Water transportation method, water transportation system, small boat, and small boat carrier

Abstract

To provide a water transportation method and a water transportation system, and a small boat and a small boat carrier used therefor, which enable long-distance water transportation to complement long-distance land transportation, allow a small port such as a fishing port to be used as a departure point and destination, and transport a relatively large amount of cargo with a small number of personnel. [Solution] Cargo 51 or vehicles 52, etc. are loaded onto a small boat 10 at a port at departure point Rs, the small boat 10 is made to propel itself unmanned, and is then transferred to a small boat carrier ship 20 in a relay area R1 near the departure point Rs. The small boat carrier ship 20 then sails along the coast or nearby waters, and the small boat 10 is unloaded from the small boat carrier ship 20 in a relay area R2 near the destination Re. The small boat 10 is made to propel itself unmanned, and the cargo 51 or vehicles 52, etc. are unloaded from the small boat 10 at the port of destination Re, thereby carrying out water transportation.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a water transportation method, a water transportation system, a small boat, and a small boat carrier ship, and more specifically to a water transportation method, a water transportation system, a small boat, and a small boat carrier ship used in these, in which cargo or vehicles, etc. are loaded onto a small boat at a port of departure, the small boat is made to propel itself unmanned, and transferred to a small boat carrier ship in a relay area near the point of departure, the small boat carrier ship navigates along the coast or nearby waters, the small boat is removed from the small boat carrier ship in a relay area near the destination, the small boat is made to propel itself unmanned, and cargo or vehicles, etc. are unloaded from the small boat at the port of destination, thereby carrying out water transportation. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, due to the effects of work style reforms, a declining birthrate and aging population, and an increase in home delivery services, a logistics crisis due to a labor shortage in logistics-related workers, known as the "Logistics Problem of 2024," is predicted. In land transportation, the imposition of a cap on annual overtime hours for vehicle drivers in the transportation industry is expected to reduce working hours per driver and significantly reduce transportation capacity. Long-distance transportation is expected to be particularly affected.

[0003] Countermeasures being considered include reducing waiting times and waiting times for cargo by introducing a reservation system, improving the efficiency of loading and unloading operations, and ensuring efficient transportation by keeping trucks as full as possible.In addition, proposals have been made to improve operational efficiency by optimizing vehicle dispatch plans through the introduction of AI technology, and to change the people responsible for loading and unloading.

[0004] In relation to this, a method of transporting cargo by automobile transport companies has been proposed in which parking spaces for mobile vehicles are provided at relay points that connect the routes of cargo transport routes, and drivers change into transport vehicles such as trucks or trainers at these points, switching to round-trip transport between the departure point and relay point, or between the relay point and the arrival point, thereby eliminating the need to transfer cargo at relay points and reducing long-distance driving (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0005] Additionally, maritime transport, a low-cost means of transporting large volumes of cargo over long distances, involves regular high-speed ships connecting major ports to transport containers and trailer cargo. These transports use RORO ships and ferries, which load trucks and chassis (cargo beds) loaded with cargo onto the ship, in order to reduce the loading and unloading time on regular high-speed ships. However, these types of maritime transport are large-scale maritime transport between major ports with well-developed port facilities, and are therefore unlikely to serve as a substitute for land transport for small-lot cargo, which is becoming a problem.

[0006] On the other hand, one of the conventional water transportation methods is barge transportation, in which one or more non-self-propelled barges are moved by tugboats or pushboats to transport cargo. In this barge transportation, the barges are not weatherproof enough to navigate the open sea as they are not self-propelled, so they are used for domestic transportation in the Seto Inland Sea, rivers, lakes, etc.

[0007] By the way, a "lighter" is a "wide, flat-bottomed vessel / small ship / boat" used for "navigating inland waterways such as rivers and canals, inland waterways, and ports with heavy cargo loaded on them, transporting cargo on rivers and shallow seas, and transporting cargo and passengers between larger ships and land on rivers, ports, etc." It is also "often a non-self-propelled vessel without a propeller and unable to navigate under its own power," and is "also called a barge." It transports "bulk cargo, sand, cement, coal, grain, and other heavy items."

[0008] Meanwhile, Japan has numerous fishing ports, with a total of 2,860 ports scattered throughout the country as of 2017. There are also 101 Type 3 fishing ports used nationwide, and 13 designated Type 3 fishing ports that are particularly important for promoting the fishing industry. These fishing ports also have permanent facilities for unloading catches and transporting them over land, including facilities for fishing boats, making them a point of contact between fishing boats (water transport) and trucks (land transport).

[0009] These fishing ports use landing facilities for fishing as loading and unloading facilities between land and barges. Therefore, these fishing ports can be used as both departure points for land transport to water transport by loading onto barges, and as destinations for land transport after unloading from barges. Taking these into consideration, fishing ports can be used to create an extensive water transport network linked to land transport.

[0010] In connection with this water transportation network, a separate-hold ship has been proposed in which the hull section and cargo hold section required for navigation are created separately in order to shorten loading and unloading times (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0011] In this separate-hold vessel, cargo is unloaded in the separate hold, and this floating hold is moved to the sunken loading section (deck) of the semi-submersible hull, and when the hull rises, the hold is loaded onto the loading section. Furthermore, by using a small boat or barge for the loading section, it is possible to transport from river to river, and by loading and transporting cargo close to the destination on a separate-hold vessel, the range of small ships that cannot navigate long distances can be greatly extended.

[0012] However, in the drawings of this separate-hold vessel, the submerged loading area (deck) is blocked off at the front and rear by the bow and stern, and the cargo holds are loaded by moving sideways. Furthermore, there is no description of how small boats are loaded. Therefore, with this separate-hold vessel, the hold, including the small boats, needs to be moved sideways, and a pusher or a device for moving sideways is required to load the small boats.

[0013] Furthermore, since the loading work in the holds is carried out with the holds exposed to the outside, there is a risk that the holds will collide with the loading parts if the hull and holds are moved relatively strongly by waves.Furthermore, since the holds are exposed to the outside even when a separate-hold ship is sailing, the weather resistance of the holds must be at the same level as that of the hull.

[0014] In addition, a method for loading a floating structure and a method for transporting it on water have been proposed, in which a sinking barge is used, the sinking barge is submerged, the floating structure is introduced, the sinking barge is raised, the floating structure is placed on the deck of the sinking barge, and the sinking barge is pushed by a detachable pusher (an alternative to towing or self-propulsion) while sailing, and when the destination is reached, the sinking barge is submerged again and the floating structure is moved, completing the transport (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

[0015] However, this method of moving a floating structure uses a push boat or the like, and the floating structure is moved sideways to the sinking barge when loading and unloading onto the deck of the sinking barge. Even with this method, the floating structure is transported in an exposed state when the sinking barge is sailing.

[0016] In addition, with regard to storing small vessels (boats) on transport ships, a catamaran transport ship has been proposed in which a storage space is formed above the waterline between the hulls of the catamaran transport ship, and a boat traveling between the hulls is lifted and stored in this space, and vehicles are then loaded onto the catamaran transport ship relative to this boat (see, for example, Patent Document 4).

[0017] In this catamaran transport ship, a vehicle ramp device is provided on the bow or stern side of the rear part above the storage space for loading and unloading vehicles. Therefore, when the catamaran transport ship is sailing, the boat is stored in the storage space of the catamaran transport ship and is protected from external waves.

[0018] In addition, in this catamaran transport ship, the boat propels in one direction, enters from the stern side of the catamaran transport ship to be stored, and advances to the bow side to be released when deployed. However, this catamaran transport ship has a problem in that it requires a boat restraining device that captures the boat and lifts it up toward the fuselage from the water surface when storing it, and suspends the boat and allows it to land when deploying it on the water.

[0019] Although the target vessel is an underwater vehicle, a method has been proposed for quickly launching and retrieving the underwater vehicle by providing a storage section that is connected to the outside of the ship via an opening / closing door at the opening, and when launching the underwater vehicle, the opening / closing door is opened to connect the storage section to the outside of the ship, and the underwater vehicle placed in the storage section is launched in a submerged or floating state and advances outside the ship through the opening, and when retrieving the underwater vehicle, the opening / closing door is opened to connect the storage section to the outside of the ship, the storage section is flooded, and the underwater vehicle enters the storage section through the opening, and is retrieved in the storage section (see, for example, Patent Document 5).

[0020] However, with this method, the entrance and exit of the self-propelled underwater vehicle are a common opening, and the direction of travel of the underwater vehicle is reversed when launching and when retrieving, so it becomes necessary to either change direction within the storage area or reverse either when launching or when retrieving. Regarding reverse travel, some underwater vehicles take maneuverability into consideration when reversing, but generally, the reverse travel of the vessel is not considered as much as the forward travel, and maneuverability when reversing is inferior. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0021] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-182183 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 62-131998 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 62-22195 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 63-106198 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-226329 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0022] We believe that water transport by RO-RO ships and ferries, which is carried out on a relatively large scale between major ports, can help to solve the problem of a shortage of car drivers in land transport, but because it is large-scale transport between major ports, we believe that it cannot replace land transport systems such as parcel delivery services, which have wide-ranging and detailed transport networks.

[0023] On the other hand, water transport by barge, navigated by tugboats or pushboats, is inexpensive to build and operate, and can be carried out by a small crew, due to the small size of the barge. It also offers the advantage of easy access to small ports, and the ability to handle cargo using cranes and other equipment installed on port quays and warehouses. Therefore, barge transport is an efficient and economical method of transportation. However, because barges are small vessels, they have limited loading capacity, are slow, and are easily affected by weather, making navigation in rough weather difficult. This limits their navigation range to bays, coastal areas, and inland rivers.

[0024] Furthermore, when transferring cargo between a large ship and a barge, using a barge allows cargo to be loaded and unloaded in ports where the water is too shallow for large ships, but this requires loading and unloading work between the barge and land, and between the barge and the large ship, which results in poor loading and unloading efficiency.Furthermore, since barges are generally navigated by tugboats or pushboats, there is also the problem that navigating a barge requires ships other than barges, such as tugboats and pushboats, as well as manpower to operate each individual ship.

[0025] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and its object is to provide a water transportation method and system that enables long-distance water transportation to complement long-distance land transportation, allows small ports such as fishing ports to be used as departure and destination points, and is capable of transporting relatively large amounts of cargo with a small number of personnel, as well as a small ship and small ship carrier to be used in these methods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0026] The water transportation method of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned objectives is characterized by including a departure loading / unloading step in which the transported goods are loaded onto a small boat at the departure point; a departure moving step in which the small boat is made to propel itself without a crew and move from the departure point to a first relay area; a small boat loading step in which the small boat is brought on board a small boat carrier ship; a navigation step in which the small boat carrier ship sails from the first relay area to a second relay area; a small boat unloading step in which the small boat is unloaded from the small boat carrier ship at the second relay area; a destination moving step in which the small boat is made to propel itself without a crew and move from the second relay area to a destination; and a destination loading / unloading step in which the transported goods are unloaded from the small boat at the destination.

[0027] The term "small vessel" here does not need to be specifically defined, but if necessary for the scope of rights, it refers to a vessel with a maximum displacement of 300 tons (t) or less. Furthermore, "self-propelled without a crew" refers to an unmanned small vessel propelling itself without the assistance of a tugboat or pusher, without a crew member on board, through remote operation by personnel not on board, autonomous navigation using a pre-set program, or operation using AI technology.

[0028] According to this water transportation method, by including a loading and unloading step at the departure point and a loading and unloading step at the destination, loading and unloading on the small boat at the departure point or destination is separated from loading and unloading on the small boat carrier ship. Furthermore, loading and unloading on the small boat carrier ship is replaced with loading and unloading on the small boat. This improves the operating efficiency of the small boat carrier ship. Furthermore, since loading and unloading is performed on the small boat at the departure point or destination, loading and unloading can be performed using land loading and unloading facilities at fishing ports and onboard loading and unloading facilities on fishing boats. Therefore, loading and unloading at the departure point can be performed by personnel on the sending side, and loading and unloading at the destination can be performed by personnel on the receiving side.

[0029] In other words, small ports without large port facilities, such as nearby fishing ports, can be used as departure and destination points. Generally, these small ports have shallow waters, so large ships cannot dock. Also, the amount of cargo being transported is thought to be relatively small, so transport by small vessels is advantageous. Furthermore, by using the waters within the port as a waiting and storage area for cargo and small vessels, it is easier to secure these locations than on land.

[0030] Then, by providing a departure point movement step and a destination movement step that allow the small boat to self-propel unmanned, and having personnel at the departure point or on the small boat transport ship remotely operate the boat, or by having the small boat navigate autonomously, it is possible to eliminate the personnel needed just to navigate the small boat, thereby enabling manpower savings. In particular, at fishing ports, there are personnel who can operate fishing boats, so the small boat can be remotely operated by personnel who are familiar with the waters in which the small boat navigates. In addition, autonomous navigation of small boats can also be performed using automatic driving technology and AI technology.

[0031] In addition, by providing a small boat loading step and a small boat unloading step for loading and unloading small boats onto and from the small boat carrier, cargo or vehicles or other transported items can be loaded onto the small boat carrier together with the small boat, eliminating the need for loading and unloading between the small boat and the small boat carrier, thereby improving the operating rate of the small boat carrier and reducing the number of personnel required.

[0032] Furthermore, by carrying small boats inside the small boat carrier, the small boats are not exposed to the outside when the small boat carrier is sailing, and so can be protected from rough weather. As a result, the level of weather resistance required for small boats can be lower (such as specifications for calm water areas or small coastal vessels). Therefore, the structure, equipment, and operating licenses required for small boats can be lowered, making it possible to manufacture and operate small boats at low cost.

[0033] In the navigation step, the small boat carrier carries multiple small boats and navigates, eliminating the need for small boat driver personnel and allowing multiple small boats to be transported long distances with a small number of people. Currently, the number of personnel required is approximately 6 to 10 people for small cargo ships (gross tonnage less than 500 tons), approximately 10 to 20 people for medium-sized cargo ships (gross tonnage between 500 tons and 3,000 tons), approximately 2 to 50 people for small fishing boats, and approximately 10 to 20 people for medium-sized fishing boats.

[0034] Furthermore, considering that automation will progress in navigation and the loading and unloading of small boats in the future, that they will not carry passengers, that they will navigate coastal and near-shore areas, and that it will be easy to provide support and response from outside the ship in the event of a breakdown or accident, it is thought that small boat transport ships will be able to be operated with fewer staff.

[0035] In addition, by using a small boat carrier to navigate between the first and second relay areas, it becomes possible to navigate in navigation areas (coastal areas, near-shore areas, coastal areas, near-shore areas, etc.) that require relatively high weather resistance and that small boats with poor weather resistance cannot navigate in. Furthermore, by establishing a relay area on water, it is relatively easy to secure a location compared to establishing a vehicle relay base on land where there is a lot of private property.

[0036] As described above, this water transportation method separates the tasks of operating a small boat from the departure point to the first relay area, operating a small boat that navigates between relay areas, and operating a small boat from the second relay area to the destination.Therefore, by using existing fishing ports as departure points or destinations, the number of personnel required at any one time can be limited to those capable of navigating the small boat transport vessel.

[0037] In the above-mentioned water transportation method, the small boat loading step includes a loading flooding step of flooding the loading compartment of the small boat carrier vessel to make the water depth of the loading compartment deeper than the draft of the small boat and communicating the loading compartment with the outside of the vessel, a loading movement step of moving the small boat from the outside of the small boat carrier vessel to the loading compartment via a loading entrance, and a loading movement step of draining the loading compartment to make the water depth of the loading compartment shallower than the draft of the small boat and fixing the small boat in the loading compartment. When the small boat carrying step includes a loading water draining step in which the loading compartment is flooded to make the water depth of the loading compartment deeper than the draft of the small boat, causing the small boat to float within the loading compartment and releasing the small boat from its anchorage, a loading movement step in which the small boat is carried out of the small boat transport vessel via a loading port, and a loading water draining step in which the loading compartment is drained, the following effects can be achieved.

[0038] With this configuration, small boats can be loaded into the loading area simply by having the boat propel itself and move from outside the ship via the loading entrance to the loading area. Furthermore, small boats can be unloaded from the loading area simply by having the boat propel itself and move from the loading area to outside the ship via the loading entrance. Therefore, the structure and mechanisms required to load small boats onto the small boat carrier can be simplified, allowing the small boat carrier to be built at low cost. At the same time, the work involved in loading and unloading can be simplified, reducing the number of personnel required. Furthermore, automation of loading and unloading work can also be facilitated.

[0039] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned water transportation method, if the small boat is moved from the loading entrance located on the bow side of the small boat transport vessel toward the loading exit located on the stern side of the small boat transport vessel in the small boat loading step and the small boat unloading step, the following effects are achieved.

[0040] In other words, small boats move in one direction inside the small boat carrier, simplifying their operation. Furthermore, because they enter from the bow and exit from the stern, the small boat carrier can be operated at a slow speed when loading small boats, while small boats traveling slowly or stationary can be loaded into the small boat carrier's bow. Furthermore, because small boats loaded into the loading compartment are unloaded from the stern of the small boat carrier, there is no need to change the direction of the small boats. This eliminates the need for space and mechanisms to change the direction of small boats, simplifying the structure of the loading compartment.

