Maritime vessel for collecting invasive algae

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sea-going vessel (1) for collecting algae, comprising in particular a floating structure with one or two hulls (2) connected at the top to a deck (200), with a bow (201) and a stern (202), extending parallel to a waterline, motorization means (3), collection means (6), mounted on said bow (201) and extending inclined from a lower end below said waterline to an opposite upper end raised relative to said deck (200), above means (7) for recovering and storing said algae. It is characterized in that said collection means (6) comprise at least one endless screw (60) and a complementary peripheral casing (61). Figure for abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Maritime vessel for collecting invasive algae Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention falls within the field of marine pollution control and particularly aims at the removal of invasive marine plants, such as algae. It relates more particularly to a maritime vessel for removing invasive algae.

[0002] As is known, the development and proliferation of marine plants can become invasive, presenting risks in particular for the practice of swimming and water sports, but also making navigation and the proper functioning of maritime infrastructures, such as marinas and fishing ports, difficult. In particular, impacts of stranded and decomposing algae on structures and electronic devices have been observed, through atmospheric and maritime corrosion, as well as the release of potentially toxic hydrogen sulfide gas. In addition, the invasive proliferation of plants can lead to disruption of the biotope, due to the covering of plants which block light radiation, potentially leading to anoxia of the environment.

[0003] Such invasive proliferation has recently become exponential, with favorable climatic conditions, as well as an uncontrolled supply of terrestrial fertilizers in nitrogen and phosphorus. This phenomenon is called eutrophication. This is particularly the case for certain floating algae which clump together to generate moving plant piles under the effect of currents and the tide, periodically pushing them towards the coasts, such as Sargassum causing "brown tides", or Ulva, Enteromorpha or Cladophora causing "green tides". These invasive algae tides are also detrimental to tourism, particularly on islands, as is the case, for example, throughout the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.

[0004] For several years now, there has been a need to depollute the marine environment, by carrying out regular sampling of invasive algae, in an attempt to limit their proliferation. The invention preferably but not limited to the collection of invasive algae, such as sargassum. State of the art

[0005] A widely used solution is to deploy a barrier in the form of a floating net along the coastline to be protected. The piles of algae clump together there and it is then possible to carry out regular and large-scale collections. Such collection of algae is essential for these protective barriers to remain effective. Indeed, without regular collection of the clumped algae, the thrust generated would move the barriers, or even be likely to break them.

[0006] In order to harvest the algae, a dedicated maritime vessel is used in the form of a motorized barge equipped with means for collecting the algae, diving into the water and bringing the algae back to the deck, which will be unloaded on land, for reprocessing or revalorization.

[0007] Several types of sampling means have been considered, in the form of a crane or underwater pumps, similar to dredging techniques. More efficient sampling means are designed to be continuous and are in the form of an endless belt conveyor belt. This conveyor belt is designed to be elevating, i.e. it is inclined, with one end submerged, allowing the algae to be collected and conveyed above the deck, to an opposite raised end, where the algae are discharged, generally into bins or containers.

[0008] While such a vessel with conveyor belt collection means offers a suitable solution, it has many drawbacks. First of all, the inclination of the belt generates an elevation above the deck, to allow the algae to be transported high enough for them to be poured into the tanks. This elevation of the vessel unbalances it and increases the rolling effect, making it unstable and limited in operations in calm seas. More specifically, the strips of the mats make it difficult to lift slippery algae, due to the water but also to a sunscreen mucus generated by these plants. In particular, small plants regularly slide, dragging the others along. It is then necessary to limit the inclination of the mat, which cannot exceed a slope of 40° (degree). It is also possible to reduce the speed of the conveyor belt to improve grip and limit the movement of algae upstream. A tread material can improve the grip of algae, but it also prevents it from being released downstream, creating blockages on the return path. Cross cleats can be added to the upper face of the belt, at regular intervals, forming open boxes which are more or less filled depending on the algae collection, causing an imbalance of the load along the conveyor, which is detrimental to its longevity. Furthermore, during operation, the areas around the conveyor belt's return and motor rollers are dangerous, presenting a high risk for operators on board a vessel subject to swell and waves. Finally, these conveyor belts operate in a marine environment, in contact with salt water, which quickly deteriorates the various elements and requires regular and tedious maintenance.

