination of fluid-tight and meshed / apertured.

[0036] The figure shows that catch 104 is pumped out of recovery bag 91 through piping 103 into pipe / hose 146, in which the catch is shown by reference numeral 157. Catch 104, 157 is pumped into a storage / reservoir / netpen in which it may be handled, such as a depot, trawl vessel, factory ship, recovery station, netpen, or any another suitable point of reception.

[0037] As indicated above, the nature of the catch will dictate the choice of receiver of the catch 104, 157 pumped out of recovery bag 91. Normally, the pumping means will be located at the receiving entity.

[0038] Fig. 3 shows a catch collection system 3 including a catch transport system 4 physically connected 173 to a depot 10, in the example shown as a trawl vessel 10. The figure also shows a trawl 11 having a cod end 13. Cod end 13 is provided with a rear nozzle 211 in the form of a cod end adapter for releasable mechanical connection to coupling means of catch transport system 4. Catch transport system 4 includes an autonomous and / or controlled carrier drone 107. Carrier drone 107, together with coupling means and transport bag, is towed by means of a probe cable 173. Carrier drone 107 is coarsely positioned behind a main trawl 11 based on position data obtained from sensors on trawl 11. Having been coarsely positioned, carrier drone 107 can activate a sonar device 172, such as a multibeam sonar, for example, in order to locate and identify a sonar beacon 171 associated with a cod end adapter 211. When the beacon has been identified, continuously acquired sonar data can be used for positioning carrier drone 107 gradually closer to cod end adapter 211, until physical interconnection can be accomplished. It is to be understood that the indication that the carrier drone is manoeuvred for connection to cod end adapter 211 implies that the carrier drone in this case includes a payload in the form of the coupling means and transport bag, which together form a catch transport system 4.

[0039] Fig. 4 shows the same catch collection system 3 as Fig. 3, but the catch transport system 4 is in a different position relative to trawl 11. The figure shows catch transport system 4 including carrier drone 107 moves towards depot 10. Sonar device 172 is used actively in order to stay clear of obstacles in the sea, such as trawl wire 173, and to prevent collision with depot 10.

[0040] From the figure it is seen that catch transport system 4 is comprised by a transport bag 101 and a carrier drone 107. Carrier drone 107 surrounds first coupling means, which are in turn releasably connected to transport bag 101. The first coupling means are not shown in the figure.

[0041] The figure further shows a trawl 11 having otter boards 12 for steering, opening, and closing trawl 11. Trawl 11 is further provided with a cod end 13. Cod end 13, at the closed end thereof, is provided with a cod end adapter 211 configured for releasable connection to the first coupling means.

[0042] The figure further shows towing means in the form of wires / lines / ropes / cables. A towing means 173 is connected between a vessel 10 and catch transport systems 4. The figure further shows that trawl 11, via the otter boards 12 thereof, is provided with towing means 174.

[0043] Fig. 5 shows a catch collection system 3 in a manner similar to Figs. 3 and 4, containing the same elements. The figure shows the manner in which catch transport system 4 with carrier drone 107, by means of an active sonar device 172, are able move safely forward from a rear position as described in Fig. 16 and over a main trawl 11 to a position in front of trawl 11, between trawl wires 173.

[0044] Figs. 3 to 5 show a catch transport system 4 being hauled in. In many cases carrier drone 107 will not take part in such hauling, as the carrier drone 107, which may be the only carrier drone of a catch handling fleet, can be better used for other purposes than being a «passenger» on a transport system 5.

[0045] In a scenario as indicated above with reference to Figs. 3 - 6, hauling of catch is shown. However, deploying a catch transport system 4 with a drone 107 is at least as realistic as the manoeuvring features of carrier drone 107 can then be exploited to a greater extent than in the case of hauling. For such a scenario Figs. 3 - 5 show an autonomous and / or controlled carrier drone 107 being launched behind a depot / ship 10 and towed by means of a probe cable 173. The carrier drone surrounds first coupling means, which is in turn releasably connected to transport bag 101. Carrier drone 107 with the transport bag and associated first coupling means is coarsely positioned behind a trawl 11 based on position data obtained from sensors on trawl 11. Subsequently, carrier drone 107 can activate its multibeam sonar 172 in order to locate and identify a sonar beacon 171 attached to the cod end adapter / nozzle 211. When the beacon has been identified, continuously acquired sonar data are used for positioning carrier drone 107 gradually closer to the cod end adapter / nozzle 211, until physical interconnection can be accomplished.