[0041] This eliminates the need to keep the small boat carrier stationary, allowing for quick loading and unloading of small boats. Furthermore, the small boat carrier experiences less hull rolling and a more stable hull posture when traveling at low speeds compared to when stationary, making it easier and safer to load and unload small boats onto and from the small boat carrier.

[0042] When the loading entrance and unloading exit are opened while the small boat carrier is traveling at a slow speed, a water current is generated in the loading area from the loading entrance at the bow toward the unloading exit at the stern. By loading the small boat into this water current, the small boat can be moved more easily. Also, the influence of the stern current of the small boat carrier during loading operations can be avoided. Furthermore, during unloading operations, the stern current of the small boat carrier makes it easier for the small boat to move away from the small boat carrier. Therefore, loading and unloading operations are facilitated.

[0043] In the above-mentioned water transportation method, in the departure point moving step, the small boat is remotely operated by personnel at the departure point, in the small boat bringing-in step, the small boat is remotely operated by personnel at the departure point or personnel on the small boat transport ship, in the small boat carrying-out step, the small boat is remotely operated by personnel at the destination point or personnel on the small boat transport ship, and in the destination moving step, the small boat is remotely operated by personnel on the destination point, which has the following effects.

[0044] In this method for remotely maneuvering a small boat, personnel from the departure or destination side remotely maneuver the boat during the departure point transfer step and the destination transfer step, eliminating the need to secure additional personnel for maneuvering. Furthermore, local personnel who are familiar with the port and sea route remotely maneuver the small boat, improving safety and efficiency. Meanwhile, remote maneuvering between the small boat and the small boat carrier ship is performed by personnel from the departure or destination side, or by personnel on the small boat carrier ship, in a relay area close to the departure or destination, eliminating the need to secure additional personnel for maneuvering. Furthermore, when personnel on the small boat carrier ship perform maneuvering between the small boat and the small boat carrier ship, it becomes easier to synchronize the maneuvering of the small boat carrier ship and the maneuvering of the small boat, improving the safety and efficiency of the loading and unloading of small boats. Furthermore, it also becomes easier to automate the loading and unloading operations.

[0045] Furthermore, a maneuvering center will be established to centralize remote maneuvering of small ships, and small ships in general, and in some cases, small ship carriers, will also be remotely maneuvered. This will enable the centralization of maneuvering personnel and remote maneuvering equipment, thereby reducing manpower and streamlining the maintenance of remote maneuvering equipment.

[0046] In the above-mentioned water transportation method, when the loading compartment is flooded, at least one of the inlet and outlet channels, the loading entrance and the loading exit is used to flood the loading compartment, and when the loading compartment is drained, at least one of the inlet and outlet channels, the loading entrance and the loading exit is used to drain the loading compartment, which has the following effects.

[0047] When using the inlet and outlet channels, the loading compartment can be flooded and drained in the same way as the ballast water filling and draining method used on ordinary ships, and the relationship between the water surface position in the loading compartment and the water surface position outside the ship can be changed. Also, when the loading and unloading ports are used, the loading compartment can be flooded and drained quickly in a short time.

[0048] Alternatively, in the above-mentioned water transportation method, when the loading compartment is flooded, the small boat carrier vessel is sunk by injecting water into the ballast tank of the small boat carrier vessel, and when the loading compartment is drained, the small boat carrier vessel is raised by draining water from the ballast tank of the small boat carrier vessel.This makes it easy to change the relationship between the water surface position in the loading compartment and the water surface position outside the vessel, and makes it possible to quickly flood and drain the loading compartment in a short period of time using the loading entrance and loading exit.

[0049] Alternatively, in the above-mentioned water transportation method, when draining the water from the loading compartment, the small boat carrier is floated by the lift force of the planing surface generated by the small boat carrier's movement. This floating allows the water level in the loading compartment to be higher than the water level outside the ship, and simply by connecting the loading compartment to the outside, the water in the loading compartment can be drained outside the ship, allowing for easy and quick drainage of the water from the loading compartment. In the case of a ship type with this planing surface, when the small boat carrier is moving at a slow speed or stopped, the buoyancy caused by the planing surface becomes small or zero, causing the small boat carrier to sink.

[0050] Alternatively, in the above-mentioned water transportation method, when draining the water from the loading compartment, the small boat carrier vessel is raised by the lift of the hydrofoils generated by the small boat carrier vessel's movement. This raising allows the water level inside the loading compartment to be higher than the water level outside the vessel, and simply by connecting the loading compartment to the outside of the vessel, the water inside the loading compartment can be drained outside the vessel, making it possible to drain the water from the loading compartment easily and quickly.

[0051] Alternatively, in the above-mentioned water transportation method, when the loading compartment is flooded, the small boat carrier vessel can be lowered by the downward lift of the hydrofoils generated by the small boat carrier vessel's movement. This sinking allows the water level inside the loading compartment to be lower than the water level outside the vessel, and simply by connecting the loading compartment to the outside of the vessel, water from outside the vessel can flow into the loading compartment, allowing the loading compartment to be flooded easily and quickly.

[0052] In the above-mentioned water transportation method, if the hull attitude of the small boat carrier equipped with a planing surface is controlled by controlling hydrofoils installed at a distance from the hull of the small boat carrier, when the small boat carrier is a planing or semi-planing vessel equipped with a planing surface, the control can be performed more quickly than by controlling the attitude by filling and discharging ballast tanks. Also, the capacity of the ballast tanks of the small boat carrier can be reduced.

[0053] The water transportation system of the present invention, which is intended to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, is a water transportation system comprising a small boat for carrying transported goods and a small boat carrier ship that carries multiple small boats on board and navigates the boat, wherein the small boat is equipped with an unmanned navigation mechanism that allows it to propel itself without a crew member, and the small boat carrier ship is equipped with a loading compartment that is flooded when the small boats are loaded or unloaded, connecting to the outside of the boat and forming a waterway for loading and unloading the small boats in one direction.

[0054] This water transportation system allows the above-mentioned water transportation method to be carried out efficiently with a small number of people. In particular, small boats can be operated without crew members, and when loading or unloading small boats onto or from a small boat carrier, the small boats are guided in one direction from outside the ship to inside the ship, and from inside the ship to outside the ship, eliminating the need for turning or reversing the small boat; only forward operation is required. This significantly simplifies the operation of small boats, allowing even unskilled personnel to remotely operate small boats. Furthermore, the work of loading and unloading small boats onto and from a small boat carrier is simplified, reducing the operation time.

[0055] In the above-mentioned water transportation system, if the loading section of the small boat carrier vessel is configured with a loading deck that communicates with a loading entrance on the bow side and a loading exit on the stern side, the small boat is loaded in from the bow side and unloaded from the stern side. This allows small boats to be loaded in from the front of the small boat carrier vessel when the small boat carrier vessel is sailing at a low speed, and small boats to be unloaded to the rear of the small boat carrier vessel. Furthermore, small boats can be placed directly or indirectly on the loading deck.

[0056] In the above-mentioned water transportation system, if the small boat is operated using a steering system with a steering switching system that switches between the steering devices on land, the steering device on the small boat carrier, and the steering device on the steering center side, this steering operation switching system can switch the location and personnel operating the boat. Therefore, the small boat can be operated by personnel who are familiar with the waters of the departure point, the waters of the destination, and the structure of the small boat carrier, making it possible to operate the small boat more safely.

[0057] The small boat of the present invention, which achieves the above-mentioned objectives, is a small boat for use in the above-mentioned water transportation system, characterized by being configured with a flat-bottomed hull equipped with an outboard motor and an unmanned navigation device. With this configuration, the flat-bottomed hull simplifies the hull structure and enables low-cost construction. Furthermore, by seating the flat bottom of the small boat on a flat loading deck, the small boat can be stably seated, and the weight of the small boat and the contact friction between the flat surfaces can suppress movement of the small boat on the loading deck.

[0058] Furthermore, by providing an outboard motor, a commercially available outboard motor can be used without the need to develop a new propulsion device for small boats, allowing for low-cost construction. Furthermore, if a tilt-type outboard motor is used as the outboard motor, when the boat is seated on the deck, the outboard motor rotates around a horizontal axis and is positioned above the flat bottom, so the outboard motor does not get in the way when the boat is seated on the deck.

[0059] Alternatively, instead of a tilt type, the outboard motor may be mounted via a lifting mechanism. In this case, when the small boat is docked, the outboard motor is raised by the force pushing up from the loading deck, and when the small boat is surfaced, the outboard motor is automatically lowered by gravity acting on the outboard motor, eliminating the need for power to raise and lower the outboard motor. These mechanisms allow the outboard motor to be moved above the bottom of the small boat unmanned, preventing damage to the outboard motor when docked.

[0060] If the above-mentioned small vessel is configured with a hull condition transmission system that detects, calculates, and transmits the loading condition and hull attitude of the hull, the center of gravity position and weight of the small vessel can be converted based on the loading condition and hull attitude of the small vessel, making it possible to plan and revise loading plans for loading and unloading operations on the small vessel in real time.

[0061] Furthermore, by transmitting this data to the small boat carrier after loading and unloading of the small boats, it is possible to optimize the loading position of the small boats on the small boat carrier and rearrange the small boats, including those already loaded. Therefore, the loading operation of the small boats on the small boat carrier can be carried out efficiently and quickly. Currently, the method using a draft sensor is considered to be the simplest, but the sinking amount and attitude of the hull can also be calculated from the integrated weight and the inclination angle of the hull.

[0062] In the above-mentioned small boat, if the hull sidewalls are equipped with sponsons, when the cargo or vehicle loading position deviates slightly from the planned position and the boat lists, the sponsons will be submerged in water, generating buoyancy that acts as a righting force. This prevents the boat from listing too much. In addition, a "sponson" on a ship is defined as "a protrusion that protrudes outward (usually from the hull) to increase stability on the water or to attach other equipment."

[0063] By providing these sponsons, precise loading work is no longer necessary when loading and unloading small vessels, speeding up the work. In particular, when loading vehicles onto a rampway, a relatively large and heavy object moves as the vehicle moves, so it is important to reduce the trim and heel of the hull of the small vessel that accompanies this movement, and providing these sponsons can solve this problem.

[0064] In the above-mentioned small boats, if a pushing section that pushes the small boat located at the front is provided at the bow, and a pressure-receiving section that is pushed by the small boat located at the rear is provided at the stern, this makes it possible to self-propel only the rearmost small boat and move the other small boats at the front by pushing them. Therefore, when small boats are loaded onto and unloaded from the small boat carrier, it is not necessary to self-propel all of the small boats to be moved within the small boat carrier, which reduces the number of small boats to be operated and simplifies the work.

[0065] If the small vessels mentioned above are equipped with ramps for loading and unloading vehicles, or if they are equipped with ramp-way receiving sections that can bridge ramps from land, this allows vehicles to be loaded and unloaded onto the small vessel, thereby saving on loading and unloading work and time. Furthermore, since the work of building this ramp-way is carried out at the port of departure or destination, it is easy to secure loading and unloading facilities and personnel.

[0066] It is important that the rampway is not only suitable for relatively large vehicles such as trucks and train cars, but also for the vehicles handled by small ships, and the size of the rampway can be considered flexibly. For example, depending on the amount of cargo, a rampway for vehicles the size of a small truck may be sufficient, in which case it may be made of a plate-like material that can be carried and grounded by hand as long as the wheels of the small truck can pass through. For light vehicles, if there are land-based lifting devices such as cranes that can be lifted and loaded onto small ships, or fishing boat lifting devices, these can be used instead of a rampway.

[0067] The small boat carrier ship of the present invention, which is intended to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, is a small boat carrier ship used in the water transportation system described above, and is characterized in that it is configured with an onboard compartment for loading the small boat, and the onboard compartment is configured with a loading entrance and loading exit having openings that can be opened and closed, and an onboard deck that communicates with the outside of the ship via the loading entrance and loading exit.

[0068] With this type of small boat carrier, simply by opening the loading / unloading openings, such as the loading entrance and unloading openings, water can be poured into and drained from the loading compartment through these openings, eliminating the need for a water supply / drainage mechanism or reducing its size, thereby simplifying the structure of the small boat carrier. Furthermore, since water can be poured into and drained from the loading compartment through the openings even while the ship is sailing, the time required for loading and unloading small boats can be shortened.

[0069] In this small ship carrier, water can be poured into the loading compartment by sinking the hull to deepen the draft and submerging the opening below the water surface outside the ship, and water can be drained from the loading compartment by floating the hull to shallow the draft and raising the opening above the water surface outside the ship.

[0070] In the small ship carrier described above, if the hull is formed as a planing or semi-planing hull, the hull can be raised by the lifting force of the planing surface while sailing. Therefore, the loading and unloading of the cargo compartment can be performed quickly without filling or unloading ballast water, or by filling and unloading ballast water at the same time.

[0071] If the small boat carrier is equipped with hydrofoils whose maximum lift generated when sailing at cruising speed is between 5% and 50% of the full load weight, the lift of the hydrofoils while sailing can be used to adjust the sinking amount and hull attitude of the small boat carrier. In addition, by changing the lift of the hydrofoils, it is possible to change the draft in part or in whole, and the draft can be changed at the start and end of sailing at cruising speed.

[0072] In the above-mentioned small boat carrier, if the attitude of the hull, which is formed in a cruising or semi-planing hull type, is controlled while sailing by controlling the hydrofoils, the hull attitude can be controlled relatively easily even in the case of a planing or semi-planing ship, for which attitude control of the planing surface is difficult, and the condition of the planing surface can be maintained in good condition.

[0073] In this small ship carrier, the draft is changed in part or in whole by changing the attitude when traveling at high speed and when traveling at low speed or when stopped. This allows the hull to sink when stopped or traveling at low speed and to float when traveling at high speed, and the water level inside the loading compartment and the water level outside the ship can be adjusted depending on the sailing condition. Therefore, the loading and unloading of the loading and unloading of the loading and unloading of the ballast water can be performed quickly without or together with the loading and unloading of the ballast water. [Effects of the Invention]

[0074] The waterborne transportation method and waterborne transportation system of the present invention enable long-distance waterborne transportation that complements long-distance land transportation, and can use small ports such as fishing ports as departure and destination points, allowing for the transport of relatively large amounts of cargo with a small number of personnel.Furthermore, the small boat and small boat carrier of the present invention can efficiently implement the above-mentioned waterborne transportation method and can also constitute the above-mentioned waterborne transportation system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0075] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing each step in the first half of the waterborne transportation method of the present invention and the relationship between the departure point and the first relay area. [Figure 2] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the steps in the latter half of the water transportation method of FIG. 1 and the relationship between the second relay area and the destination. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the steps of the water transportation method of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the small boat loading step in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the small boat carrying-out step in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a water transportation system of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing details of a part of the configuration of the small boat in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows details of the remaining parts of the boat configuration of FIG. 7. [Figure 9]FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the small boat carrier ship of FIG. 6. [Figure 10] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the port-side loading and unloading facility in FIG. 6. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the steering system of a small boat. [Figure 12] 1 is a diagram showing a small boat according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a small boat according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a moving state of an outboard motor using a tilt-type moving device. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a moving state of the outboard motor using the lift-type moving device. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the guide mechanism of the small boat. [Figure 17] 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the guide mechanism of the small boat and the engagement portion of the small boat carrier vessel. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a rampway for a small vessel. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a rampway receiving portion of a small vessel. [Figure 20] 1 is a diagram showing a small boat carrier vessel according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a small boat carrier vessel according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a small boat carrier vessel according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] This is a side cross-sectional view showing the process of loading a small boat onto a small boat carrier ship. [Figure 24] A side cross-sectional view showing the process of transporting a small boat from a small boat transport ship. [Figure 25] This is a plan cross-sectional view showing the small boat being loaded onto the small boat carrier ship. [Figure 26] This is a plan cross-sectional view showing the small boat being transported out of the small boat transport ship. [Figure 27] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the relationship between the small boat, the small boat securing equipment, and cargo handling. [Figure 28]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the small boat and the small boat securing equipment before and during loading and unloading. [Figure 29] This is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the small boat and the small boat securing equipment after loading and unloading. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0076] Hereinafter, a waterborne transportation method, a waterborne transportation system, a small boat, and a small boat carrier ship according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The coordinate system "XYZ" used in the drawings indicates a right-handed coordinate system in which the fore-and-aft direction of the small boat and small boat carrier ship is the X direction, the left-and-right direction is the Y direction, and the up-and-down direction is the Z direction, with the forward, left, and up directions all being positive. Furthermore, if the bow directions of the small boat and small boat carrier ship shown in the drawings are different, the coordinates of the small boat carrier ship will be shown.

[0077] [Water Transportation Method] First, the water transportation method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the explanatory diagrams of Figures 1 and 2 and the step configuration diagrams of Figures 3 to 5. In conventional technology, cargo carried by small vessels such as barges was bulk cargo, sand, cement, coal, grains, and other heavy goods, but this water transportation method is a long-distance water transportation method suitable for transporting relatively light cargo such as fresh fish, fruit, and other perishable foods at relatively high speeds, and can be used as a transportation method that can replace long-distance land transportation by truck or the like in conventional technology.