[0009] Relatedly, there are boats whose reduced dimensions ensure their movement in restricted spaces and with low draft, such as within ports and marinas. These boats are equipped with collection means in the form of a lifting basket, moving from an emerged position on the deck to a submerged position, and vice versa. Completely submerged, these lifting baskets make it possible to collect a reduced quantity of algae, essentially floating on the surface.

[0010] Furthermore, existing boats are equipped in particular for collecting algae and unloading them in ports, but are deficient with regard to unloading in unfavorable environments such as complex terrain and / or a lack of port infrastructure, such as in the Antilles.

[0011] This usually involves using several boats with distinct and complementary functions. A first boat collects the algae, placed in storage means, said storage means then being transferred to boats, said boats allowing the algae to be unloaded in environments without port infrastructure. The use of several boats involves transfer times, reducing the efficiency of the marine environment decontamination process, and multiplying the efforts and resources necessary for said decontamination. Presentation of the invention

[0012] The invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art by proposing a maritime vessel for collecting invasive algae, or even floating waste, said vessel being equipped with collection means in the form of at least one endless screw, preferably two parallel and adjacent endless screws. The use of such a screw makes it possible to increase the inclination, beyond an angle of 40°, limiting the space taken up on the deck and proportionally increasing the balance of the boat. In addition, a worm screw ensures continuous collection without the risk of algae slipping upstream, with regular operation regardless of the quantity of algae collected at a given time, increasing the speed of algae collection. In addition, the screw protection covers reduce the risk of accidents for operators.

[0013] The boat is designed for its dual function of collecting and unloading algae, for example in an unfavorable environment, such as the islands in the Antilles, which lack suitable port infrastructure. The use of a single boat instead of several boats is notably more ecological, simpler, more economical and more efficient. In addition, the durable metal materials of the equipment provide increased resistance in saline environments.

[0014] To do this, the seaweed collection vessel comprises - a floating structure in the form of at least one hull connected above to a deck, with a bow and a stern, extending parallel to a waterline; - motorization means; - sampling means, mounted at said bow and extending inclinedly from a lower end below said waterline to an opposite upper end raised relative to said deck; - means for recovering and storing said algae, positioned on the deck, under said opposite end of said collection means; characterized in that - said sampling means comprise at least one worm screw and a complementary peripheral casing, the rotational actuation in one direction of said worm screw within the casing ensuring the vertical movement of the algae collected from said lower end until it emerges through the opposite end and is discharged onto the recovery and storage means.

[0015] According to additional, non-limiting characteristics, corresponding to different embodiments, independent or combined, such a boat can be characterized in that: - said sampling means comprise two endless screws, actuated in rotation in opposite directions; - said sampling means are inclined at an angle greater than 25°, preferably at an angle greater than 30°, more preferably at an angle greater than 35°, more preferably still at an angle greater than 40°, even more preferably still at an angle greater than 42°, more preferably still at an angle greater than 44° and even more preferably still at an angle greater than 46°; - said recovery and storage means comprise a structure provided with at least four support uprights projecting from said bridge with spacings providing spaces for receiving at least one storage bag of the collected algae; - said means of recovery and storage include (a) a gantry extending from the deck above said structure, b) mounted on said gantry, at least one endless belt conveyor with a conveying surface extending horizontally above said structure, (c) at least two distributors arranged above the said conveying surface, each distributor being mounted mobile from a retracted position to a deployed position, and vice versa: i) in the retracted position, each distributor being raised relative to said conveying surface, providing a space for the circulation of the conveyed algae; ii) in the deployed position, each distributor forms a channeling stop for the algae conveyed towards one and / or the other of the edges of said conveying surface, above said at least one receiving space; - said conveyor comprises side plates projecting above said conveying surface; - said side plates being provided with closable hatches, arranged opposite each distributor; - at the bow, on either side of the collection means, the boat comprises means for channeling and guiding the algae towards said collection means, said channeling and guiding means being in the form of a funnel provided with two articulated plates: (x) between a raised, emerged position and a partially submerged position below the said waterline, y) according to different angular positions relative to at least one vertical axis; - said floating structure comprises two hulls connected at the top by said deck, forming a catamaran; - said vessel is characterized in that it is designed to be modular, said floating structure comprising three longitudinal sections joined together and secured in a watertight manner: (j) a port section comprising one of said two hulls, jj) a central section forming said deck and connecting said two hulls, jjj) a starboard section comprising the other of said two hulls; - each of said sections being sized in relation to the standard dimensions of a 40-foot maritime container; - the vessel comprises motorization means intended to be amphibious comprising k) rolling means projecting in the lower part of said at least one hull, (kk) at least one outboard motor positioned at the stern; - the boat includes, located on the deck, a control station for said motorization means. Presentation of the drawings