[0046] Fig. 6 shows a catch collection system 3 in a manner similar to Figs. 3 -5, containing the same elements except that in this case, the depot 10 is provided with a pipe 201 for receiving catch. In this figure, catch transport system 4 is connected to cod end 13 via the cod end adapter. A winch 54 for hauling and deploying a catch transport system 4, for example, is shown in depot 10.

[0047] Fig. 7 shows a detail A from Fig. 6. Catch transport system 4 is shown connected to a cod end 13 via a cod end nozzle 211. It is seen from the figure that carrier drone 107 is mechanically connected to a depot / ship 10 via line 173, see also Fig. 6. Carrier drone 107 can be released from the transport system 5 to perform additional tasks in a catch handling fleet 1. Line 173 from the depot / ship 10 may be used for hauling the carrier drone in and out.

[0048] Transport system 5, when connected to the cod end via cod end nozzle 211, is ready to receive catch from cod end 13. A valve in the connection from the cod end to the nozzle can be opened and closed in order to empty cod end 13 when desirable, the valve is not according to the invention.

[0049] Fig. 9 shows a catch collection system 3 in which a catch transport system 4 is coupled to an unloading point 201. The unloading point is shown located at a ship 10, but in principle the unloading point can be associated with any depot 10 capable of receiving the catch from transport bag 101. Catch transport system 4 can be coupled to unloading point 201 in the same manner as it is connected to a cod end. The depot / ship 10, in the configuration shown in Fig. 8, could be provided with a pump for pumping catch from transport bag 101.

[0050] If desirable, carrier drone 107 can be released from the transport system to perform other tasks.

[0051] A winch 54 for hauling and towing a main trawl is also shown in the figure.

[0052] Fig. 9 shows a detail B from Fig. 8 showing that line 173 is attached to carrier drone 107, allowing the depot / ship 10 to haul in catch transport system 4. Unloading point 201 is seen more clearly to be a pipe. In other configurations, the transport bag may have to be pulled into a trawl hangar in order to be emptied.

[0053] Fig. 10 shows catch transport system 4 in different situations. In a first situation the catch transport system is shown with two lines 173, 242 heading towards a cod end having one cod end nozzle 211. Line / rope 242 is a carried rope / line of the transport system 242. The line / rope 242 could also be attached in advance to the coupling means coupled to transport bag 101 and adapted for connection to a cod end 13 and to unloading points 201. Rope / line 242 will allow a transport system 5 to be hauled in even though carrier drone 107 has been released from transport system 5. In this manner carrier drone 107 can be made available for performing other tasks.

[0054] A second situation is seen above and next to the first situation. In this case transport system 5 is shown connected to a cod end, whereas the carrier drone has been disconnected. A rope / line 243 is attached to transport system 5, which rope / line 243 may correspond to the rope / line 242 carried by catch transport system 4 can be seen attached to transport system 5. The next situation in Fig. 10, the second from the right, is intended to indicate that transport system 5 is ready to be disconnected from the cod end in order to be hauled in. The rightmost figure shows a situation in which the transport system is disconnected from cod end 13.

[0055] Fig. 11 shows the first situation from Fig. 10 in detail. The cod end with means 211, 171 for connection to the transport system is clearly seen in the figure. Coupling means 251 for connection to cod end 13 appears from the figure as a separate unit from transport bag 101 and carrier drone 107. In a particular embodiment, coupling means 251 is referred to as a transport node 251. In the figure a line 243 is attached to fastening means 251 while another line / rope 173 is attached to carrier drone 107.

[0056] Fig. 12, in a manner similar to Fig. 10, shows a catch transport system 4 and a transport system 5 in different situations. The bottom part of the figure, denoted with the letter D, shows a catch transport system 4 in the process of being connected to a cod end.