[0078] In this water transport method, small ports such as fishing ports without large-scale port facilities are used as the departure point Rs and the destination Re. As of 2017, there were 2,860 fishing ports in Japan. Additionally, there were 101 Type 3 fishing ports, which are used nationwide, and 13 Special Type 3 fishing ports, which are considered particularly important. Because these fishing ports are scattered throughout Japan, utilizing these ports can create an extensive water transport network. Furthermore, these small ports generally have shallow waters that cannot accommodate large ships, but the cargo they transport is likely to be relatively small, allowing the cargo at each fishing port to be transported by relatively small vessels.

[0079] These fishing ports are permanently equipped with land-based loading and unloading facilities for catches and facilities for land transport by trucks, etc., making them the interface between water transport and land transport. Therefore, the land-based unloading equipment for catches and other items can be used as loading and unloading facilities for small boats. Therefore, when these ports are used as the departure point for water transport, the transition from land transport to water transport by loading onto small boats can be easily and quickly made. Also, when these ports are used as the destination for water transport, the transition from land transport to land transport after unloading from small boats can be easily and quickly made.

[0080] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the water transportation method of an embodiment of the present invention involves loading a small boat 10 with transport items 50 at a departure point Rs, having the small boat 10 sail from the departure point Rs to a first relay area R1 without a crew member, transferring the small boat 10 to a small boat carrier ship 20, transporting the small boat 10 from the first relay area R1 to a second relay area R2 by the small boat carrier ship 20, removing the small boat 10 from the small boat carrier ship 20 at the second relay area R2, allowing the removed small boat 10 to sail from the second relay area R2 to a destination Re without a crew member, and unloading the transport items 50 from the small boat 10 at the destination Re.

[0081] As shown in Figure 3, this water transportation method comprises a water transportation step S10, which is composed of a departure point loading step S11, a departure point movement step S12, a small boat loading step S13, a navigation step S14, a small boat unloading step S15, a destination movement step S16, and a destination loading step S17.

[0082] The departure point loading step S11 is a step of loading the transport item 50 onto the small vessel 10, and the departure point moving step S12 is a step of moving the small vessel 10 from the departure point Rs to the first relay area R1 under its own sail without a crew. The small vessel loading step S13 is a step of loading the small vessel 10 onto the small vessel carrier ship 20, and the navigation step S14 is a step of navigating the small vessel carrier ship 20 from the first relay area R1 to the second relay area R2.

[0083] The small vessel unloading step S15 is a step of unloading the small vessel 10 from the small vessel carrier 20 in the second relay area R2, and the destination moving step S16 is a step of moving the small vessel 10 from the second relay area R2 to the destination Re under its own power without a crew member. The destination loading and unloading step S17 is a step of unloading the transported goods 50 from the small vessel 10.

[0084] [Operations at Departure Point] Next, each step will be explained in more detail. In the departure point loading step S11, at the departure point Rs, the transported goods 50 are loaded onto the small vessel 10 using on-shore cargo handling equipment 41 for fish catches provided as fishing port facilities and on-board cargo handling equipment 42 on the fishing vessel. This loading work can be performed by personnel on the departure point Rs side of the transported goods 50. Furthermore, by loading the small vessel 10 before the small vessel 10 meets the small vessel carrier vessel 20, the work and time required for loading on the small vessel carrier vessel 20 can be saved, and the utilization rate of the small vessel carrier vessel 20 can be increased.

[0085] Furthermore, when using a small vessel 10 capable of carrying vehicles, the small vessel 10 is equipped with a rampway 18a and bridged over to a pier or wharf, or a rampway 43 provided on the port side is bridged over to a rampway receiving portion 18b of the small vessel 10, so that a vehicle 52 such as a truck or trainer carrying cargo 51 can be driven directly from the quay or pier onto the small vessel 10 and loaded onto the vessel. The driver of this vehicle 52 drives the vehicle 52 onto the small vessel 10 and disembarks after securing the vehicle 52 to the small vessel 10. This allows cargo handling between land transport and water transport to be completed in a short time, and also reduces the time the driver of the vehicle 52 is detained.

[0086] If there are multiple departure points Rs and the small vessel 10 can navigate to the second, third, etc. departure points Rs, the small vessel 10 will navigate to each departure point Rs, unload cargo, and then move to the first relay area R1. The small vessel 10 at each departure point Rs may be maneuvered by a vessel operator at that departure point Rs, or by a vessel operator at another departure point Rs, or by a vessel operator at the maneuvering center 60. Furthermore, the small vessel 10 may be maneuvered autonomously according to a program that has been set in advance or received in advance.

[0087] Then, in the departure point movement step S12, the loaded small vessel 10 is moved to the first relay area R1 by remote vessel operation or autonomous navigation. This first relay area R1 may be a relatively calm sea area deep enough for the small vessel carrier ship 20 to navigate at a slow speed or stop, and may be outside a port, a bay, or an area behind an island where the small vessel 10 can avoid the wind. Note that the small vessel 10 may be steered by a vessel operator on the departure point Rs side or by a vessel operator on the small vessel carrier ship 20 side, or the vessel operator may switch midway.

[0088] [Loading of Small Boat] As shown in Figure 4, the small boat loading step S13 includes a loading flooding step S13a, a loading movement step S13b, and a loading drainage step S13c. The loading flooding step S13a is a step of flooding the loading compartment 22 of the small boat carrier vessel 20, making the water depth of the loading deck 22b of the loading compartment 22 deeper than the draft of the small boat 10 and connecting the loading compartment 22 to the outside of the vessel. The loading movement step S13b is a step of moving the small boat 10 from the outside of the small boat carrier vessel 20 to the loading compartment 22 via the loading entrance 22a. The loading drainage step S13c is a step of draining the loading compartment 22, making the water depth of the loading deck 22b shallower than the draft of the small boat 10, and securing the small boat 10 to the loading deck 22b.

[0089] In this small vessel delivery step S13, the small vessel 10 and the small vessel carrier vessel 20 are brought together in the first relay area R1, and one or more small vessels 10 are delivered to the small vessel carrier vessel 20. The small vessel carrier vessel 20 waits in the first relay area R1, traveling at a slow speed or stationary (including moored using an anchor). Alternatively, the small vessel carrier vessel 20 arrives at the first relay area R1 where one or more small vessels 10 have already arrived and are waiting. In this case, the latter can increase the utilization rate of the small vessel carrier vessel 20.

[0090] More specifically, in this loading flooding step S13a, while the small boat carrier ship 20 is traveling at a slow speed or is stopped, the small boat carrier ship 20 is lowered to submerge the loading deck 22b. In addition, in parallel with the lowering of the small boat carrier ship 20, the loading entrance 22a of the loading section 22 is opened.

[0091] Then, in the loading movement step S13b, the small boat carrier vessel 20 travels at a low speed toward the small boat 10, generating a water current from the loading entrance 22a toward the unloading exit 22c, and the small boat 10 is carried on this water current and introduced into the loading section 22. Alternatively, the small boat 10 enters the loading section 22 from the loading entrance 22a under its own propulsion. The small boat 10 is then positioned at the loading position Pi in the loading section 22. This loading position Pi is set in advance taking into consideration the weight (displacement) and position of the center of gravity of the small boat 10. Then, after the small boat 10 has been positioned, in the next loading drainage step S13c, the small boat carrier vessel 20 is raised to the surface and the loading section 22 is drained.

[0092] Regarding the sinking and surfacing of this small boat carrier vessel 20, there are three methods: a first method using the onboard compartment 22; a second method using the ballast tank 21b; a third method using the lift of the planing surface 21c if the hull 21 is equipped with a planing surface 21c; a fourth method using the lift of the hydrofoil 21d if the hull 21 is equipped with a hydrofoil; and a combination of these methods.

[0093] In addition, in the first method, when the loading compartment 22 is flooded, at least one of the openings of the loading entrance 22a and the loading exit 22c is opened, allowing water to flow into the loading compartment 22 from outside the ship, thereby sinking the small boat carrier vessel 20. In addition, when draining water from the loading compartment 22, at least one of the openings of the loading entrance 22a and the loading exit 22c is opened, allowing water to flow out from inside the loading compartment 22 to outside the ship, thereby floating the small boat carrier vessel 20. In either case, the relationship between the water surface inside the loading compartment 22 and the water surface outside the ship is important, so this method will be combined with other methods.

[0094] In the second method, when the loading compartment 22 is flooded, water is poured into the ballast tank 21b of the small boat carrier vessel 20, causing the small boat carrier vessel 20 to sink. In addition, when the loading compartment 22 is drained, water is discharged from the ballast tank 21b of the small boat carrier vessel 20, causing the small boat carrier vessel 20 to float. This first method allows the loading compartment 22 to be flooded and drained in the same way as the ballast water filling and draining method used on general ships, so the structure of the small boat carrier vessel 20 can be simplified.

[0095] In the third method, when draining water from the loading compartment 22, the small boat carrier vessel 20 is made to float by the buoyancy of the planing surface 21c generated by the small boat carrier vessel 20's movement. This floating makes the water level inside the loading compartment 22 higher than the water level outside the vessel. By combining this with the second method, water inside the loading compartment 22 can be drained outside the vessel simply by connecting the loading compartment 22 to the outside, making it possible to drain water from the loading compartment 22 easily and quickly. In this case, when the small boat carrier vessel 20 is moving at a slow speed or stops, the lift force from the planing surface 21c becomes small or zero, causing the small boat carrier vessel 20 to sink.

[0096] In the fourth method, when draining water from the loading compartment 22, the small boat carrier vessel 20 is floated by the buoyancy of the hydrofoils 21d generated by the small boat carrier vessel 20's operation. This floating raises the water level inside the loading compartment 22 higher than the water level outside the vessel. By combining this with the second method, water inside the loading compartment 22 can be drained outside the vessel simply by connecting the loading compartment 22 to the outside, allowing for easy and quick drainage of the loading compartment 22. In this case, when the small boat carrier vessel 20 is traveling at a slow speed or stopped, the lift force generated by the hydrofoils 21d becomes small or zero, causing the small boat carrier vessel 20 to sink. Furthermore, by configuring the hydrofoils 21d to generate downward lift, the small boat carrier vessel 20 can be caused to sink by the downward lift force of the hydrofoils 21d generated by the small boat carrier vessel 20's operation when the loading compartment 22 is flooded.

[0097] As the water drains from the loading compartment 22, the water pressure on the loading deck 22b decreases. Meanwhile, as the small boat 10 abuts against and is placed on the loading deck 22b, the weight of the small boat 10 is applied to the loading deck 22b, which affects the hull attitude of the small boat carrier vessel 20. The effect on the attitude of the small boat 10 when loaded is determined by the relationship between the weight of the small boat 10 and the displacement of the small boat carrier vessel 20, but the hull attitude of the small boat carrier vessel 20 is maintained within a safe range by filling and discharging the ballast tanks 21b of the small boat carrier vessel 20. Note that if hydrofoils 21d are provided, the attitude control of the small boat carrier vessel 20 can be assisted by controlling the lift of the hydrofoils 21d.

[0098] At this time, the weight and center of gravity of the small boat 10 to be loaded are calculated in advance from the detection values ​​of the multiple draft sensors 14a of the small boat 10, and the loading position Pi at which the small boat 10 is loaded and the amount of ballast water in each ballast tank 21b of the small boat carrier vessel 20 are determined. Then, when discharging water, the hull attitude of the small boat carrier vessel 20 is monitored by detection devices 24 such as the draft sensor 24a and inclination sensor of the small boat carrier vessel 20, while filling and discharging water in the ballast tanks 21b. If hydrofoils 21d are provided, attitude control of the small boat carrier vessel 20 can be assisted by controlling the lift of the hydrofoils 21d.

[0099] Furthermore, if the loading position Pi of another small boat 10 needs to be changed in conjunction with the loading of a small boat 10, the small boat 10 is released from its anchorage while the loading deck 22b is flooded, and the small boat 10 is moved by remote control, either by self-propelling or by pushing with a small boat 10 behind it. Furthermore, if a major change in the loading position Pi of a small boat 10 is required, the loading deck 22b is flooded, and the loading opening 22c is opened, and the small boat 10 to be moved is temporarily unloaded from the loading opening 22c outside the ship, and the required number of small boats 10 are rearranged and the small boats 10 are loaded back in.

[0100] In addition, in the first relay area R1, the small ships 10 may be redistributed among a plurality of small ship carrier ships 20. This not only allows the small ships 10 from the departure point Rs to be collected and loaded onto the small ship carrier ship 20, or each small ship 10 to be moved from the small ship carrier ship 20 to one or more destinations Re, but also allows the small ships 10 to be redistributed among the small ship carrier ships 20 according to their respective destinations, taking into consideration the destinations of each small ship 10.

[0101] [Navigation by Small Boat Carrier Ship] Then, in navigation step S14 after the small boat 10 is loaded, the small boat carrier ship 20 transitions from slow navigation or a stopped state to cruising navigation. During this transition, openings in various locations are closed as necessary, and the small boat carrier ship 20 is brought into a cruising hull attitude by adjusting the ballast water and the lift of the hydrofoils 21d. During cruising, a displacement ship navigates in its running attitude, while semi-planing ships and planing ships navigate in a planing attitude, and hydrofoil ships navigate in a floating state above the water. Furthermore, semi-planing ships with hydrofoils and planing ships with hydrofoils navigate in a planing state while maintaining a planing attitude by controlling the hydrofoils 21d.

[0102] In other words, the hull attitude of the small boat carrier ship 20 equipped with the planing surface 21c while sailing is controlled by controlling the hydrofoils 21d installed at a distance from the hull 21 of the small boat carrier ship 20. As a result, when the small boat carrier ship 20 is a planing ship or semi-planing ship equipped with the planing surface 21c, control can be performed more quickly than attitude control by filling and discharging the ballast tank 21b, and moreover, the capacity of the ballast tank 21b of the small boat carrier ship 20 can be reduced.

[0103] [Transporting the Small Boat] As shown in Figure 5, the small boat transport step S15 includes a flooding step S15a at the time of transport, a moving step S15b at the time of transport, and a draining step S15c at the time of transport. The flooding step S15a at the time of transport is a step of flooding the loading compartment 22, making the water depth of the loading deck 22b deeper than the draft of the small boat 10, causing the small boat 10 to float up from the loading deck 22b, and releasing the anchorage of the small boat 10. The moving step S15b at the time of transport is a step of transporting the small boat 10 from the loading compartment 22 to the outside of the small boat carrier ship 20 via the loading opening 22c, and the draining step S15c at the time of transport is a step of draining the water from the loading compartment 22.

[0104] In this small boat unloading step S15, when the small boat carrier ship 20 reaches the second relay area R2, the small boat carrier ship 20 is made to travel at a slow speed or to be stopped (including being moored using an anchor), and water is poured into the loading section 22, flooding the loading deck 22b and floating the small boat 10, and the fixing of the small boat 10 is released. In addition, the unloading port 22c is opened, and the small boat 10 to be unloaded is advanced outside the ship through this unloading port 22c.

[0105] Then, among the small vessels 10 that have been taken out, those that are not to be moved to the destination Re and new small vessels 10 from the destination Re are loaded onto the small vessel carrier ship 20. At that time, if necessary, the small vessels 10 remaining on the small vessel carrier ship 20 are loaded out and loaded again, and the loading positions Pi of the small vessels 10 are rearranged.

[0106] More specifically, in this unloading flooding step S15a, while the small boat carrier vessel 20 is traveling at a slow speed or stopped, water is poured into the ballast tanks 21b of the small boat carrier vessel 20, water is poured into the loading compartment 22 of the small boat carrier vessel 20, if the small boat carrier vessel 20 is a semi-planing vessel or a planing vessel, the planing state is ended, and if the small boat carrier vessel 20 is equipped with hydrofoils 21d, the hydrofoils 21d reduce lift or generate downward lift, thereby causing the small boat carrier vessel 20 to sink and submerge the loading deck 22b. In addition, in parallel with the submersion of the loading deck 22b, the loading hatch 22c is opened. Then, water may be poured into the loading compartment 22 through the opening of the loading hatch 22c. Furthermore, if necessary, the loading entrance 22a may also be opened.

[0107] Then, in the unloading movement step S15b, the small boat 10 is propelled under its own power from the submerged loading deck 22b via the unloading opening 22c. Alternatively, the small boat carrier ship 20 travels at a slow speed to generate a water current that flows from the loading opening 22a to the unloading opening 22c, and the small boat 10 is carried on this water current and unloaded from the loading section 22 to the outside of the ship.

[0108] In the next discharge drainage step S15c, water is drained from the ballast tank 21b of the small boat carrier vessel 20, water is drained from the loading compartment 22 of the small boat carrier vessel 20, and if the small boat carrier vessel 20 is a semi-planing vessel or a planing vessel, it begins to plan, and if the small boat carrier vessel 20 is equipped with hydrofoils 21d, it is put into a foiling state, causing the small boat carrier vessel 20 to float and draining water from the loading compartment 22.

