Versatile transport-delivery vessel system

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a versatile transport-cargo vessel system configured for travel on water. The vessel system either includes a single self propelled vessel or a tugboat section and a barge section configured to interlock. The self propelled vessel or the barge section is configured to carry liquefied natural gas and at least one additional cargo. The additional cargo may include a cargo for resupplying another vessel. The cargo may include at least one of marine gas oil, lubricant, distillates, bio-fuels and water. The disclosure also relates to a method of resupplying a second vessel using the versatile transport-delivery vessel.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 816,862 filed Apr. 29, 2013, which application is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]1. Field of Disclosure[0003]The present disclosure relates to a vessel for transporting Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), petroleum products, such as Marine Gas Oils (MGO), hydraulic fluids, distillates, bio-fuels, lubricants, water and performing cargo delivery over water, and, in particular, on the ocean, lakes, bays, sounds and inland waterways.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]LNG may be transported across the sea and along inland waterways using specially designed water-going vessels, including self-propelled vessels and barge that may be combined tugs (such as an Integrated Tug-Barge (ITB) or an Articulated Tug-Barge (ATB)). Typically, LNG transport vessels are designed to carry LNG (for hire by othe...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent is related to a method for processing insurance applications, specifically by performing a suitability analysis on insurance products during the application process. One embodiment includes a marine vessel that can carry both LNG and a resupply cargo. The vessel can meet certification requirements for operation on high seas and US inland waterways. It can also resupply another marine vessel with a resupply cargo through a crane. The resupply cargo can include LNG, hydraulic fluid, bio-fuel, lubricant, and water. Another embodiment includes a method for resupplying a second marine vessel by moving the resupply cargo from a first marine vessel using a crane. The resupply can be done through bunkering, re-provisioning, or midstream refueling under weigh or at anchor.

Problems solved by technology

Thus, an LNG transport vessel is unable to resupply another vessel with non-LNG supplies, such as MGO, hydraulic fluids, distillates, bio-fuels, lubricants, and water.

Substantial cost is incurred by using two vessels to resupply a vessel in need of LNG and additional supplies.

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