[0016] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description which follows and from the non-limiting embodiments of the invention, with reference to the appended figures, in which:

[0017] [Fig. 1] schematically represents a perspective view of an embodiment of a maritime vessel, equipped at the bow with sampling means in the form of two endless screws;

[0018] [Fig.2] schematically represents a profile view of another embodiment of the vessel, in particular highlighting an inclination greater than 45° of the sampling means;

[0019] [Fig.3] schematically represents a top view of the embodiment of the [Fig.2], showing in particular the arrangement of the collection means and the conveying means for feeding the algae recovery containers;

[0020] [Fig.4] schematically represents a perspective view of the means of sampling in the form of two endless screws;

[0021] [Fig.5] schematically represents an exploded view of [Fig.4], showing in particular the various elements of said means of collection;

[0022] [Fig.6] schematically represents a perspective view of the means of elevated conveyors in the form of a horizontally extending belt conveyor; and

[0023] [Fig.7] schematically represents an exploded view of [Fig.6], showing in particular the various elements of said conveyor. Detailed description

[0024] The present invention relates to marine pollution control and particularly to the removal of invasive marine plants, such as algae, for example sargassum. To this end, the invention relates to a maritime boat 1 for removing invasive algae, hereinafter referred to as "boat 1". Such a vessel 1 comprises a floating structure, in the form of at least one hull 2, connected above to a deck 200. According to a preferred embodiment, as visible in [Fig.l], said floating structure is in the form of two hulls 2 connected at the top by said deck 200, forming a catamaran.

[0025] Said at least one shell 2 can be made of any type of material. According to a preferred embodiment, said at least one shell 2 is made of a plastic or composite material, in particular high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Said bridge 200 can be made of any type of material, preferably plastic or composite, in particular HDPE. In addition, the use of HDPE provides durability to the floating structure of Vessel 1, with resistance suitable for the marine environment.

[0026] Therefore, such a floating structure comprises a bow 201, located at the front, and a stern 202, located at the rear. Furthermore, said floating structure extends parallel to a waterline, in particular said deck 200 extends parallel to said waterline.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the boat 1 is designed to be modular, said floating structure comprising three longitudinal sections joined together and secured in a watertight manner. In particular, the structure is subdivided into different sections, which are more easily transportable, namely: - a port section comprising a part of or said at least one hull 2, preferably one of said two hulls 2; - a central section forming said bridge 200 and connecting said at least one hull 2 or part of hull 2, preferably said two hulls 2; - a starboard section comprising the other part or the other of said two hulls 2. Additionally, each of said sections is sized to the standard dimensions of a 40-foot shipping container. Therefore, with limited space requirements, the boat 1 can be delivered in separate parts, in particular each section of the structure is transported in a sea container. In addition, the equipment can be transported in a fourth sea container. Divided into sections, the on-site assembly of the floating structure can be carried out over a limited period of time, approximately eight days. The assembly includes a welding step of the hulls 2 with the deck 200. Then, a period of approximately six days is required for the assembly of the various equipment. A trial period of a few days, for example two days, allows the integrity of the boat 1 and the proper functioning of the equipment to be checked, before normal use.

[0028] According to an alternative embodiment, said floating structure can be divided into at least two sections, in particular between two and ten sections, preferably two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten sections, more preferably still three sections or seven sections.

[0029] In addition, each hull 2 may comprise one or more internal boxes, the internal volume of which ensures the buoyancy of the boat 1, possibly in the form ballast tanks to manage the waterline of the boat according to the load carried. In addition, these boxes can accommodate various equipment and devices necessary for the proper functioning of the vessel, such as the fuel required to power the engine.