[0109] Then, as the water is discharged from the loading compartment 22, the water pressure on the loading deck 22b decreases. On the other hand, as the small boats 10 abut against and are placed on the loading deck 22b, the weight of the remaining or newly brought-in small boats 10 is applied to the loading deck 22b, which affects the hull posture of the small boat carrier vessel 20, but the hull posture of the small boat carrier vessel 20 is maintained within a safe range by filling and discharging the water in and out of each ballast tank 21b of the small boat carrier vessel 20.

[0110] In the second relay area R2, similar to the first relay area R1, the small vessels 10 may be redistributed among a plurality of small vessel carrier ships 20. This allows small vessels 10 heading for another destination Re to be collected and reloaded onto another small vessel carrier ship 20 heading for that destination Re. In other words, the destination of each small vessel 10 is taken into consideration among the small vessel carrier ships 20, and the small vessels 10 are redistributed to a plurality of small vessel carrier ships 20 according to their respective destinations.

[0111] [Destination work] Then, in the destination movement step S16, the small vessel 10 carried out from the small vessel carrier ship 20 is moved from the second relay area R2 to the destination Re by remote control or autonomous navigation. If there are multiple destinations Re and the small vessel 10 can navigate to the second, third, etc. destination Re, it will navigate to each of the destinations Re and perform cargo unloading.

[0112] Then, in destination loading step S17, at destination Re, the transported goods 50 are unloaded from the small vessel 10 using the fishing vessel's onboard loading and unloading equipment or land loading and unloading equipment for fishery products provided as port facilities. When using the ramp way 18a of the small vessel 10 or the port-side ramp way 43, the driver of the vehicle 52 boards the small vessel 10, releases the vehicle 52, such as a truck or trainer, and then boards the vehicle 52, which is then moved from the small vessel 10 to a quay or pier. The vehicle 52 is then transported on land while still in the vehicle 52. This allows for quick loading and unloading operations between water transport means and land transport means, and reduces the time the driver of the vehicle 52 is detained.

[0113] [Direction of movement of small boat] Next, let us consider the direction of movement of the small boat 10 relative to the small boat carrier ship 20 in the small boat loading step S13 and the small boat unloading step S15. First, it is possible to provide a loading entrance and unloading exit on the side of the small boat carrier ship 20 and have the small boat proceed in one direction from starboard to port or from port to starboard, thereby loading and unloading the boat into and out of the loading area. However, if loading entrances and unloading exits are provided on the side of the boat, the number of these openings and the accompanying mechanisms for opening and closing the openings will increase, which will create the problem of a more complex hull structure.

[0114] Therefore, if the direction of movement of the small boat 10 is limited to the fore-and-aft direction X of the small boat carrier ship 20, the loading direction of the small boat 10 can be from the stern direction or the bow direction of the small boat carrier ship 20, and the unloading direction of the small boat 10 can be from the stern direction or the bow direction of the small boat carrier ship 20, so there are four possible combinations.

[0115] However, if the approaching direction and exiting direction of the small boat 10 are made different, the small boat 10 will need to change direction inside the small boat carrier ship 20, which requires space for this change of direction, increases the size of the small boat carrier ship 20, and requires a mechanism for changing direction, complicating the structure of the small boat carrier ship 20. For this reason, it is preferable to make the movement direction of the small boat 10 inside the small boat carrier ship 20 one direction. This simplifies the structure of the small boat carrier ship 20 and also simplifies the operation of the small boat 10.

[0116] Furthermore, if the method of entering from the bow and exiting from the stern is adopted, when the small boat 10 is brought in, the small boat carrier vessel 20 is made to navigate at a slow speed, and the small boat 10 is brought in while traveling at a slow speed or while stopped. Therefore, the small boat 10 approaches from the bow, and the effects of the stern drift of the small boat carrier vessel 20 can be avoided. On the other hand, when the small boat 10 is unloaded, the small boat 10 is unloaded while the small boat carrier vessel 20 is made to navigate at a slow speed. Therefore, the small boat 10 advances from the stern, and the stern drift of the small boat carrier vessel 20 can be utilized.

[0117] In particular, when the small boat 10 is being loaded and unloaded, it becomes possible to load and unload the small boat 10 onto and from the small boat carrier ship 20 traveling at a slow speed, where the hull motion is relatively stable compared to when the boat is stopped. Furthermore, when the small boat carrier ship 20 travels at a slow speed, a water current is generated inside the loading compartment 22 from the loading entrance 22a on the bow side toward the unloading exit 22c on the stern side, and by loading the small boat 10 onto this water current, it becomes easier to move the small boat 10, facilitating the loading and unloading of the small boat 10.

[0118] When moving the small boat 10 from the loading entrance on the stern side of the small boat carrier vessel 20 toward the loading entrance on the bow side of the small boat carrier vessel 20, the small boat 10 enters from the stern side and exits from the bow side. Therefore, if the small boat carrier vessel 20 is sailing when the small boat 10 is being loaded, a water current will be generated inside the loading compartment 22 from the loading entrance 22c on the bow side toward the loading entrance 22a on the stern side, and the small boat carrier vessel 20 will also drift at its stern. This makes it difficult to maneuver the small boat 10 while it is being moved. For this reason, if the small boat carrier vessel 20 is stopped between loading and unloading operations, the hull motion caused by waves will be greater than when the vessel is traveling at a slow speed, making the loading and unloading operations more difficult.

[0119] [Navigation crew] In maneuvering the small vessel 10 in each of these steps, as shown in Figure 11, in the departure point movement step S12, the small vessel 10 is remotely maneuvered by personnel on the departure point Rs side, and in the small vessel delivery step S13, the small vessel 10 is remotely maneuvered by personnel on the departure point Rs side or personnel on the small vessel transport ship 20 side. Also, in the small vessel delivery step S15, the small vessel 10 is remotely maneuvered by personnel on the destination Re side or personnel on the small vessel transport ship 20 side, and in the destination movement step S16, the small vessel 10 is remotely maneuvered by personnel on the destination Re side.

[0120] In other words, it is preferable that the small vessel 10 in each of these steps be maneuvered by personnel at the departure point Rs who are familiar with the waters at the departure point Rs and its vicinity, and by personnel at the destination Re who are familiar with the waters at the destination Re. However, with regular operations, personnel at the small vessel carrier ship 20 or the maneuvering center 60 will also become familiar with the respective waters, so these personnel may also maneuver the vessel.

[0121] In addition, small boat loading step S13, small boat unloading step S15, etc. are operated by personnel on the small boat transport vessel 20 side who are familiar with the structure of the small boat transport vessel 20, or personnel on the maneuvering center 60 side, but the vessel may also be operated by personnel on the departure point Rs side who are familiar with the first relay area R1, or personnel on the destination Re side who are familiar with the second relay area R2.

[0122] Furthermore, navigation of the small boat carrier vessel 20 in the navigation step S14 is performed by the crew of the small boat carrier vessel 20, but if the small boat carrier vessel 20 is also to be navigated unmanned, it will be steered by personnel on the maneuvering center 60 side. If it becomes possible for the small boat carrier vessel 20 to navigate autonomously in an unmanned manner, further manpower savings can be achieved. The small boat 10 and the small boat carrier vessel 20 may be operated by personnel in different locations, but it is easier to perform synchronized maneuvering between them if the vessels are operated by personnel in the same location.

[0123] In this method for remotely maneuvering a small vessel, in step S12 of moving to the departure point and step S16 of moving to the destination, personnel on the departure point Rs side or the destination Re side remotely maneuver the vessel, eliminating the need to secure additional personnel for maneuvering, and further improving safety and efficiency because the small vessel 10 is remotely maneuvered by local personnel who are familiar with the port and sea route. On the other hand, when the small vessel 10 is close to the departure point Rs or the destination Re, remote maneuvering between the small vessel 10 and the small vessel carrier ship 20 is performed by personnel on the departure point Rs side or the destination Re side, or personnel on the small vessel carrier ship 20 side, eliminating the need to secure additional personnel for maneuvering.

[0124] In particular, if personnel on the small boat carrier ship 20 perform the operation between the small boat 10 and the small boat carrier ship 20 in the departure point movement step S12 and the destination movement step S16, it becomes easier to synchronize the operation of the small boat carrier ship 20 with the operation of the small boat 10, improving the safety and efficiency of the loading and unloading work of the small boat 10. Also, by synchronizing the operation of the small boat 10 and the small boat carrier ship 20, it becomes easier to automate the loading and unloading work. Furthermore, by providing a maneuvering center 60 that centralizes remote maneuvering and remotely maneuvering the overall maneuvering of the small boat 10 and the small boat carrier ship 20, it is possible to centralize the maneuvering personnel and maneuvering communications, as well as reduce the number of personnel and improve the efficiency of equipment maintenance.

[0125] [Effects of the Water Transportation Method] This water transportation method (water transportation step) S10 enables long-distance water transportation that complements long-distance land transportation, and allows a small port such as a fishing port to be used as the departure point Rs and destination Re, making it possible to transport a relatively large amount of goods 50 with a small number of personnel. Also, since the holding areas and relay areas R1, R2, etc. for the small boats 10 can be set on the water, large areas on land are not required, and existing land-based loading and unloading facilities and onboard loading and unloading facilities for fishing boats, etc. can be used, and port personnel can be used for loading and unloading, making it relatively easy to secure personnel for transportation.

[0126] [Water Transportation System] Next, a water transportation system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, this water transportation system 1 comprises a small vessel 10 carrying cargo 50 and a small vessel carrier 20 that carries multiple small vessels 10 on board and navigates them. Furthermore, the small vessel 10 is equipped with an unmanned navigation mechanism 13 for self-propulsion without a crew member. The small vessel carrier 20 is equipped with a loading compartment 22 that is submerged when loading or unloading the small vessels 10, communicating with the outside of the vessel and forming a waterway for loading and unloading the small vessels 10 in one direction. The water transportation system also comprises a maneuvering system 30 that remotely controls the small vessels 10 and a port-side loading and unloading facility 40 for loading and unloading cargo 50 to and from the small vessels 10. If necessary, a ship steering center 60 may also be provided.

[0127] According to this water transportation system 1, cargo handling between a port and land can be performed by a small vessel 10 that can navigate relatively shallow waterways and enter small ports. At the same time, for routes that require relatively severe weather resistance, such as long-distance and coastal routes, a small vessel carrier vessel 20 is used, so the roles of cargo handling and navigation can be shared between the small vessel 10 and the small vessel carrier vessel 20. Therefore, the above-mentioned water transportation method S10 can be carried out efficiently with a small number of people.

[0128] Furthermore, in this water transportation system 1, the loading section 22 of the small boat carrier ship 20 is configured with a loading deck 22b that communicates with a loading entrance 22a on the bow side and a loading exit 22c on the stern side. This allows the small boat 10 to be loaded from the bow side and unloaded from the stern side.

[0129] As a result, the small boat 10 does not need to be turned or moved astern inside the small boat carrier vessel 20, and only needs to be moved forward. Furthermore, by traveling at a slow speed when loading and unloading the small boat 10 onto and from the small boat carrier vessel 20, the small boat 10 can be moved while utilizing the water currents flowing inside the loading compartment 22. Furthermore, by traveling at a slow speed, the hull motion of the small boat carrier vessel 20 caused by waves can be suppressed more effectively than when the vessel is stationary. The stern drift of the small boat carrier vessel 20 that occurs when traveling at a slow speed can be avoided during loading and utilized during unloading. Therefore, maneuvering the small boat 10 is significantly simplified, allowing even non-experts to remotely maneuver the vessel. Furthermore, loading and unloading operations are simplified, shortening the time required for the operation.

[0130] As shown in Figures 6 and 11, this water transportation system 1 is configured with a steering system 30 having a steering switching system 31 that switches between a steering device 31a on the land side, a steering device 31b on the small boat transport vessel 20 side, and a steering device 31c on the steering center 60 side when steering a small boat 10.

[0131] This ship steering switching system 31 makes it possible to switch between ship steering operations at the departure point Rs, the small ship carrier ship 20, and the destination Re when the small ship 10 is self-propelled without a crew member. This allows the small ship 10 to be maneuvered at each work step by personnel who are familiar with the waters of the departure point Rs, the waters of the destination Re, and the structure of the small ship carrier ship 20. This makes it possible to maneuver the small ship 10 and the small ship carrier ship 20 more safely.

[0132] It is also possible to provide a ship steering center 60 and have the personnel of this ship steering center 60 steer the small boat 10 and the small boat carrier ship 20 together. In this case, it is preferable that not only the various operations performed when loading and unloading the small boat 10 onto the small boat carrier ship 20, but also the navigation of the small boat carrier ship 20 be performed unmanned. However, it is not necessary for the ship to be completely unmanned, and it is also possible to have security personnel on board to ensure the security of the small boat carrier ship 20.

[0133] [Small vessel] Next, we will explain the water transportation method S10 according to the embodiment of the present invention and the small vessel 10 used in the water transportation system 1. This small vessel 10 is a small vessel that carries cargo 51, vehicles 52, or other transported items 50 at a departure point Rs and propels itself without a crew, is loaded onto a small vessel carrier ship 20 for transport, and is then unloaded from the small vessel carrier ship 20 after transport, and unloads the transported items 50 at a destination Re.

[0134] More specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the small boat 10 sails under its own power carrying the transport item 50 at the departure point Rs, is loaded onto the small boat carrier ship 20 in the first relay area R1, is transported by the small boat carrier ship 20, is then unloaded from the small boat carrier ship 20 in the second relay area R2, sails under its own power to the destination Re, and unloads the transport item 50 at the destination Re.

[0135] This small vessel 10 will only navigate in waters with relatively calm winds and waves, such as fishing ports and other ports, bays, the Seto Inland Sea, rivers, lakes, and marshes. In other words, the range in which this small vessel 10 will navigate is considered to be waters and calm water areas within 5 nautical miles of the coasts of Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku, Kyushu, and their affiliated islands, where small coastal vessels can navigate, even if the coasts border coastal areas.

[0136] By the way, the navigational zones in Japan are flat water zones (waters such as lakes, rivers, and harbors), coastal zones (waters within 5 nautical miles from each coast of Japan), limited coastal zones (coastal zones limited to areas within 2 hours of round trip from the home port), and coastal zones (waters within 20 nautical miles from each coast of Japan, the main island of Sakhalin, and the Korean Peninsula). In these coastal zones, even those with a Class 2 boat license can operate small boats. In addition, the technical standards for small coastal vessels, such as standards for structure and equipment, are significantly relaxed compared to coastal zones.

[0137] [Configuration of the small boat] Next, we will explain the characteristic configuration of this small boat 10. The first configuration is the structure of the hull 11, the second configuration is the propulsion mechanism 12, the third configuration is the unmanned navigation mechanism 13, the fourth configuration is the hull status transmission system 14, the fifth configuration is the hull stabilization mechanism 15, the sixth configuration is the pusher mechanism 16, the seventh configuration is the guide mechanism 17, and the eighth configuration is the vehicle mounting mechanism 18.

[0138] [Hull Structure] Regarding the structure of the hull 11, which is the first configuration, taking into consideration the expected route area for the small vessel 10, the hull 11 of the small vessel 10 is constructed to have a simple structure, consisting of a flat-bottomed bottom 11a, flat sidewalls 11b, bow 11c, and stern 11d, as shown in Figures 7 and 12 for the single-screw small vessel of the first embodiment, and Figure 13 for the twin-screw small vessel of the second embodiment. This simple structure eliminates the need for advanced manufacturing techniques and allows for low-cost manufacturing. Furthermore, considering that the small vessel 10 will be installed on a small vessel carrier 20, it is preferable that all vessels be identical in shape to simplify the equipment required for installation.

[0139] In particular, by making the bottom 11a flat, it becomes possible to easily place and fix the vessel on the flat deck of the loading deck 22b of the small vessel carrier vessel 20, which will be described later. If necessary, to deal with rainwater or seawater being washed in during self-propelled sailing, an upper deck with an openable opening or a cover 11e formed of an openable cover or the like is provided, as shown in FIG.

[0140] [Propulsion Mechanism] Regarding the second component, the propulsion mechanism 12, as shown in Figures 7, 12, and 13, the small boat 10 is equipped with an outboard motor 12a. The horsepower of currently available commercially available outboard motors ranges from as little as 2 horsepower to as much as 350 horsepower. Therefore, considering the possibility of installing multiple outboard motors, the horsepower required for the small boat 10 can be adequately met with commercially available outboard motors, such as motorboat outboard motors. Furthermore, the use of a removable outboard motor 12a simplifies maintenance, inspection, and replacement, helping to maintain a high operating rate for the small boat 10.

[0141] Since this small vessel 10 only travels a first route between one or more departure points Rs and a first relay area R1, and a second route between a second relay area R2 and one or more destinations Re, the travel distance can be very short and the vessel speed does not need to be high. Therefore, since the travel distance is short, the amount of fuel and power (storage capacity) required for self-propulsion is small, and fuel tanks and storage batteries can also be small. When an electric motor is used, a generator and storage device are used, but it is also possible to attach a solar cell to the cover 11e and use renewable energy.

[0142] If this outboard motor 12a is located below the vessel bottom 11a when the small boat 10 is sailing, it is mounted on the stern 11d via a moving device 12b so that it can be moved to a position above the vessel bottom 11a so as not to get in the way when the small boat 10 lands on the loading deck 22b of the small boat carrier 20. Possible examples of this moving device 12b include a tilt type and a lift type.