[0057] The neighbouring figure above, assigned the letter C, shows that transport system 5 is connected to a cod end. The carrier drone has been released from transport system 5. The part of Fig. 12 denoted with the letter C shows a number of details of transport system 5 and adjacent to transport system 5. A transport bag 101 is seen connected to coupling means. In this case, the coupling means is represented by a transport node having several elements. Reference numeral 262 shows an attachment point for line 243. Gripping means 263 for secure releasable connection to a cod end is shown surrounding a tubular body extending from cod end 13. The figure also shows the cod end adapter with a valve 261, which valve is not shown in detail but functionally serves an opening and closing function. The upper part of the figure shows a trawl where transport system 5 has been disconnected from cod end 13.

[0058] Fig. 13 shows a detail D from Fig. 12 more closely. Catch transport system 4 is shown with its three separable elements, namely transport bag 101, carrier drone 107, and components of the transport node, represented, inter alia, by gripping means 263.

[0059] The figure further shows that carrier drone 107 may be provided with manoeuvring means 109, 274. In this case, said manoeuvring means are represented by one or two rudders 109 on a side of carrier drone 107. Corresponding rudders are provided on the opposite side of carrier drone 107. Also shown are navigation and propulsion means 274 in the form of four thrusters, of which two are used for providing propulsion in a direction substantially horizontal / parallel or partially parallel to line 173. The two remaining thrusters are provided for vertical operation, that is, «lifting and lowering» carrier drone 107. The figure shows further manoeuvring means in the form of two top mounted rudders, although only one top mounted rudder could be sufficient. The top mounted rudder may facilitate navigation / manoeuvring of carrier drone 107 in a vertical direction.

[0060] Fig. 14 shows details from section C of Fig. 12. It is seen from the figure that carrier drone 107 has been released from transport system 5. The figure shows details of a cod end adapter 275 / 171 protruding from cod end 13 in. Cod end adapter 275 / 171 is adapted for connection to coupling means. In the figure, said coupling means are implemented in the form of a transport node 251. Transport node 251, which in this example is coupled to a transport bag, is adapted for connecting to cod end adapter 275 / 171. The transport node includes means for such interconnection, in this case represented by a grip lock for cod end adapter 275 / 171. The grip lock is remotely controlled from actuators on transport node 251. Transport node 251 itself is remotely controlled via cable 243. Sonar communication can be used for controlling actuators locking the transport node to cod end adapter 275 during docking and that at the same time being operable to trigger a valve 261 for catch on cod end adapter 275 / 171.

[0061] In the figure, the sonar device of transport node 251 is indicated by four rings and a centre dot.

[0062] The transport node also includes attachment means for connection to a carrier drone, which attachment means is shown as a connection point 264.

[0063] Fig. 15 shows a catch transport system 4 as seen from the front of a carrier drone and backwards towards a transport bag 101. The figure shows essentially the same elements as Fig. 13. Catch transport system 4 is shown with its three separable elements, namely transport bag 101, carrier drone 107, and components of the transport node, represented by gripping means 263, inter alia.

[0064] The figure further shows that the carrier drone may be provided with manoeuvring means 274, 291, 293, 294. In the figure, said manoeuvring means are represented by one or two rudders 291 at both sides of carrier drone 107, as well as at least one «top rudder» 291 at the top of the carrier drone. Also seen is navigation and propulsion means 274 in the form of two thrusters, which thrusters 274 are provided for vertical operation and substantially vertical operation, that is, «lifting and lowering» carrier drone 107. In the figure, the carrier drone is provided with a camera 293, such as a vision camera. The carrier drone is also shown to include two cameras 294 and two lights 294. The carrier drone may be provided with a generator 292 for charging internal batteries.

[0065] Fig. 16 shows an exemplary hauling of catch in that a transport system 5 having a transport bag 101 containing catch is pulled in towards a slip 73 or trawl hangar of a vessel 10.

[0066] Fig. 17 shows an exemplary hauling of catch in that a transport system 5 having a transport bag 101 containing catch is pulled in towards a trawl hangar 311 with an opening on the side of a vessel 10.

[0067] It is fully possible to have an opening into a trawl hangar on both sides of a vessel, and also to have an aft slip as well as one or two side openings into the trawl hangar.

[0068] Fig. 18 shows an exemplary catch transport system 4 in an exploded view of the three main elements of the catch transport system, namely transport bag 101, transport node 251, and carrier drone 107. Alle these elements are shown in a side view.