[0030] Further, said boat 1 comprises motorization means 3, ensuring the movements. These motorization means can be of any type, in particular in the form of at least one thermal engine for each hull 2 and in the form of a hydraulic power unit (HPU) supplying different equipment of said boat 1. According to one embodiment, as visible in figures 1 to 3, each motor can be mounted outboard, at the level of the stern 202, as an extension of each hull 2. According to an alternative embodiment, the motorization can be integrated into the structure, in particular within the boxes of said at least one hull 2. In particular, said motorization may comprise hydraulic motors, in particular with direct-drive radial pistons, having the advantage of being compact and submersible.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, said motorization means 3 are designed to be amphibious. Therefore, the boat 1 comprises an integrated motorization or preferably in the form of at least one outboard motor positioned at the stern 202. In addition, the boat 1 also comprises rolling means 4 projecting in the lower part of said at least one hull 2. Such rolling means 4 may be at least four wheels in number, mounted on two axles. Preferably, the motorization of the wheels is provided in traction, namely that it is the axle located at the front, towards the bow 201, which is actuated, facilitating in particular launching into the water and the reverse operation. The front wheels may also be steered, in order to facilitate land maneuvers. In addition, said rolling means 4 are driven by the motorization means 2, in particular the HPU.

[0032] Furthermore, the boat 1 comprises, located on the deck 200, preferably at the level of the bow 201, a control station 5 for at least said motorization means 3. This control station 5 makes it possible to select the motorization, land or sea, as well as to control the movements of the boat 1 on land as well as at sea. Said control station 5 also makes it possible to control various devices, in particular those necessary for navigation, but especially on-board equipment.

[0033] Advantageously, the boat 1 comprises collection means 6, making it possible to recover the algae at sea. To do this, these sampling means 6 are mounted at said bow 201 and extend inclined from a lower or low end under said line from waterline to an opposite upper or high end raised from said deck 200. The lower end allows the algae floating on the surface of the water to be recovered and to a depth of one or a few tens of centimeters (cm) extending from said surface. Preferably, the algae are collected at the surface and up to 1 m (meter) deep, more preferably between approximately 20 cm and 80 cm, more preferably between 50 cm and 70 cm, even more preferably at approximately 60 cm, 61 cm, 62 cm, 63 cm, 64 cm or 65 cm deep. The collected algae are then conveyed along the slope of the collection means 6, upwards, to the upper end, where they exit and are discharged: the collected algae then fall naturally towards the deck 200, solely under the effect of gravity. The inclination of the collection means 6 therefore makes it possible to ensure the transport of the collected algae in a vertically offset manner, but also in relation to the bow 201 towards the centre of the boat 1, to dump them for recovery.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, in order to improve the stability of the boat 1 and limit the space taken up on the deck 200, while allowing upward transport of the collected algae, said collection means 6 are inclined at an angle greater than 25°, preferably at an angle greater than 30°, more preferably at an angle greater than 35°, more preferably still at an angle greater than 40°, even more preferably at an angle greater than 42°, more preferably still at an angle greater than 44° and even more preferably still at an angle greater than 46°. In particular, the inclination of the sampling means 6 may be greater than 46°, while ensuring the routing of the collected algae, preventing them from falling in the opposite direction, namely from the upper end towards the lower end.

[0035] According to one embodiment, said sampling means 6 can be mounted so as to be able to rotate relative to said deck 200, in particular through a pivot point located near the lower end. Therefore, it is possible to modify the degree of inclination of the sampling means 6, in particular by raising or lowering the opposite upper end, allowing said lower end to be lowered or raised respectively, to adjust its depth in the water, but above all to raise it and remove it from the water during nautical maneuvers, to limit its interference with the advancement of the boat 1, or even during land movements in the case of an amphibious boat 1. The rotation of the collection means 6 can also allow them to be lowered to the deck 200, to extend them horizontally or substantially horizontally, for maintenance, but also during storage of the boat 1.