[0143] With the tilt-type moving device 12b, as shown in Figure 14, the outboard motor 12a is supported above it by a rotating shaft in the transverse direction Y of the boat 10, and the rotational movement moves the outboard motor 12a up and down. Currently, various tilt-type outboard motors are commercially available, including manual types that are manually raised and lowered, gas-assist tilt types that are raised and lowered with a light force using a gas damper, and power trim tilt types that are raised and lowered by a hydraulic motor, and any of these can be used. For example, a ground sensor 12c or the like could be attached to the bottom of the outboard motor 12a, and when a signal is received indicating that the outboard motor has touched the deck 22b, the outboard motor 12a would be rotated and moved upward.

[0144] As for the lifting type moving device 12b, as shown in FIG. 15, the outboard motor 12a is supported by the moving device 12b formed of a lifting platform that moves in the vertical direction Z, and when the outboard motor 12a receives an upward force from below, it rises, and when the upward force is removed, it descends by its own weight or spring force.

[0145] In a configuration in which the outboard motor 12a is installed in the stern section 11d via this type of movement device 12b, when the loading compartment 22 is drained and the small boat 10 is placed on the loading deck 22b, the bottom of the outboard motor 12a comes into contact with the loading deck 22b as the small boat 10 touches the bottom, and when it receives an upward force, it rotates about its rotation axis or rises, and the lowest part of the outboard motor 12a rises to the height of the upper surface of the loading deck 22b. On the other hand, when water is poured into the loading compartment 22 and the small boat 10 rises from the loading deck 22b, the small boat 10 separates from the loading deck 22b, and when the upward force is removed, gravity, spring force, or the like causes the outboard motor 12a to return to a lower position where it can exert propulsive force.

[0146] [Unmanned Navigation Mechanism] With regard to the unmanned navigation mechanism 13, which is the third component, as shown in Figures 7, 12, and 13, the small boat 10 is configured with an unmanned navigation device 13a for self-propelling without a crew. In addition to the unmanned navigation device 13a, this unmanned navigation mechanism 13 also includes, although not shown, devices and equipment necessary for unmanned navigation, such as an optical camera (including an infrared camera) for obtaining information about the situation around the small boat 10. Furthermore, if the boat cannot be steered by the outboard motor 12a alone, a rudder, steering device, etc. are provided. By making this small boat 10 unmanned, it is possible to reduce the number of personnel required in the water transportation system 1.

[0147] [Hull Status Transmission System] The fourth configuration, the hull status transmission system 14, is configured with a draft sensor 14a, a loading status calculation device 14b, a loading status transmission device 14c, etc., as shown in Figures 7, 12, and 13. By installing these draft sensors 14a at the four corners of the small boat 10, the submerged volume and hull posture of the small boat 10 can be determined. This allows the loading status calculation device 14b to calculate the displacement, center of gravity position, center of buoyancy position, and other aspects of the small boat 10 from the draft (submerged volume) at various points measured by the draft sensor 14a and the known hull shape. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the small boat 10 is in a loaded state that allows it to sail safely, and, if necessary, to instruct cargo workers to move the cargo.

[0148] Then, by sending the loading status of the small vessel 10 to the small vessel carrier ship 20 and the ship steering center 60 using the loading status transmitting device 14c, the loading position of the small vessel 10 on the small vessel carrier ship 20 can be planned and notified to the small vessel carrier ship 20 before the small vessel 10 arrives at the first relay area R1. Therefore, a new small vessel 10 can be loaded onto the small vessel carrier ship 20 quickly and safely.

[0149] [Hull stabilization mechanism] Furthermore, with regard to the fifth configuration, the hull stabilization mechanism 15, as shown in Figures 7, 12, and 13, the small boat 10 is configured with sponsons 15a on the side wall portion 11b. In other words, the sponsons 15a, which are protruding portions that widen the boat, are provided near the load waterline WL2 of the small boat 10. Note that the shape, size, and placement of the sponsons 15a must be adapted to the weight and loading method of the cargo 50 to be transported on the small boat 10.

[0150] As a result, when the hull 11 of the small boat 10 lists, the sponsons 15a go below the water surface and generate buoyancy that acts as a righting force, preventing the hull 11 from listing significantly. This is true for both heel (lateral tilt) and trim (vertical tilt), and the position of the center of gravity of the small boat 10 moves significantly, particularly when vehicles 52 board or depart from the rampways 43, 18a, or when cargo 51 is moved, loaded, or unloaded. At these times, the sponsons 15a can prevent the hull 11 of the small boat 10 from listing significantly.

[0151] [Pushing mechanism] As for the sixth configuration, the pushing mechanism 16, as shown in Figures 7, 12, and 13, is configured so that a pushing section 16a that pushes the small boat 10 located at the front is provided on the bow side, and a pressure-receiving section 16b that is pushed by the small boat 10 located at the rear is provided on the stern side. In other words, in the small boat 10, the pushing section 16a is provided on the bow section 11c and the pressure-receiving section 16b is provided on the stern section 11d so that the bow structure and stern structure of the small boat 10 located at the front can be pushed by the other small boat 10 located at the rear.

[0152] Furthermore, it is preferable to provide an engagement portion that allows engagement between the pressure receiving portion 16b and the pressing portion 16a. This engagement portion is configured so that it can be engaged and disengaged by remote control. For example, this engagement portion can be configured so that a vertical rod member is gripped by a hook that can move up and down, thereby allowing mutual movement in the up and down direction between the stern of the front small boat 10 and the stern of the rear small boat 10.

[0153] This allows the front small boats 10 in a line of small boats 10 to move forward simply by maneuvering the small boat 10 located at the rear. Furthermore, when positioning small boats 10 inside the small boat carrier 20, it is no longer necessary to maneuver multiple small boats 10; it is only necessary to maneuver a single small boat 10, simplifying the maneuvering work.

[0154] [Guide mechanism] Furthermore, with regard to the seventh configuration, the guide mechanism 17, as shown in Figures 7, 16, and 17, a guide mechanism 17 is provided that is used when loading the small boat 10 onto the small boat carrier ship 20. This guide mechanism 17 is equipped with a moving guide 17a and a fixing guide 17b.

[0155] This moving guide 17a is a component that guides the small boat 10 while coming into contact with the moving guide receiver 22d of the small boat transport vessel 20 when the small boat 10 enters the loading deck 22b from the loading entrance 22a of the small boat transport vessel 20, and also serves as an unloading guide used when the small boat 10 advances from the loading deck 22b of the small boat transport vessel 20 to the unloading entrance 22c.

[0156] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the travel guide 17a is composed of a vertical member attached to the side of the vessel to contact a rail-shaped travel guide receiver (guide rail) 22d of the small vessel carrier vessel 20 to maintain its course. When the hull 21 of the small vessel carrier vessel 20 is lowered, the vessel 10 is transported from the loading entrance 22a of the small vessel carrier vessel 20 to the loading position Pi on the loading deck 22b, with the travel guide 17a aligned with the travel guide receiver 22d. The contact between the travel guide 17a and the travel guide receiver 22d allows for relative vertical movement. This allows for adjustments to be made to changes in the vessel 10's draft and the vessel's floating amount relative to the loading deck 22b.

[0157] The fixing guide 17b is a member that engages with and fixes the small boat 10 that has entered the loading position Pi on the loading deck 22b of the small boat carrier vessel 20 to a fixing guide receiver 22f provided in the loading section 22. For example, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, the fixing guide 17b is formed as a ring provided horizontally on the side wall portion 11b. The fixing guide 17b engages with the fixing guide receiver 22f, which has a conical protrusion shape, on the small boat carrier vessel 20 to limit the movement of the small boat 10 in the fore-and-aft direction X. The reason for using a horizontal ring is to reduce the propulsion resistance of the small boat 10 when it is sailing.

[0158] The fixing of the boat 10 by the fixing guides 17b is carried out as follows: After the boat 10 is guided to the loading position Pi on the loading deck 22b, the water on the loading deck 22b is drained, causing the boat 10 to sink and seat on the loading deck 22b. At this time, when the fixing guides 17b are inserted into the fixing guide receivers (fixing protrusion members) 22f, the insertion depth increases as the boat 10 descends. Then, when the boat 10 is seated, these members 17b and 22e fit together, fixing the boat 10 to the loading deck 22b and preventing movement of the boat 10 in the fore-and-aft direction X.

[0159] To release the small boat 10 from its fixed position, the hull 21 of the small boat carrier vessel 20 is lowered, flooding the loading deck 22b and allowing the small boat 10 to float. At this time, as the amount of floating of the small boat 10 increases, the degree of insertion of the fixing guide receiver (fixing protrusion member) 22f into the fixing guide 17b decreases. Then, when the small boat 10 is sailing after floating, the engagement between these members 17b and 22e is released, and the small boat 10 is released from its fixation in the fore-and-aft direction X. This allows the small boat 10 to move, and it can be carried out through the carrying-out opening 22c.

[0160] [Vehicle mounting mechanism] Furthermore, with regard to the eighth configuration, the vehicle mounting mechanism 18, as shown in Figure 18, it is configured to have a rampway 18a for loading and unloading vehicles 52, or as shown in Figure 19, it is configured to have a rampway receiving portion 18b that can bridge a rampway 43 from land.

[0161] Furthermore, when vehicles 52 are loaded onto the vessel bottom 11a, the slope of the ramp 18a becomes large and a long ramp 18a is required, so as shown in Figure 18, a vehicle loading deck 18c for loading the vehicles 52 is provided, or as shown in Figure 19, a vehicle loading passage 18d is provided to support only the ground contacting parts of the wheels and the like of the vehicles 52, so that the vehicles are loaded at a position higher than the vessel bottom 11a. In this case, the center of gravity of the loaded vessel 10 becomes higher, but because the vessel 10 is made wide, stability against rolling can be ensured.

[0162] These configurations make it easy to load and unload each vehicle 52. In particular, in the case of cargo 51 that requires special equipment such as refrigeration, it is often easier to transport the entire vehicle 52 in a refrigerated truck while it is frozen. Also, although not shown, guide receivers for securing the vehicle, such as tire locks and lashings, are provided when the vehicle 52 is loaded.

[0163] [Ballast Tanks] Regarding the ballast tanks of the small vessel 10, cargo handling is typically performed in calm waters. The small vessel 10 is barge-shaped and equipped with sponsons 15a as a hull stabilization mechanism 15. Furthermore, draft sensors 14a are installed at several locations around the vessel 10 to monitor the loading status, such as displacement and hull attitude, or to predict and calculate the loading status when the cargo 50 is loaded. Although the vessel will list slightly during loading and unloading, the cargo 50 can be loaded in the correct order and position without error. Taking these factors into consideration, we believe that adjustments using ballast water are unnecessary. Therefore, we believe that the ballast tank 21b is unnecessary for the small vessel 10.

[0164] [Size of the Small Vessel] Next, regarding the size of the small vessel 10, the size of the small vessel 10 is set according to the scale of water transportation. In other words, the size of the small vessel 10 is determined by the size and weight of the cargo 51 and vehicles 52 to be loaded at the departure point Rs in this water transportation system 1.

[0165] Although this type of barge varies by region in Japan, the standard is a steel barge with a loading capacity of 50 tons to 200 tons, a length of about 20m, a width of about 6m, and a depth of about 2m. Because the depth below the waterline when fully loaded with cargo (full load draft) is also less than 2m, barges can pass through shallow rivers or rivers with low bridges that normal ships cannot pass through.

[0166] By the way, small barges are about 10m to 20m long, 3m to 5m wide, and have a load capacity of several tons to several tens of tons, medium-sized barges are about 20m to 30m long, 5m to 7m wide, and have a load capacity of several tens to 100 tons, and large barges are over 30m long, over 7m wide, and have a load capacity of over 100 tons.

[0167] On the other hand, with regard to current boats that use outboard motors, large outboard motor fishing boats are approximately 10 to 12 meters in length, 3 to 4 meters in width, and have a displacement of approximately 10 to 20 tons, with engine output of 200 to 300 horsepower or more. Furthermore, the boat speed is 10 to 15 knots (approximately 18 to 28 km / h). However, the small boat 10 used here does not require the same high speed as a fishing boat, so an outboard motor with a smaller horsepower is sufficient.

[0168] Also, in terms of the volume of cargo handled, the daily volume of cargo at major ports is approximately 200 tons at Hakodate Port, approximately 100 to 200 tons at Yaizu Port, and approximately 50 to 100 tons at Sakaiminato, although this varies depending on the season. Small- to medium-sized fishing ports handle an annual volume of several thousand to tens of thousands of tons of cargo, with an average daily volume of several tons to several tens of tons. Therefore, it is considered sufficient for each fishing port to have several small barge-type vessels 10 with a carrying capacity of several tons to several tens of tons, as needed.

[0169] In addition, when considering loading a small truck, a small truck has a total length of approximately 3.4 m, a total width of approximately 1.48 m, a total height of approximately 1.9 m, and a maximum total vehicle weight of approximately 1.3 t, so when loading one small truck, the size of the small boat 10 will be sufficient if it is approximately 5 m x 2 m x 0.5 m.

[0170] [Small Boat Carrier] Next, a small boat carrier 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 9 and Figures 20 to 26. This small boat carrier 20 is a vessel that carries a self-propelled small boat 10 and navigates coastal waters between the first relay area R1 and the second relay area R2, where small boats 10 cannot navigate. Japan's Ship Safety Act divides the navigation areas for ships into four: calm water areas, coastal areas, nearshore areas, and deep sea areas. Considering these, by navigating coastal areas, the small boat carrier 20 can transport small boats 10 to ports throughout Japan, with the exception of some areas.

[0171] The primary purpose of the water transportation system 1 of the present invention is to complement domestic land transportation, and it is considered that the small ship carrier vessel 20 does not need to navigate in open sea areas. In other words, when the water transportation system 1 of the present invention is used to complement domestic land transportation, ocean voyages are not conducted, and therefore the hull structure and equipment are those for coastal voyages.

[0172] On the other hand, if this water transportation system 1 is used for the purpose of shortening the loading and unloading time of cargo, it is possible that the small boat carrier 20 will be used for long-distance voyages, and in that case the hull structure and equipment of the small boat carrier 20 will be designed to be long-distance voyage specifications.

[0173] Considering that one of the purposes of this invention is to address labor shortages, it is necessary to reduce the number of personnel involved in transportation. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the number of personnel required to navigate the small boat carrier 20 compared to the number of personnel required to operate the small boat 10, and it is necessary to have more small boats 10 on board the small boat carrier 20 than the crew of the small boat carrier 20. Therefore, it is considered that the number of small boats 10 on board will be ten or more.

[0174] [Small boat carrier ship type] Next, when considering the type of the small boat carrier ship 20, possible types include displacement type, planing type, semi-planing type, hydrofoil type, etc. In relation to the selection of these, the route and cruising speed of the small boat carrier ship 20 will be considered as follows.

[0175] Regarding the distance of the sea route assumed for operation of the small ship carrier 20, for example, the distance between the ports of Kagoshima Prefecture and Tokyo is roughly 2000 km, and the distance between the ports of Tokyo and Kushiro is roughly 1000 km. In addition, the distance between the ports of Kushiro and Niigata City is roughly 1000 km, and the distance between the ports of Niigata City and Fukuoka City is roughly 1200 km.

[0176] Furthermore, the cruising speed of small ship carriers20 is approximately 27 km / h for tankers and 44 km / h for container ships. High-speed ships such as ferries and high-speed transport vessels reach speeds of approximately 60 km / h to 90 km / h. For reference, in the 2024 problem, in direct land transport, the driver's daily driving distance is approximately 500 km, and the average driving speed per hour is approximately 66 km.

[0177] Displacement ships can accommodate a variety of sizes, but their ship speed is generally set at around 20km / h to 50km / h. Therefore, depending on the route, if a transport speed of around this range is sufficient or if load capacity is more important than speed, a displacement ship is considered suitable for the small ship carrier 20.

[0178] On the other hand, if high cruising speed is required for the small ship carrier 20, a planing ship or semi-planing ship is suitable. Note that, although hydrofoil ships may be used for small-lot transports, they are currently prone to having small displacements and expensive hulls, and therefore are not suitable for other purposes.

[0179] As an example of a ship that has been built to date that could serve as a reference for the Small Ship Carrier 20, the "Unicon" is a deep V-shaped slender monohull ship that uses a water jet propulsion system and was used as a high-speed car-free vessel in the 1990s. This ship is approximately 100m long, 14.9m wide, has a draft of 2.7m, a gross tonnage of approximately 1,500 tons, and a cruising speed of approximately 65km / h (35 knots).

[0180] Large planing ships are also used as ferries and high-speed transport vessels, and high-speed vessels with a total length of approximately 100m, a total width of approximately 20m to 30m, a draft of approximately 4m, a maximum displacement of approximately 6,000 to 13,000 tons, and a maximum speed of 70km / h to 90km / h are also in service.

[0181] The dimensions are approximately 00m to 130m, width approximately 10m to 40m, draft approximately 4m, maximum displacement approximately 2,400 to 20,000 tons, and maximum speed 70km / h to 90km / h.