[0069] In this figure, transport bag 101 is shown without any evident transport node adapter. Nevertheless, transport bag 101 is provided with means enabling releasable connection thereof to transport node 251.

[0070] Transport node 251 is shown having a first rear fastening eye 322 and a second front fastening eye 323. The fastening eyes are adapted for attachment of rope / line, cable, or the like. Fastening eyes 322, 323 are exemplary means for physically connecting the transport node to remote units such as winches of depots and the like. The transport node is provided with means for connection to a cod end, said means 108 being illustrated by a nozzle adapted for connection to a cod end or pipe 201 in order to receive catch.

[0071] A carrier drone 107 having a side rudder 109 is shown. The back of the carrier drone 107 corresponds to the side seen and is also provided with a side rudder 109. Carrier drone 107 is further provided with fastening means 106 for releasable connection to remote units. In the figure, fastening means 106 is illustrated as a fastening eye 106.

[0072] The elements of the figure, as seen from the left and in the x direction, are: transport bag 101, transport node 251, shown underneath a carrier drone 107, carrier drone 107 carrying a transport node. A cod end having a cod end adapter, which does not form part of a catch transport system, is shown to the right of the carrier drone with the transport node.

[0073] Fig. 19 shows the same elements as Fig. 18 in a top view. From the figure it is seen that carrier drone 107 is provided with two top rudders 273. The remaining elements and features are as in Fig. 18.

[0074] Fig. 20 shows a catch transport system 5 according to an embodiment. Catch transport system 5 displays the same elements as shown in Figs. 18 and 19 as assembled and shown in a side view.

[0075] Fig. 21 shows the catch transport system of Fig. 20 in a top view.

[0076] Fig. 22 shows a transport system 5 coupled to a cod end. The same elements as shown in Fig. 18 enter the figure, except for carrier drone 107. 1Catch handling fleet,3Catch collection system4Catch transport system5Transport system10Vessel, ship, boat, trawler, main trawler11Trawl, main trawl12Otter board13Cod end71Cod end adapter73Aft slip of vessel 10, trawl hangar91Fish container, recovery bag92Towing means for recovery bag (wire, pipe, line, hose, etc)101Transport bag, transport bag for catch102Valve for loading catch into recovery bag, among other places103Piping for unloading / pumping104Catch contained in recovery bag105Nozzle of pipe / hose system for unloading catch from recovery bag 91106Fastening eye of carrier drone 107106Fastening eye for cable / wire 173 of craft 107.107Carrier drone, controlled or autonomous craft, RC, drone, AUV / TOV, humlaRCRemote ControllerAUVAutonomous underwater vehicleTOVTele-Operated Vehicle108Nozzle of transport node 251 towards cod end 13108Nozzle of transport node 251 for coupling to cod end adapter 261 and unloading point109Side rudder for navigation134Towing wire for recovery bag 91146Hose sent from ship for emptying fish container 91 via piping103157Catch contained in hose / pipe for transport to receiving ship / storage163First pipe / hose module of hose / pipe 146164Second pipe / hose module of hose / pipe 146165Third pipe / hose module of hose / pipe 146166Fourth pipe / hose module of hose / pipe 146167Fifth pipe / hose module of hose / pipe 146168Sixth pipe / hose module of hose / pipe 146169Seventh pipe / hose module of hose / pipe 146171Cod end adapter with sonar beacon172Working and scanning area of multibeam sonar173Cable to vessel, wire for controlled and / or autonomous craft 107.174Trawl wire201Pipes for receiving catch211Nozzle of cod end 13242Carried rope for transport bag 101243Rope for transport bag 101251Transport node261Cod end adapter with valve263Grip lock for cod end adapter 261 and catch receptacle, remotely controlled gripper and actuator of transport node 251 for attachment to cod end adapter 261264Connection point for carrier drone 107 (TOV / AUV)271Buoyancy elements272Quick release coupling for connecting transport bag 101 to remotely controlled transport node 251273Elevator for navigation and stabilization274Propulsion and / or positioning propellers, propeller thrusters275Pipe body for remotely controlled transport node with attachedtransport bag 101291Rudder for turning and height positioning, as well as stabilization292Generator for charging internal batteries during towing293Vision camera and sonar scanner for navigation294Light and cameraADetailBDetailCDetailDDetail311Trawl hangar with opening in vessel side322First (rear) fastening eye of transport node 251323Second (front) fastening eye of transport node 251