[0036] Advantageously, the invention provides that said sampling means 6 comprise at least one endless screw 60 and a complementary peripheral casing 61. Such an endless screw 60 is in the form of an axis comprising at least one helical groove. Said screw 60 therefore has a helical shape and the casing 61 has a generally hollow cylindrical shape, within which said screw 60 is inserted. Combined with the peripheral casing 61, said endless screw 60 forms an Archimedes screw, also called a “snail” or “screw pump”, in the family of propellers: the rotation of the axis transmits a rotational movement of the groove, conferring a displacement along the axis of the algae located between the teeth of said groove, like a cam which transforms a rotational movement into translation. Therefore, the rotational actuation in one direction of said worm screw 60 within the casing 61 ensures the vertical movement of the algae collected from said lower end until it emerges through the opposite end, namely along the entire length of said collection means 6 from the bottom to the top.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, as visible in Figures 4 and 5, said sampling means 6 comprise two endless screws 60, actuated in rotation in opposite directions. In other words, one of the screws 60 is actuated in a clockwise direction, while the other is actuated in an anti-clockwise direction, improving the conveyance of the algae due to these reverse rotations of this double screw conveyor 60. It will be noted that these two worm screws 60 are mounted in parallel, within the same casing 61 or two separate and adjacent casings 61, namely arranged next to each other. Furthermore, as visible in [Fig.4], the casing(s) 61 comprise at the level of the lower end of the sampling means 6, an opening provided at least within the upper wall(s) of said casing 61, towards the front of the boat 1, leaving the screw(s) 60 accessible, to allow the algae to penetrate into said sampling means 6.

[0038] Further on, the boat 1 comprises means 7 for recovering and storing said algae, positioned on the deck 200, under said opposite end of said collection means 6. Thus, in addition, the actuation of the collection means 6, namely the rotation in one direction of said worm screw 60 within the casing 61, ensures the vertical movement of the algae collected from said lower end until it emerges through the opposite end and is poured onto the recovery and storage means 7.

[0039] Furthermore, said recovery and storage means 7 make it possible, on the one hand, to distribute the algae collected and discharged by the collection means 6 and, on the other hand, to ensure their storage within one or more containers.

[0040] In this respect, a container has an internal volume delimited by peripheral walls and a bottom, open at the top, allowing the algae to be poured from above in order to fill said internal volume. Such a container may be of any type, in particular in the form of a skip, a crate, in particular stackable, or preferably in the form of storage bags 70, or even in the form of a net. In particular, a storage bag 70 may be permeable to water, in the form of a net or a woven material with an openwork weave, allowing the flow of water while retaining the algae within the internal volume.

[0041] In the case of one or more containers in the form of bags 70, said recovery and storage means 7 comprise a structure intended to support said bags 70 while maintaining their deployed opening. To do this, said structure is provided with at least four support uprights 71 projecting relative to said deck 200 with spacings providing spaces for receiving at least one bag 70 for storing the collected algae. In other words, the uprights 71 make it possible to stretch the bags 70 above the deck 200. According to one embodiment, said structure comprises uprights 71 providing two lines for receiving as many bags 70, the two lines extending adjacent and symmetrical along the length of said bridge 200. Furthermore, only one of the uprights 71 located in the center can then support the adjacent corners of two bags 70 located on each side (i.e. belonging to each of the lines). Preferably, each line comprises a number of uprights 71 determined to delimit five reception spaces for as many bags 70. Such a configuration is notably visible in Figures 1 to 3.

[0042] Furthermore, the recovery and storage means 7 are provided to distribute the algae collected and dumped in a balanced manner along and across the width of the deck 200. In particular, they make it possible to fill the container(s) uniformly.

[0043] To do this, according to a preferred embodiment, said recovery and storage means 7 comprise a gantry 8 extending from the bridge 200 above said structure. In other words, the bridge 200 serves as a base for said gantry 8, the upper part of which is then raised relative to the containers. Furthermore, mounted on said gantry 8, at least one endless belt conveyor 800 with a conveying surface extending horizontally or substantially horizontally above said structure. Thus, horizontally, or with a slight slope from the bow 201 towards the stern 202. In addition, said conveyor 80 extends along the deck 200, from an upstream end located on the side of the bow 201 to a downstream end located on the side of the stern 202. Furthermore, the upstream end is located in alignment under the upper end of said collection means 6, so that the collected algae are poured onto said conveyor 80, transporting them towards the rear of the boat 1. The conveyor 80 is then in the center, extending above the container reception spaces. Said conveyor 80 then feeds said containers, at its downstream end, but preferably transversely.