[0182] On the other hand, current large hydrofoils are hydrofoils called "jetfoils," which are approximately 30m in length, 9m in width, have a maximum displacement of around 250 tons, and can reach a maximum speed of 60km / h to 80km / h.

[0183] In addition, the "Nacchan World," a "112m-type" "wave-piercing high-speed vessel (wave piercer catamaran, etc.)," ​​is 112m in length, 30.5m in width, has a gross tonnage of 10,712 tons, and can travel at a speed of approximately 36 knots (approximately 67km / h) when fully loaded.

[0184] The acoustic measurement vessel "Hibiki," a "semi-submersible catamaran (SWATH)," is approximately 67m long, has a maximum width of 29.9m, a standard displacement of 2,850 tons, a depth of 15.3m, a draft of 7.5m, and a maximum speed of 11 knots (approximately 20km / h).

[0185] [Configuration of small boat carrier ship] Next, the configuration of the small boat carrier ship 20 will be described. As shown in the mono-hull small boat carrier ship 20 of the first embodiment shown in Figures 9 and 20, the mono-hull small boat carrier ship 20 with hydrofoils of the second embodiment shown in Figure 21, and the catamaran small boat carrier ship 20 of the third embodiment shown in Figure 22, the small boat carrier ship 20 is configured to include a hull 21, an onboard compartment 22, a maneuvering facility 23, a detection device 24, etc. Although not specifically shown, the small boat carrier ship 20 also includes energy source storage facilities (fuel tanks, storage batteries), an energy generation device for generating propulsion force and electricity, a propulsion drive force generation device, etc.

[0186] [Hull] The hull structure 21a of the hull 21 of this small boat carrier 20 is composed of the bottom, side walls (ship sides), deck, mast, equipment, etc., just like a normal ship. It also includes a fuel tank, bridge, accommodation area, etc., which are also found on normal ships. However, if the small boat carrier 20 is to be remotely piloted, the bridge and accommodation area are not necessary. And, as needed, it is composed of ballast tanks 21b, planing surfaces 21c, hydrofoils 21d, etc., either individually or in combination.

[0187] The ballast tank 21b is generally used to inject and discharge ballast water to prevent the propeller from being exposed and to maintain a draft depth and hull posture suitable for sailing. In the small boat carrier ship 20 of this invention, it is also used to sink and float the small boat carrier ship 20 when the small boat 10 is loaded and unloaded. In other words, the small boat carrier ship 20 is configured with a ballast tank 21b for partially or completely changing the draft when the small boat 10 is loaded and unloaded.

[0188] Regarding the planing surfaces 21c and hydrofoils 21d, if a displacement type hull form is selected as the hull form of the small boat carrier 20, the planing surfaces 21c and hydrofoils 21d are not necessary. On the other hand, if a planing or semi-planing type hull form is selected, the planing surfaces 21c are provided. Furthermore, if the attitude control of the planing surfaces 21c while the small boat carrier 20 is sailing is performed by controlling the hydrofoils 21d in addition to adjusting the injection and discharge of ballast water into and out of the ballast tanks 21b, the hydrofoils 21d are provided. In this case, the lift generated by the hydrofoils 21d does not need to keep the hull 21 fully afloat, so it is considered sufficient that the maximum lift generated when sailing at cruising speed is 5% to 50% of the full load weight, more preferably 10% to 50%.

[0189] Then, by injecting ballast water into the ballast tank 21b and by the downward lift of the hydrofoils 21d, the hull 21 is lowered to deepen the draft, and water is poured into the loading compartment 22. In addition, by discharging ballast water from the ballast tank 21b and by the upward lift of the hydrofoils 21d, the hull 21 is raised to shallow the draft, and water is poured into the loading compartment 22. By flooding the loading compartment 22 in this way, the capacity of the ballast tank 21b and the capacity of the pump for injecting and discharging ballast water can be significantly reduced. In addition, the time required for the small boat carrier 20 to sink and float can be significantly shortened.

[0190] [Loading compartment] As shown in Figure 9, the small boat carrier ship 20 is provided with a loading compartment 22. Structurally, the loading compartment 22 is part of the hull 21, and is a structure for protecting the small boat 10 from the effects of waves outside the ship when the small boat carrier ship 20 is cruising. This makes it possible to transport a small boat 10 designed for coastal navigation in nearby waters, unlike conventional ships that transport small boats 10 exposed to the elements.

[0191] The loading compartment 22 is provided with a loading entrance 22a, a loading deck 22b, and an unloading exit 22c. The small boat 10 is placed on the loading deck 22b. The loading entrance 22a and the unloading exit 22c are openings that provide passages between the loading compartment 22 and the outside of the ship, and these openings are provided with watertight doors that can be opened and closed. The opening of the loading entrance 22a is provided on the bow side, and the opening of the unloading exit 22c is provided on the stern side.

[0192] These openings also serve as waterways for injecting or draining water into the loading compartment 22. In other words, when the loading deck 22b falls below the water level outside the ship due to the sinking of the small boat carrier 20, water from outside the ship is injected into the loading compartment 22 through these openings, and when the loading deck 22b rises above the water level outside the ship, water from the loading compartment 22 is drained outside the ship through these openings.

[0193] The loading section 22 is configured with one or more loading lanes. The loading lane is configured with a width in the left-right direction Y that is slightly larger than the width of the small boat 10 to be loaded, and with a length in the front-rear direction X that is sufficient for the number of small boats 10 to be loaded. The number of loading lanes is determined depending on the number of boats to be loaded.

[0194] In the case of multiple lanes, the loading lanes are arranged side by side in the left-right direction Y of the small boat carrier 20, such as two rows of loading lanes or three rows of loading lanes. For example, if the small boat carrier 20 is a single-screw vessel, there will be even-numbered loading lanes as shown in Figure 20, and if it is a twin-screw vessel, there will be odd-numbered loading lanes as shown in Figure 22. Therefore, the size of the loading compartment 22 is determined by the size and number of small boats 10 to be loaded and the number of loading lanes.

[0195] Regarding the relationship between each loading lane and the entrance 22a and exit 22c, if each loading lane is to be flooded or drained independently, an opening / closing door is provided for each loading lane. On the other hand, if multiple loading lanes are to be flooded or drained simultaneously, an opening / closing door may be provided for each loading lane and opened / closed simultaneously, or an opening / closing door may be provided to cover the target loading lane and opened / closed.

[0196] The opening and closing doors of the loading entrance 22a and the unloading exit 22c do not need to be watertight if they are above the water surface while the small boat carrier 20 is cruising and weather resistance against waves and the like can be ensured. Furthermore, if there are no problems during cruising, they may remain open. This simplifies the hull structure and eliminates the need for mechanisms for opening and closing the openings. For example, this may be the case if the small boat carrier 20 is equipped with a planing surface 21c or hydrofoils 21d, and the hull 21 is in a planing or foil-propelled state during cruising, with the loading entrance 22a and the unloading exit 22c located above the water surface.

[0197] Normally, the loading compartment 22 is configured as a single layer, but may have a multi-layer structure. In the case of a multi-layer structure, the small boat carrier 20 is provided with ballast tanks 21b so that the loading decks 22b of each layer can be flooded and drained separately by gradually lowering and rising the small boat carrier 20.

[0198] Furthermore, if the loading compartments 22 are constructed to be watertight on each floor and the loading compartments 22 other than the loading compartments 22 used for loading and unloading the small boat 10 are maintained in a watertight state, there is no need to ensure watertightness for the small boat 10. However, if the loading compartments 22 are not provided with individual watertight doors but are constructed to be watertight as a whole, and the loading compartments 22 on the lower floors are submerged when the small boat 10 is being loaded and unloaded through the loading compartments 22 on the upper floors, the submerged small boat 10 must be made watertight.

[0199] 9, the loading compartment 22 is provided with a moving guide receiver 22d, a positioning device 22e, and a fixing guide receiver 22f to fix the small boat 10 on the loading deck 22b. The moving guide receiver 22d is a device for guiding the small boat 10 to a predetermined loading position Pi on the loading deck 22b.

[0200] 20 to 22, 25, and 26, the movement guide receiver 22d is configured by a rail member or the like provided on the side wall of the loading compartment 22 or on the partition of the loading lane. The rail member extends in the fore-and-aft direction X of the loading compartment 22, and several rail members are provided above the loading deck 22b. The small boat 10 moves with the movement guide 17a in contact with the movement guide receiver 22d.

[0201] At the loading entrance 22a, this moving guide receiver 22d is formed so that when the small boat 10 is being loaded, it widens outward in a plan view and gradually narrows to the width of the storage lane so that the small boat 10 can easily enter the loading compartment 22 from outside the ship. When the small boat 10 is being loaded, the entrance side of this moving guide receiver 22d pivots around a vertical axis provided on the side of the opening, and its tip opens to expand the entrance side of the waterway. After loading, it pivots in the opposite direction around the vertical axis and is either closed together with the opening door, or it becomes the waterway width of the loading lane and is pulled into the loading compartment 22.

[0202] When there are multiple loading lanes, the entrance passage is expanded for the loading lane into which the small vessel 10 is brought in, and when the loading lane into which the small vessel 10 is brought in moves to the adjacent loading lane, the vessel turns around a vertical axis to expand the waterway for the adjacent loading lane.

[0203] On the other hand, at the unloading port 22c, this moving guide receiver 22d does not need to be expanded outward like at the loading port 22a when the small boat 10 is being unloaded, but it is preferable to make the tip of the moving guide receiver 22d elastic or to provide it with cushioning material so that it will not be damaged if the small boat 10 collides with the moving guide receiver 22d the moment it goes overboard.

[0204] The positioning device 22e is a device for stopping the movement of the small boat 10 in the fore-and-aft direction at the loading position Pi, and is composed of a detection sensor and a restraining device. This positioning device 22e has positioning members that are movable or arranged in a row at preset positions on the loading deck 22b. When the positioning portion of the small boat 10 reaches the position of the positioning member on the loading deck 22b, this positioning device 22e stops the fore-and-aft movement of the small boat 10 and positions it.

[0205] The detection sensors are, for example, optical sensors or magnetic sensors on the loading lane side. These detection sensors detect when the positioning parts of the small boat 10 (such as the bow end, the stern end, or specific parts where reflectors or magnets are located) come closest to or cross over the small boat 10. The detection sensors do not necessarily have to be non-contact sensors, but may also be contact sensors. For example, this contact sensor may have a freely protruding engaging member on the loading compartment 22 side, and the bow part of the small boat 10 may abut or engage with this engaging member to detect the position of the small boat 10.

[0206] When the restraining device detects the progress of the small boat 10 with a detection sensor, like a crossing barrier, it lowers a barrier and stops the small boat 10 by abutting or clamping against a structure protruding in the left-right direction Y or the up-down direction Z of the small boat 10. Alternatively, a portion of the loading lane passageway can be configured to be movable in the left-right direction Y, and this movable structure can clamp the side wall portion 11b of the small boat 10 from both sides to stop the small boat 10. Note that this restraining device stops the small boat 10 traveling on the water current in the loading compartment 22, so a large restraining force is required when the water current is fast. Therefore, the timing of opening and closing the opening of the loading compartment 22 and the positioning of the small boat 10 is adjusted.

[0207] When the small boat 10 is placed on the loading deck 22b, it is almost fixed, but to prevent the small boat 10 from moving due to the hull pitching of the small boat carrier ship 20, the fixing guide 17b and the fixing guide receiver 22f are engaged to fix it more firmly. Movement in the up-down direction Z is fixed by the weight of the small boat 10, and movement in the fore-aft direction X and the left-right direction Y is fixed by the frictional force generated when the flat bottom 11a of the small boat 10 abuts the loading deck 22b.

[0208] However, if the small boat 10 is empty, the frictional force may be small, so as a precaution, the small boat 10 is placed on the loading deck 22b and fixed using the fixing guide 17b and the fixing guide receiver 22f.

[0209] When the fixing guide 17b and fixing guide receiver 22f shown in Figure 17 are used, the boat 10 is stopped at the loading position Pi, where the fixing guide 17b is directly above the fixing guide receiver 22f. Next, when the loading compartment 22 is drained, the boat 10 gradually sinks in the order shown in Figure 17(a), (b), and (c), and the tip of the fixing guide receiver 22f enters the ring of the fixing guide 17b. When the boat 10 sits on the loading deck 22b, the fixing guide receiver 22f fits into the fixing guide 17b. This secures the boat 10 to the loading deck 22b.

[0210] When the loading compartment 22 is filled with water during the unloading of the boat 10, the boat 10 gradually rises to the surface in the order shown in (c) to (b) to (a) of Figure 17, the engagement between the fixing guide receiver 22f and the fixing guide 17b loosens, and the ring of the fixing guide 17b rises and moves away from the fixing guide receiver 22f. When the boat 10 rises to a certain extent and moves away from the loading deck 22b, the fixing guide 17b moves away from the fixing guide receiver 22f. This releases the boat 10 from its fixed state to the loading deck 22b.

[0211] [Steering equipment] As shown in Figure 9, the small boat carrier ship 20 is equipped with a propulsion device 23a, a steering device 23b, a stopping device 23c, etc. as steering equipment 23. In addition, if necessary, it may also be equipped with a remote steering device 23d, a steering device 31b on the small boat carrier side for steering the small boat, etc.

[0212] Like the structure and strength of the hull 21, these maneuvering equipment 23 are designed to be capable of sailing in the navigation area in which the small boat carrier 20 navigates (for example, coastal areas, and as needed, near-shore areas, deep-sea areas, etc.). By sailing this small boat carrier 20 in navigation areas where specifications such as weather resistance are highly demanding, the specifications of the small boat 10 can be made to be those of a navigation area where specifications such as weather resistance are less demanding (for example, calm water areas, and as needed, coastal areas, etc.). In other words, by not exposing the loaded small boat 10 to the outside, the required level of specifications such as weather resistance of the small boat 10 can be lowered, and construction costs can be reduced.

[0213] The propulsion device 23a of the maneuvering equipment 23 may be a propulsion device used in conventional technology, such as a propeller propeller, a water jet propulsion device, or an azimuth propulsion device. The steering device 23b is also a steering device used in conventional technology. By increasing the speed of the small boat carrier 20, it becomes possible to quickly transport cargo 51 with a short shelf life, such as fresh seafood and fruit, and high added value can be added through the increased speed. On the other hand, even if the small boat carrier 20 is slow, it is still possible to transport large quantities of cargo compared to land or air transport, so it is considered to have great applications.

[0214] Regarding the stopping device 23c of the maneuvering equipment 23, ordinary ships, except fishing boats and research vessels, are not expected to wait in a stopped state at sea. However, the small boat carrier vessel 20 in this case must be expected to wait in a stopped state in the relay areas R1, R2, etc. for the arrival of the small boat 10. This stopping is generally achieved by fixing the vessel's position using an anchor. Furthermore, research vessels and the like are equipped with a thrust generating device for maintaining position.

[0215] On the other hand, the small boat carrier 20 can roughly maintain its position while waiting, so in shallow waters it maintains its position by dropping anchor. Alternatively, when a ship is stopped, it is generally susceptible to rocking due to the effects of waves, so if it is for a short time, it will circle at a slow speed. Since the relay areas R1 and R2 are areas where small boats 10 can navigate, it can be assumed that the sea conditions when the small boat carrier 20 is stopped or traveling at a slow speed are relatively calm, and since it is a ship with a displacement of around 1,000 tons, it is expected that the rocking of the hull will be relatively small.

[0216] However, taking into consideration the cargo 50, it is preferable to take measures against hull rolling when the ship is stopped or traveling at a low speed. For this reason, the ship stopping device 23c may further include, for example, a gyroscopic anti-roll device using a flywheel, an anti-roll device that lifts a flat plate from the ship's side to create water resistance when the ship moves up and down, an anti-roll device that controls the up and down position of floats additionally placed on the ship's side in accordance with the rolling of waves, and an anti-roll tank. Alternatively, measures against rolling may be taken, such as forming the loading deck 22b as a floating floor.

[0217] It is also possible to take measures against rolling only on small vessels 10 that handle transport items 50 that are vulnerable to rolling. Furthermore, it may be possible to take measures when loading transport items 50 that are vulnerable to rolling onto the small vessel 10. For example, measures include loading the transport items 50 onto the small vessel while hoisted by an elastic body, or placing them on a flexible mat.

[0218] When the small boat carrier ship 20 is to be operated unmanned, it is configured with a remote boat maneuvering device 23d for unmanned operation of the small boat carrier ship 20. This remote boat maneuvering device 23d is operated by personnel in a remote location, for example, personnel at the boat maneuvering center 60, to operate the small boat carrier ship 20 and perform operations on the small boat carrier ship 20 related to loading work on the small boat 10.

[0219] By making this small boat carrier 20 unmanned, there is no need for a living quarters or a bridge for the crew to operate, and there is no need for safety facilities, equipment, facilities or structures for personnel on board, so the structure of the small boat carrier 20 is simplified and construction costs are reduced.