Claims

1. A kit of parts including a transport node and a carrier drone (107), the kit of parts including: a. the transport node (251) comprising means for connection to the carrier drone (107) and to one or more units of a catch handling fleet wherein said means for connection to the carrier drone (107) includes a releasable connection to the carrier drone (107) the transport node (251) further comprising one elongate tubular body having first and second free ends and an internal tubular cavity said first and second free ends comprising at least coupling means for connection to one of: - a transport bag (101), - a cod end (13), - a recovery bag (91), - pipes (201) for receiving catch at a catch reception facility; b. the carrier drone (107) being adapted to operate in a catch handling fleet (1), where the carrier drone (107) at least comprises: i. a transport means for transporting the transport node (251); ii. one or more manoeuvring means (271, 109) for manoeuvring the carrier drone (107); iii. one or more propulsion means for propelling the carrier drone (107); and iv. one or more means (106) for physically connecting the carrier drone to units (10) at a distance from the carrier drone.

2. The kit of parts according to claim 1, wherein said means for connection to the carrier drone (107) is provided with means making it locatable by sonar.

3. The kit of parts according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cod end (13) includes a cod end adapter / nozzle (211) on which it is attached a sonar beacon (171).

4. The kit of parts according to claim1 - 3, wherein said transport node (251) further comprises means (322, 323) for connection to units of the catch handling fleet (1) via cable (243).

5. The kit of parts according to any of the claims 1 - 4, wherein at least one of said first and second free ends comprises one cod end adapter having a close-and-open valve.

6. The kit of parts according to one or more of claims 1 - 5, wherein the transport node (251) further comprises communication means for communication with units of the catch handling fleet (1).

7. The kit of parts according to claim 6, wherein said communication means comprises means for wired connection via cable to units of the catch handling fleet (1).

8. The kit of parts according to claim 6, wherein said communication means comprises means for wireless connection to units of the catch handling fleet (1).

9. The kit of parts according to claims 1 - 8, wherein the carrier drone further comprises at least one sonar device for navigation.

10. The kit of parts according to claim 9, wherein the at least one sonar device for navigation is a multibeam sonar.

11. The kit of parts according to claims 1 - 10, wherein the carrier drone (107) further comprises at least one camera.

12. The kit of parts according to one or more of claims 1 - 10, wherein the carrier drone (107) further comprises at least one or more buoyancy elements (271).

13. The kit of parts according to one or more of claims 1 - 9, wherein the carrier drone (107) further comprises at least one elevator (273).

14. The kit of parts according to one or more of claims 1 - 13, wherein the carrier drone (107) further comprises at least one or more propellers (274) for providing propulsion and / or positioning.

15. The kit of parts according to one or more of claims 1 - 14, wherein the carrier drone (107) further comprises side rudder (109), elevator (273), at least one thruster / propeller (274) for providing propulsion in a Z direction, at least one thruster / propeller for providing propulsion in an X direction (274), at least one buoyancy element (271), at least one elevator (273), and at least one means for navigating / controlling the carrier drone (107).

16. The kit of parts according to claim 15, wherein said at least one navigation means comprises at least one of: a sonar device / sonar scanner (293), a vision camera (293).

17. The kit of parts according to one or more of claims 1 - 16, wherein the carrier drone (107) is provided with communication means.

18. The kit of parts according to claim 17, wherein said communication means comprises means for wired connection via cable to units of the catch handling fleet (1).

19. The kit of parts according to claim 17, wherein said communication means comprise means for wireless connection to units of the catch handling fleet (1).

20. The kit of parts according to one or more of claims 1 - 19, wherein the carrier drone (107) further comprises means for being controlled from a remote unit.

21. The kit of parts according to one or more of claims 1 - 20, wherein the carrier drone (107) further comprising means for autonomous or partially autonomous operation.

22. The kit of parts carrier drone according to one or more of claims 1 - 21, wherein said thrusters / propellers are driven by one or more electric motors, and wherein said electric motors of the carrier drone (107) are powered by one of the following sources: e. batteries onboard of the carrier drone, or f. power supply via external cable.

23. The kit of parts according to claim 22, wherein the carrier drone (107) comprises at least one generator for charging onboard batteries.