[0044] In the case of a feed at the end of the conveyor 80, the downstream end and / or the entire conveyor 80 may be provided to be longitudinally movable, in order to successively fill the container(s) from the bow 201 to the stern 202. In addition, the conveyor 80 may be of any type, in particular with a perforated conveyor belt 800, to facilitate the evacuation of water. Said belt 800 may be made of any type of material, in particular plastic or composite, preferably polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This conveyor belt 800 slides on a base 801, in particular made of plastic or composite material, preferably HDPE. According to a preferred embodiment, said recovery and storage means 7 comprise at least two distributors 81 arranged above said conveyor surface. In addition, each distributor 81 is mounted to be movable from a retracted position to a deployed position, and vice versa.In the retracted position, each distributor 81 is raised relative to said conveying surface, providing a space for the circulation of the conveyed algae. In the deployed position, each distributor forms a stop for channeling the conveyed algae towards one and / or the other of the edges of said conveying surface, above said at least one receiving space. In other words, in the deployed position, each distributor 81 blocks the advance of the algae and directs them towards the lateral edges of the conveyor 80, discharging them laterally into the container(s).

[0045] It will be noted that the mobility of each distributor 81 can be controlled independently. Therefore, at the start of operation, the distributors 81 are lowered into the deployed position. The first distributor located furthest upstream pushes the algae which fall into the front of the container or into two containers on each side. Once full, said first distributor 81 is put into the retracted position and the algae can circulate along the conveyor 80 until reaching a second distributor 81 located downstream, kept in the deployed position.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment, said recovery and storage means 7 comprise four distributors 81, positioned successively along the conveyor 80.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment, each distributor 81 makes it possible to push the conveyed algae laterally, on the left side and on the right side of the conveyor 80. To do this, each distributor 81 has a V shape diverging in the direction from upstream to downstream, namely in the longitudinal direction of advancement of said conveyor 80. This V shape makes it possible to split the flow of conveyed algae in two and to orient them laterally on either side of the conveyor 80, until they fall towards the containers arranged below.

[0048] According to one embodiment, in order to prevent the spilled algae from falling from the conveyor 80, the latter comprises lateral plates 82 projecting above said conveying surface. In addition, said lateral plates 82 are provided with closable hatches 83, arranged opposite each distributor 81. Thus, in the closed position of the traps 83, the algae are channeled laterally by the plates 82 along the conveyor 80, until they reach the next distributor 81 downstream. In the open position of the traps 83, the algae are then pushed back and guided by the corresponding distributor 81 and the algae fall through an opening made within the plates 82.

[0049] Thus, it is possible to efficiently channel and distribute the algae collected, dumped and then conveyed, in order to equitably fill the container(s).

[0050] According to one embodiment, as visible in Figures 1 to 3, the boat 1 comprises at the bow 201, on either side of the sampling means 7, means 9 for channeling and guiding the algae towards said sampling means 7. Such channeling and guiding means 9 allow the front of the boat 1, as it advances, to guide the algae towards the inlet located at the lower end of the sampling means 7. Further on, said channeling means 9 are in the form of a funnel provided with two articulated plates 91. Said plates 91 therefore have a convergent, V-shaped shape towards the lower end of the sampling means 7. Such a configuration is particularly visible in [Fig.3]. In addition, the plates can be inclined relative to the horizontal, allowing the algae to be raised during their channeling towards the bottom of the collection means 6. In addition, the plates 91 are articulated between a raised, emerged position and a partially submerged position below said waterline, and according to different angular positions relative to at least one vertical axis. Thus, it is possible to completely raise the plates 91 out of the water, or to adjust their immersion depth, to collect and channel more or less algae, depending on their quantity present on site.

[0051] It will be noted that the control of the articulation mobility of each of the plates 91 is provided independently, allowing one and / or the other of the plates 91 to be immersed or raised, in particular forming a half-funnel when only one plate 91 is immersed.

[0052] Furthermore, the plates 91 are designed to resist the boat's movement as little as possible: said plates 91 are designed to be perforated and filtering, so that water can pass through, while retaining algae, or any other type of floating waste. This reduced resistance to movement facilitates nautical maneuvers, while saving energy.

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment, the channeling means may comprise a hopper 92, forming a collection tank for the algae at the end of the funnel formed by the plates 91. This hopper 92 has an internal volume, delimited by a bottom and side walls, into which the lower end of the collection means 6, namely the endless screws 60, plunges. In addition, the walls of the hopper 92 are perforated and provided to be filterable. In addition, the floating structure may have at the bow 201 a hollow, shaped like a U open towards the front, to receive the lower end of the collection means 6, as well as said hopper 92. The plates 91 then have an inclination guiding the algae towards this hollow.