[0220] On the other hand, if the small boat carrier ship 20 is to be operated manned and also to steer the small boat 10, a steering device 31b is installed on the small boat carrier ship. By using this steering device 31b on the small boat carrier ship, the crew of the small boat carrier ship 20 can steer the small boat 10 while keeping an eye on it, allowing the small boat 10 to be loaded and unloaded more smoothly.

[0221] [Detection Device] As shown in Figure 9, the small boat carrier ship 20 is equipped with detection devices 24, such as a draft sensor 24a and an optical camera 24b. Using the draft sensor 24a and the like, the amount of sinking of the hull 21 and the hull attitude are grasped, and the loading position Pi of the small boat 10 is determined and filling and discharging of water in the ballast tank 21b is carried out. Furthermore, using the optical camera 24b, including an infrared camera, and the like, the surroundings of the small boat carrier ship 20 are monitored, and the small boat 10 is loaded and unloaded, and the small boat carrier ship 20 is remotely operated.

[0222] [Other] The system is also equipped with navigational equipment, devices, and facilities required for normal navigation. Furthermore, recently, the use of GPS systems has made it possible to easily detect the position and orientation of the small vessel 10 to be loaded and unloaded, which is extremely useful for understanding the behavior of the small vessel 10. It is advisable to install these transmitting and receiving devices on the small vessel 10 and the small vessel carrier 20 that will be maneuvering the vessel, respectively. Furthermore, by automating the operations of maneuvering the vessel and loading, securing, and unloading on the small vessel carrier 20, the number of crew members on the small vessel carrier 20 can be reduced or completely automated, allowing personnel required for transportation to be based on land.

[0223] [Loading and Unloading of Small Boats] Next, the loading and unloading of small boats 10 using the small boat carrier vessel 20 will be described with reference to Figures 23 and 24. When the loading compartment 22 is flooded as shown in Figures 23(b) and 24(b), water is poured into the ballast tanks 21b of the small boat carrier vessel 20, into the loading compartment 22, and in the case of a planing or semi-planing vessel, the reduction in the lift force of the planing surface 21c when the vessel is stopped or traveling at a slow speed, and if the vessel is equipped with hydrofoils 21d, the sinking of the small boat carrier vessel 20 due to the reduction in lift force of the hydrofoils 21d or the generation of downward lift, are utilized. Once the small boat carrier vessel 20 has sunk to a certain extent and the loading deck 22b is below the water level outside the vessel, water is poured into the loading compartment 22 through the openings of the loading entrance 22a and the loading exit 22c and through an inlet / outlet channel (not shown) without using a power device such as a pump.

[0224] On the other hand, when draining water from the loading compartment 22 as shown in Figures 23(c) and 24(c), water is drained from the ballast tank 21b of the small boat carrier vessel 20, water is drained from the loading compartment 22, and if the small boat carrier vessel 20 is a planing vessel or semi-planing vessel, the lifting force of the planing surface 21c during cruising is used, and if the small boat carrier vessel 20 is equipped with hydrofoils 21d, the lifting force of the hydrofoils 21d is used to lift the small boat carrier vessel 20. Once the small boat carrier vessel 20 has risen to a certain extent and the loading deck 22b is above the water surface outside the vessel, the water inside the loading compartment 22 is drained from the openings such as the loading entrance 22a and the loading exit 22c of the loading compartment 22 and the inlet and outlet channels without using a power device such as a pump.

[0225] In addition, in the semi-planing or planing small boat carrier 20, the hull posture is such that the bow rises when the vessel is sailing, so water inside the loading compartment 22 flows out of the vessel through the opening of the loading port 22c on the stern side according to the inclination of the loading deck 22b. Furthermore, if the hydrofoils 21d are provided, the lift of the hydrofoils 21d can be controlled to tilt the hull 21 vertically, thereby promoting drainage of water from inside the loading compartment 22. Furthermore, if the small boat carrier 20 is a displacement vessel, the hull posture is adjusted by controlling the filling and discharging of the ballast tanks 21b.

[0226] During the loading operation of the small boat 10, when the small boat carrier ship 20 reaches the first relay area R1 while cruising as shown in Figure 23(a), the ship's speed is reduced or the ship is stopped, and the loading entrance 22a and loading exit 22c are opened to flood the loading compartment 22 as shown in Figure 23(b), and when the water depth of the loading deck 22b becomes greater than the draft of the small boat 10, the small boat 10 is allowed to enter the loading compartment 22 from outside the ship as shown in Figures 23(c) and 25. This approach is achieved by sailing the small boat 10 and entering the loading compartment 22 from the bow side via the loading entrance 22a.

[0227] Alternatively, the small boat carrier ship 20 may be moved so that the small boat 10 enters through the loading entrance 22a, swallowing it up, with the bow of the small boat 10 facing the stern of the small boat carrier ship 20. In this case, the small boat 10 can be made to enter by utilizing the water current flowing from the loading entrance 22a toward the loading exit 22c. Both the small boat 10 and the small boat carrier ship 20 may be moved, or one may be stopped and only the other may be moved.

[0228] At this time, a moving guide 17a for the small boat 10 and a moving guide receiver 22d for the small boat transport vessel 20 are used to ensure smooth and safe entry into the loading section 22. At the loading entrance 22a, the moving guide 17a on the bow side of the small boat 10 is brought into contact with the tapered moving guide receiver 22d, which has a wide opening on the bow side, to allow the small boat 10 to enter the loading section 22.

[0229] Immediately after the small vessel 10 enters the loading compartment 22, there is almost no restraint of the small vessel 10 by the movement guide 17a, and the process is the same as entering a typical narrow waterway. At shallow depths, there is the influence of the open sea at the loading entrance 22a, but the restraint is loose and the vessel is floating inside the loading compartment 22. As the vessel enters further and the entry becomes deeper, the influence of the open sea at the loading entrance 22a decreases, and the restraint by the movement guide receiver 22d becomes firmer, causing the vessel to float inside the loading compartment 22 with its movement to the left and right being restricted. At even deeper depths, the influence of the open sea is eliminated by closing the opening and closing door of the loading entrance 22a.

[0230] This small boat 10 moves sternward of the small boat carrier 20 and is placed at the loading position Pi by the positioning device 22e. Note that in order to prevent a large inclination (trim, heel) that accompanies a shift in the center of gravity of the small boat carrier 20 when the small boat 10 is loaded, the loading position Pi of the small boat 10 is determined in advance based on the weight and center of gravity position of the small boat 10 to be loaded. Furthermore, other small boats 10 are also repositioned.

[0231] Then, while the small boat 10 is restrained by the fixed guide 17b and guide receiver 22f in addition to the moving guide 17a and moving guide receiver 22d, the water is drained from the loading compartment 22 as shown in Figure 23(c). This draining of the water from the loading compartment 22 is performed by, for example, draining the water from the ballast tank 21b, draining the water from the loading compartment 22, starting a planing state by transitioning to cruising navigation, and increasing the lift force by the hydrofoil 21d by transitioning to cruising navigation, thereby raising the small boat carrier vessel 20.

[0232] ····Transporting small boats: Closing the opening and closing doors Then, once the small boat carrier vessel 20 has entered a cruising state and drainage of the water from the loading compartment 22 has progressed to a certain extent, the doors at the loading entrance 22a and the unloading exit 22c are closed. Subsequent drainage is performed using a drainage pump. This leaves the small boat 10 loaded on the loading deck 22b. After that, the small boat 10 emerges from its submerged state and is fixed in a loaded state on the loading deck 22b. The small boat carrier vessel 20 then heads toward the second relay area R2 in a cruising state as shown in Figure 23(d).

[0233] On the other hand, during the unloading operation of the small boat 10, when the small boat carrier ship 20 reaches the second relay area R2 while cruising as shown in Figure 24(a), the ship's speed is reduced or stopped, and the loading entrance 22a and unloading exit 22c are opened, flooding the loading compartment 22 as shown in Figure 24(b). Then, when the water depth of the loading deck 22b becomes greater than the draft of the small boat 10, the engagement between the fixing guide 17b and the guide receiver 22f is released, and the fixed state of the small boat 10 is released to the sea, the small boat 10 is allowed to propel itself or is carried by the water flow from the loading entrance 22a to the unloading exit 22c, and proceeds out of the ship from the loading compartment 22 via the unloading exit 22c, as shown in Figures 24(b) and 26. Thereafter, the loading compartment 22 is drained as shown in Figure 24(c), and the ship is placed in a cruising state as shown in Figure 24(d).

[0234] If there are other small vessels 10 in front of the small vessel 10 to be removed inside the loading section 22, these small vessels 10 are also temporarily removed outside, the loading positions Pi are determined again, and the small vessels 10 to be reloaded are rearranged in order before being reloaded onto the small vessel carrier ship 20. Even in this case, both the small vessel 10 and the small vessel carrier ship 20 may be moved, or one may be stopped and only the other may be moved.

[0235] After the unloading operation of the small vessels 10 is completed, the loading operation of the small vessels 10 that have gathered in the second relay area R2 is carried out. Thereafter, as shown in Figure 24(d), the small vessel carrier ship 20, in a cruising state, heads from the second relay area R2 to the next, third relay area R3. Meanwhile, the small vessels 10 that have been unloaded in the second relay area R2 are navigated unmanned toward their respective destinations Re.

[0236] [Ship Steering System] Next, we will explain the ship steering system 30 that steers the small boat 10. As shown in Figures 6 and 11, the ship steering switching system 31 of the ship steering system 30 is configured to enable remote steering of the small boat 10 by switching between the land-side steering device 31a, the small boat carrier ship's steering device 31b, and the steering center's steering device 31c. Alternatively, the unmanned cruising device 13a is configured to be able to navigate autonomously according to a program. This allows the small boat 10 to be unmanned, thereby reducing manpower requirements. Furthermore, as for the steering of the small boat carrier ship 20, when unmanned operation is to be performed, a remote ship steering device 23d is installed on the small boat carrier ship 20, as shown in Figure 9.

[0237] [Port-side cargo handling equipment] Next, a port-side cargo handling equipment 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in Figures 6 and 10, this port-side cargo handling equipment 40 is composed of a land-based cargo handling device 41, a ship-based cargo handling device 42, a ramp way 43, and equipment for securing small boats 44. The land-based cargo handling equipment 41 includes a land-based cargo unloading device 41a, but it is considered sufficient to use existing cranes such as those used at fishing ports for unloading fish catches or cranes used for transporting processed seafood products by truck. Depending on the weight of the transported goods 50, a hitch crane used for unloading pleasure boats and the like at a quay or for unloading them can also be used.

[0238] Furthermore, as the onboard cargo handling equipment 42, a large crane such as that of a crane ship is not required, and it is considered that fishing boat cargo lifting equipment 42a such as a crane or derrick attached to a fishing boat for lifting fishing nets and bringing the catch ashore will be sufficient.

[0239] Furthermore, since the rampway 43 is used to load the vehicles 52 onto the small vessel 10, it is determined according to the size of the vehicles 52 and small vessel 10 to be handled, and various types are possible, ranging from a gangway-like structure for small trucks to a steel rampway for small ferries.

[0240] [Small boat securing equipment] In addition to the quay and pier equipment for mooring the small boat 10, a floating pier can be installed to maintain the relative position between the small boat 10 and the loading and unloading surface on the floating pier side, even when the water level changes due to tides and other factors. Normally, loading and unloading of small boats 10 is carried out within a harbor such as a fishing port, so there is relatively little hull pitching due to the effects of waves. Therefore, if the transported goods 50 are not heavy, the above loading and unloading equipment is sufficient.

[0241] However, to speed up and simplify loading and unloading, when loading and unloading heavy objects, small vessel securing equipment 44 is installed to prevent the small vessel 10 from sinking or listing unexpectedly. This allows loading and unloading work to be carried out without having to consider the sinking, rising, or listing of the small vessel 10 during loading and unloading. In other words, by securing the small vessel 10, work can be carried out more quickly and safely.

[0242] 27 to 29, this small boat fixing equipment 44 uses a lifting mechanism 44b to raise and lower a platform 44a on which a small boat 10 is placed, thereby placing the small boat 10 on the platform 44a and fixing the small boat 10, and releasing the fixing by completely floating the small boat 10. The platform 44a may be formed of a flat surface, a lattice-like surface, a framework structure, or the like.

[0243] Furthermore, depending on the displacement of the small boat 10, the lifting mechanism 44b may be a simple combination of components, since the small boat 10 also has buoyancy and does not need to support the entire load of the small boat 10. For example, a scissor lift, which is a pantograph-type lifting device, a wire traction-type or fluid-pressure lifting floor, or a lifting crane for raising and lowering flooring materials may be used. It is also possible to use a lifting platform with a pedestal mounted on a water bag, and raise and lower the pedestal by the amount of water or water pressure injected into the water bag. If the fluid in the bag in this configuration is a compressible gas (such as air), a cushioning effect can also be achieved to reduce the impact of loading and unloading.

[0244] The platform 44a on which the small boat 10 is placed is also equipped with a moving mechanism 44c that moves the small boat 10 in the left-right direction Y and, preferably, rotates it in the yaw direction (around the axis in the up-down direction Z), although a smaller angle is sufficient. This moving mechanism 44c, for example, though not shown, may be configured such that the platform 44a is formed of a mobile carriage, and the platform 44a is moved on rails attached to the floor or framework by operating a wire such as a winch on the quay side, and the wheels are locked at a predetermined position. It is also possible to operate the wire just before loading the small boat 10, so that the floating, movable small boat 10 is moved to a predetermined position and then placed on the platform 44a. However, in this case, there is a possibility of collision with the quay if the hull rolls.

[0245] This allows the docking operation of the small boat 10 to be separated into moving the small boat 10 directly above the platform 44a and docking by moving the platform 44a, preventing the small boat 10 from colliding with a quay or pier. It also makes it easier to maneuver the small boat 10. In any case, since the small boat 10 is relatively easy to move from the outside, it is believed that docking and undocking operations can be easily handled by personnel who handle fishing boats.

[0246] By using this small vessel securing equipment 44, the loading surface of the small vessel 10 for the transported goods 50 can be set to the same height as the loading operation on land or at a preset height difference during loading and unloading, allowing the transported goods 50 to be loaded and unloaded by horizontal movement. For example, the cargo 51 can be slid, moved horizontally while on a mobile dolly, or a forklift can be driven in using a pallet. In addition, because the passageway for the vehicle 52 also moves flat, the rampways 18a, 43 can be simplified in structure, and the possibility of the bottom of the vehicle 52 coming into contact with the road surface due to changes in the slope of the road surface of the rampways 18a, 43 can be avoided.

[0247] [Transported Goods] Next, we will explain the transported goods 50 transported by this water transportation system 1. These transported goods 50 include cargo 51 and vehicles 52, but when large cargo 51 or large vehicles 52 are loaded, not only the structure of the small vessel 10 but also the port-side loading and unloading facilities 40 become large-scale. This makes it difficult to handle with a simple water transportation system 1 that complements land transportation, so the scale is kept to a certain extent. However, this does not mean that the water transportation system 1 of the present invention is unsuitable for transporting large cargo 51, and with investment in equipment, it can also be used as a large-scale cargo transportation system.

[0248] The cargo 51 may include not only marine products and processed marine products landed at fishing ports, but also agricultural products and fruits produced near fishing ports. Other examples include daily necessities, mail, and parcel delivery. Furthermore, crafts and industrial products are also considered. These cargoes 51 are collected into a certain size and loaded onto pallets, carts, containers, etc., to enable quick and easy loading and unloading operations to and from the small vessel 10.

[0249] Regarding vehicle 52, the Road Transport Vehicle Act stipulates that small trucks must be within 4.7m in length, 1.7m in width, 2.0m in height, with a maximum load capacity of 3 tons and a gross vehicle weight of 5 tons. Medium trucks must be within 12m in length, 2.5m in width, 3.8m in height, with a maximum load capacity of 6.5 tons and a gross vehicle weight of 11 tons. Large trucks must be within 12m in length, 2.5m in width, 3.8m in height, with a maximum load capacity of 6.5 tons or more and a gross vehicle weight of 11 tons or more. Furthermore, the legal gross vehicle weight of large trucks is usually 20 tons, with a maximum of 25 tons. For trailers, the gross vehicle weight limit is 36 tons.

[0250] Assuming the size of the small boat 10 for these vehicles 52, for a small truck, if the submerged portion is box-shaped with a total length of 8 m and a width of 3 m, the full load displacement will be 6 tons and the draft will be approximately 0.25 m. If the full load displacement is 10 tons, the draft will be approximately 0.42 m. For a medium-sized truck, if the submerged portion is box-shaped with a total length of 15 m and a width of 4 m, the full load displacement will be 10 tons and the draft will be approximately 0.17 m. If the full load displacement is 20 tons, the draft will be approximately 0.33 m. For a large truck, if the submerged portion is box-shaped with a total length of 15 m and a width of 4 m, the full load displacement will be 40 tons and the draft will be approximately 0.67 m. If the full load displacement is 50 tons, the draft will be approximately 0.83 m.

