Ships buoyancy lifting system comprizes adjustable volume buoyancy elements straddling under hull to raise this once pressurized with air for low-draft navigation.

摘要

Buoyancy elements (14,15) placed to left and right of the hull are forcibly connected below the hull in relation to the longitudinal axis of the vessel. The buoyancy elements are variable in volume and the same number of elements should be placed to both sides of the vessel. The connected (16) elements (14,15) bed down in the water to impart sideways stability until raised. Raising is effected by inflating the elements (14,15) with pressurized air to provide the necessary lift or buoyancy right along the vessel hull and without forfeiting sideway stability. The vessel is typically raised from original water level (12) to the raised-ship water line (13), i.e. by the difference between these two lines.