[0054] In a related manner, the boat 1 may include additional equipment. The boat 1 may receive on the deck 200, in particular at the level of the stern 202, lifting means, in the form of at least one crane 10. This crane 10 allows in particular the lifting of containers for their placement, but especially their unloading once filled. It also allows the other equipment to be moved, with a view to their loading or unloading, or even transhipment. Such a crane 10 may be of any type, preferably of the multi-axis type.

[0055] It will be noted that the various elements and equipment of the boat I are made of materials suitable for the marine environment, in particular HDPE and / or marine-grade aluminum, in particular an alloy of aluminum and 3 to 5% magnesium, for the hull 2 and / or the deck 200, as well as austenitic stainless steel, preferably of the 316L or “marine stainless steel” type, and / or marine-grade aluminum for all the equipment.

Claims

Claims

1. A maritime vessel (1) for collecting invasive algae, comprising - a floating structure in the form of at least one hull (2) connected at the top to a deck (200), with a bow (201) and a stern (202), extending parallel to a waterline; - motorization means (3); - collection means (6), mounted at said bow (201) and extending inclined from a lower end below said waterline to an upper opposite end raised relative to said deck (200); - means (7) for recovering and storing said algae, positioned on the deck (200), under said opposite end of said collection means (6);characterized in that - said sampling means (6) comprise at least one endless screw (60) and a complementary peripheral casing (61), the rotational actuation in one direction of said endless screw (60) within the casing (61) ensuring the vertical movement of the algae collected from said lower end until it emerges through the opposite end and is discharged onto the recovery and storage means (7).;

2. Boat (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that - said sampling means (6) comprise two endless screws (60), actuated in rotation in opposite directions.

3. Boat (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - said sampling means (6) are inclined at an angle greater than 25°, preferably at an angle greater than 30°, more preferably at an angle greater than 35°, more preferably still at an angle greater than 40°, even more preferably at an angle greater than 42°, more preferably still at an angle greater than 44° and even more preferably at an angle greater than 46°.

4. Boat (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said means (7) for recovery and storage comprise - a structure provided with at least four support uprights (71) projecting relative to said bridge (200) with spacings providing spaces for receiving at least one bag (70) for storing the collected algae.

5. Boat (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said recovery and storage means (7) comprise - a gantry (8) extending from the deck (200) above said structure; - mounted on said gantry (8), at least one endless belt (800) conveyor (80) with a conveying surface extending horizontally above said structure; - at least two distributors (81) arranged above said conveying surface, each distributor (81) being mounted movably from a retracted position to a deployed position, and vice versa: i) in the retracted position, each distributor (81) being raised above said conveying surface, providing a space for the circulation of the conveyed algae;ii) in the deployed position, each distributor (81) forms a channeling stop for the algae conveyed towards one and / or the other of the edges of said conveying surface, above said at least one receiving space.;

6. Boat (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that - said conveyor (80) comprises lateral plates (82) projecting above said conveying surface, - said lateral plates (82) being provided with closable hatches (83), arranged opposite each distributor (81).

7. Boat (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises - at the bow (201), on either side of the sampling means (6), means (9) for channeling and guiding the algae towards said sampling means (6), said channeling and guiding means (9) being in the form of a funnel provided with two articulated plates (91): x) between an elevated, emerged position and a partially submerged position below said waterline, y) according to different angular positions relative to at least one vertical axis.

8. Boat (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - said floating structure comprises two hulls (2) connected at the top by said deck (200), forming a catamaran.

9. Boat (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it is designed to be modular, - said floating structure comprising three longitudinal sections joined together and secured in a watertight manner: j) a port section comprising one of said two hulls (2), jj) a central section forming said deck (200) and connecting said two hulls (2), jjj) a starboard section comprising the other of said two hulls (2); - each of said sections being sized in relation to the standard dimensions of a 40-foot maritime container.

10. Boat (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises - amphibious motorization means (3) comprising k) rolling means (4) projecting in the lower part of said at least one hull (2), kk) at least one outboard motor positioned at the stern (202); - located on the deck (200), a control station (5) for said motorization means (3).

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