[0251] [Ship Steering Center] Next, we will explain the ship steering center 60, which centrally allocates personnel to steer the small boats 10 and small boat carrier vessels 20. In this water transportation system 1, as shown in Figures 6 and 11, a ship steering center 60 is provided, and an unmanned aquatic vehicle 13a for steering the small boat carrier vessels 20 is used to efficiently manage the ship operators. Furthermore, this ship steering center 60 not only steers the small boats 10 and small boat carrier vessels 20, but also centrally formulates deployment and operation plans, performs maintenance and inspections, takes measures against breakdowns and accidents, and so on for the small boats 10 and small boat carrier vessels 20 and personnel, while monitoring the overall state of the small boats 10 and small boat carrier vessels 20 of the water transportation system 1 and the movement of the cargo 50.

[0252] [Small boat for disaster response] Next, other uses of the small boat 10 will be described. One other embodiment of the small boat 10 is its use as a disaster response device. By using the maneuverable small boat 10, a large port is not required, and a temporary means of transportation can be secured as a water transportation route, serving as one of the evacuation routes in the event of a disaster. In particular, when land transportation is cut off, a transportation route can be secured quickly because there is no need to restore roads on land. In other words, the small boat 10 can be used at small ports (fishing ports), piers (tourist piers) on rivers and lakes, and emergency piers in the event of a disaster, demonstrating its effectiveness.

[0253] In this case, the small boat 10 is constructed with a simple shape, has an assembleable or foldable structure, and is stored in a warehouse or container. In the event of a disaster, it is preferable to prepare the small boat 10 in a disassembled or folded state so that it can be transported overland to a port near the disaster response base. The small boat 10 is assembled, and an outboard motor 12a and other components are installed, and then it is deployed at the port or waterfront of the disaster response base. Water transportation to the disaster area is then ensured. If the waters between the disaster response base and the disaster area cannot be navigated by the small boat 10 alone, or during initial disaster response, the small boat 10 is transported to a port near the disaster area using a small boat transport ship 20.

[0254] This small vessel 10 is not only used to transport relief supplies to disaster areas, but also to remain at destination Re and temporarily or for a certain period of time, by anchoring, mooring, unloading, etc. at a quay, to provide a variety of facilities, such as disaster response facilities such as on-site disaster command facilities, communications facilities, firefighting facilities, medical facilities, heliport materials, etc., infrastructure support facilities such as water purification plants and power plants, food supply facilities, life-related facilities such as toilets and bathrooms, volunteer activity bases, warehouses for various goods, etc.

[0255] A small boat 10 equipped with or loaded with these disaster equipment and facilities may be prepared, but in the event of an emergency, these unit structures are loaded onto the small boat 10 from a stockpile site and transported to the disaster area, and are then temporarily installed and anchored at destination Re while still loaded onto the small boat 10. This eliminates the need to secure land for arranging these units.

[0256] As a countermeasure against tsunamis, the small boat 10 is anchored so that it can be evacuated to the small boat carrier 20 when a tsunami warning is issued. Alternatively, it is stored inside the small boat carrier 20 or is on standby in a state where it can be stored immediately. Preferably, the small boat 10 for disasters is constructed with a watertight structure so that it can withstand tsunamis and disaster-level wind and rain.

[0257] [Military Small Boats] For military use, by changing the type of mounted units, small boats 10 of the same type can be used as launch bases for water drones, as boats for laying mines, for small torpedoes, or for rocket attacks, or they can be equipped with various weapons such as machine guns, cannons, rocket artillery, mortars, portable anti-tank missiles (RPGs), and anti-boat, anti-tank, and anti-aircraft guided missiles to attack targets on water or on land, transport supplies, or evacuate wounded. In these cases, an outboard motor or a water jet propulsion device can be used as the propulsion device 23a of the small boat 10, depending on the application.

[0258] Regarding the size of the small boat 10, the Type 10 tank is 9.42 m in length, 3.24 m in width, 2.30 m in height, and weighs approximately 44 tons, while the Type 90 tank is 9.80 m in length, 3.40 m in width, 2.30 m in height, and weighs approximately 50.2 tons. The Type 16 MFC is 8.45 m in length, 2.98 m in width, 2.87 m in height, and weighs approximately 26 tons. Assuming the size of the small boat 10 carrying these tanks, assuming a box-like shape with a submerged portion 15 m in length and 5 m in width, the full load displacement would be 50 tons and the draft would be approximately 0.67 m. If the full load displacement were 100 tons, the draft would be approximately 1.33 m.

[0259] [Modifications of the small boat carrier vessel] Next, modifications of the small boat carrier vessel 20 will be explained. Because the small boat carrier vessel 20 has a larger displacement than the small boat 10, there is little tilt of the hull of the small boat carrier vessel 20 when the small boat 10 is loaded. However, to further increase stability, sponsons are provided on the side of the small boat carrier vessel 20 to exert a large restoring force when the hull tilts, reducing the tilt (trim, heel) that accompanies the shift in the center of gravity when the small boat 10 is loaded.

[0260] As a method of loading the small boat 10 onto the small boat carrier ship 20, the small boat 10 may be lifted from the water and placed on the loading deck 22b, or may be lowered from the loading deck 22b onto the water by providing an onboard cargo lifting device such as an onboard crane or onboard derrick. The loading section 22 may also be configured to include a loading deck 22b for loading via a waterway and another loading deck 22b for loading by an onboard cargo lifting device.

[0261] Alternatively, the small boat carrier 20 may be configured with only the loading deck 22b onto which the small boat 10 is loaded using an on-board cargo hoisting device. In this case, the loading entrance 22a and the loading exit 22c are not required, simplifying the structure of the small boat carrier 20, but an on-board cargo hoisting device is required. Also, during the loading operation, the small boat 10 will need to be sling-loaded, which may make the work somewhat more complicated and lengthen the loading operation time.

[0262] [Modularization of Small Boat Carrier Ships] Next, modularization of the small boat carrier ship 20 will be explained. In order to quickly refuel the small boat carrier ship 20, supply it with daily necessities, and change crew members, the parts dedicated to these services are modularized into a modular ship, and replenishment and crew changes are carried out by replacing the modular ships. In other words, by mounting or connecting the modular ship to the main hull of the small boat carrier ship 20, cargo handling time for refueling, carrying in daily necessities, etc. is eliminated, and these services can be quickly provided along with the loading and unloading of small boats 10.

[0263] By converting the fuel tanks and cargo carried into cartridges on the small boat carrier 20, modularizing the crew accommodation area, and making the modular ship equipped with these modules self-propelled, the time required for replenishment and crew changes will be shortened. Furthermore, this will facilitate maintenance of these modular ships. From a safety perspective, it is preferable to have the fuel and crew-related parts housed in separate modular ships, mounted or connected to the small boat carrier 20 in separate locations.

[0264] Furthermore, by arranging the hull, which includes the loading compartment 22 and ballast tank 21b, and the steering section, which is equipped with various devices, to be separable, like a push boat structure, the hull can be operated even while the steering section is being maintained. In this case, unlike a push boat structure that is repeatedly separated and joined for each loading and unloading operation, a strong connection is used to prevent relative movement at the connected section.

[0265] According to the above-described water transportation method S10 and water transportation system 1, by employing small vessels 10, a small port such as a fishing port can be used as the departure point Rs and the destination Re, and by employing small vessel carrier vessels 20, long-distance water transportation is possible. Furthermore, by unmanned operation of the small vessels 10 and by having the small vessels 10 enter and exit the loading area, loading and unloading operations between the small vessels 10 and the small vessel carrier vessels 20 can be carried out with few personnel and in a short time. Since many small vessels 10 are transported long distances together on the small vessel carrier vessels 20, a relatively large amount of goods 50 can be transported.

[0266] Furthermore, by carrying out two-stage loading, namely, loading between land and small vessel 10 and bringing in small vessel 10, and by carrying out two-stage unloading, namely, bringing out small vessel 10 and carrying in between small vessel 10 and land, it is possible to speed up loading and unloading work and reduce the number of people required. As a result, the above-mentioned water transportation method S10 and water transportation system 1 enable high-speed water transportation, and a water transportation system can be constructed as an alternative or complement to land transportation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0267] 1 Water Transportation System 10 Small boats 11 Hull 11a Ship bottom 11b Side wall part 11c Fore part 11d Stern 11e cover 12 Propulsion mechanism 12a Outboard motor 12b Mobile device 13 Unmanned Navigation Mechanism 13a Unmanned navigation device 14 Ship status transmission system 14a Draft sensor 14b Loading condition calculation device 14c Loading status transmitter 15 Hull stabilization mechanism 15a Sponson 16 Pushing mechanism 16a Pressing part 16b Pressure receiving part 17 Guide mechanism 17a Travel Guide 17b Fixing guide 18 Vehicle mounting mechanism 18a Rampway 18b Rampway receiving section 18c Vehicle loading deck 18d Vehicle loading aisle 20 Small ship carrier 21 Hull 21a Hull structure 21b Ballast tank 21c ski surface 21d hydrofoil 22 Loading compartment 22a Loading entrance 22b Loading deck 22c Exit 22d Guide holder for moving 22e Positioning device 22f Fixed guide holder 23 Navigation equipment 23a Propulsion device 23b Steering gear 23c Arresting device 23d Remote control ship steering device 24 Detection Device 24a Draft sensor 24b Optical Camera 30 Ship steering system 31 Ship steering switching system 31a Onshore steering equipment 31b Steering equipment on the side of the small boat transport vessel 31c Steering equipment at the steering center 40 Port-side cargo handling facilities 41 Land loading and unloading equipment 41a Land lifting equipment 42 Onboard cargo handling equipment 42a Fishing boat unloading device 43 Rampway 44 Equipment for securing small ships 44a Mounting table 44b Lifting mechanism 44c Moving mechanism 50 Transport 51 Cargo 52 vehicles 60 Ship Control Center R1 First relay region R2 Second relay region Re destination Rs Starting point S10 Water transportation method S11 Starting point loading and unloading step S12 Starting point movement step S13 Small boat loading step S13a Steps flooded during delivery S13b Moving step during loading S13c Drainage step for loading (for securing small boats) S14 Navigation Step S15 Small boat loading step S15a Flooding step during transport (small boat release) S15b Transfer step for unloading S15c Drainage step during transport S16 Destination movement step S17 Destination loading and unloading step X Longitudinal axis of small ship carrier (small ship) Y: Lateral axis of the small ship carrier (small ship) Z: Vertical axis of the small ship carrier (small ship)

Claims

1. a departure point loading / unloading step (S11) of loading the transported goods (50) onto a small vessel (10) at a departure point (Rs); a departure point moving step (S12) of moving the small vessel (10) from the departure point (Rs) to a first relay area (R1) by self-propelling without a crew member; a small boat carrying step (S13) of carrying the small boat (10) onto a small boat carrier ship (20); a navigation step (S14) of navigating the small ship carrier vessel (20) from the first relay area (R1) to a second relay area (R2); a small vessel carrying-out step (S15) of carrying the small vessel (10) out of the small vessel carrier ship (20) in the second relay area (R2); a destination moving step (S16) of moving the small vessel (10) from the second relay area (R2) to a destination (Re) by self-propelling the small vessel (10) without a crew member; a destination loading / unloading step (S17) of unloading the transported goods (50) from the small vessel (10) at the destination (Re); A method of water transportation comprising:

2. The small boat carrying-in step (S13) includes: a loading flooding step (S13a) for flooding the loading compartment (22) of the small boat carrier (20) to make the water depth of the loading compartment (22) deeper than the draft of the small boat (10) and to connect the loading compartment (22) to the outside of the boat; a loading movement step (S13b) of moving the small boat (10) from outside the small boat carrier ship (20) through a loading entrance (22a) to the loading compartment (22); a loading drainage step (S13c) of draining the water in the loading compartment (22) to make the water depth of the loading compartment (22) shallower than the draft of the small boat (10) and securing the small boat (10) in the loading compartment (22); The small boat carrying-out step (S15) a submersion step (S15a) for flooding the loading compartment (22) to make the water depth of the loading compartment (22) deeper than the draft of the small boat (10), thereby floating the small boat (10) in the loading compartment (22) and releasing the fixation of the small boat (10); a transfer step (S15b) for transferring the small boat (10) from the loading compartment (22) to the outside of the small boat carrier ship (20) via a transfer opening (22c); 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step (S15c) of draining the loading compartment (22) during unloading.

3. A water transportation method as described in claim 2, characterized in that in the small boat loading step (S13) and the small boat unloading step (S15), the small boat (10) is moved from the loading entrance (22a) provided on the bow side of the small boat transport ship (20) toward the unloading exit (22c) provided on the stern side of the small boat transport ship (20).

4. In the departure point moving step (S12), the small boat (10) is remotely operated by personnel at the departure point (Rs), In the small boat carrying-in step (S13), the small boat (10) is remotely operated by personnel on the departure point (Rs) side or the small boat transport ship (20) side, In the small boat carrying-out step (S15), the small boat (10) is remotely operated by personnel on the destination (Re) side or the small boat transport ship (20) side, 3. The water transportation method according to claim 2, wherein in the destination transfer step (S16), the small boat (10) is remotely operated by personnel at the destination (Re).

5. When the loading compartment (22) is flooded, the loading compartment (22) is flooded using at least one of the inlet / outlet channel, the loading entrance (22a), and the loading exit (22c), and 3. The method for water transportation according to claim 2, wherein the loading compartment (22) is drained using at least one of the inlet / outlet channel, the loading entrance (22a), and the loading exit (22c).

6. When the loading compartment (22) is flooded, water is poured into the ballast tank (21b) of the small boat carrier (20) to sink the small boat carrier (20), and 3. The method for water transportation according to claim 2, wherein when draining the water from the loading compartment (22), the small boat carrier (20) floats by draining water from the ballast tank (21b) of the small boat carrier (20).

7. A water transportation method as described in claim 2, characterized in that when draining water from the loading compartment (22), the small boat carrier (20) is caused to float by the lift force of the planing surface (21c) generated by the movement of the small boat carrier (20).

8. A water transportation method as described in claim 2, characterized in that when the loading compartment (22) is drained, the small boat carrier (20) is caused to float by the lift force of the hydrofoil (21d) generated by the movement of the small boat carrier (20).

9. A water transportation method as described in claim 2, characterized in that when the loading compartment (22) is flooded, the small boat carrier (20) is caused to sink by the downward lift force of the hydrofoil (21d) generated by the movement of the small boat carrier (20).

10. A water transportation method as described in claim 1, characterized in that the hull posture of the small boat carrier (20) equipped with a planing surface (21c) while sailing is controlled by controlling an underwater foil (21d) installed at a distance from the hull (21) of the small boat carrier (20).

11. a small vessel (10) carrying a cargo (50); A water transportation system (1) comprising a small boat carrier (20) that carries a plurality of small boats (10) on board and sails the boat, The small boat (10) is configured with an unmanned navigation mechanism (13) that can self-propel without a crew member, The small boat carrier (20) The water transportation system is characterized by being configured with a loading compartment (22) that is flooded when the small boat (10) is loaded or unloaded, and communicates with the outside of the ship, forming a waterway for loading and unloading the small boat (10) in one direction.

12. The water transportation system described in claim 11, characterized in that the loading compartment (22) of the small boat carrier (20) is configured with a loading deck (22b) communicating with a loading entrance (22a) on the bow side and a loading exit (22c) on the stern side.

13. The water transportation system described in claim 11 is characterized in that it is configured with a steering system (30) having a steering switching system (31) that switches between a steering device (31a) on the land side, a steering device (31b) on the small boat transport ship (20), and a steering device (31c) on the steering center (60) side when steering the small boat (10).

14. 12. The small boat (10) used in the water transportation system (1) described in claim 11, characterized in that it is configured with a flat-bottomed hull (11) equipped with an outboard motor (12a) and an unmanned underwater device (13a).

15. 15. A small boat according to claim 14, characterized in that it is configured to include a hull state transmission system (14) that detects, calculates, and transmits the loaded state and hull attitude of the hull (11).

16. 15. A small vessel according to claim 14, characterized in that it is configured with sponsons (15a) on the side walls (11b) of the hull.

17. A small boat as described in claim 14, characterized in that a pressing section (16a) that presses the small boat (10) located at the front is provided on the bow side, and a pressure-receiving section (16b) that is pressed by the small boat (10) located at the rear is provided on the stern side.

18. A small boat as described in claim 14, characterized in that it is provided with a rampway (18a) for loading and unloading vehicles (52), or a rampway receiving portion (18b) that can bridge a rampway (43) from land.

19. A small boat carrier (20) for use in the water transportation system (1) described in claim 11, characterized in that it is configured with a loading compartment (22) for loading the small boat (10), and the loading compartment (22) is configured with a loading entrance (22a) and a loading exit (22c) having openings that can be opened and closed, and a loading deck (22b) that communicates with the outside of the ship via the loading entrance (22a) and the loading exit (22c).

20. 20. A small boat carrier vessel according to claim 19, characterized in that the hull (21) is formed in a planing or semi-planing hull form.

21. A small boat carrier vessel as described in claim 19 or 20, characterized in that it is equipped with a hydrofoil (21d) whose maximum lift generated when sailing at cruising speed is greater than 5% and less than 50% of the full load displacement.

22. A small boat carrier vessel as described in claim 21, characterized in that it is equipped with an attitude control device that controls the attitude of the hull (21) formed in a planing or semi-planing hull shape while sailing by controlling the hydrofoils (21d).

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