System and method for transporting over water with multiple vessels

摘要

A ship and associated methods of operation. In an example embodiment, a method of transporting includes providing multiple vessels each having a hull defining an air cavity over a water surface. Different ones of the vessels are loaded with material destined for different end locations. The vessels are connected to one another with rigid couplings to effect tandem movement of the multiple vessels over water as one ship while permitting each vessel to undergo changes in pitch. The vessels are transported to a first destination and one or more of the vessels are disconnected from the ship.

主权项

1. A method for transporting comprising:
providing multiple vessels each vessel comprising at least two spaced-apart hulls extending from fore to aft of the vessel, with the two spaced-apart hulls defining a cavity between the hulls when the vessel is floating over a water surface, the cavity extending between the water surface and an underside of the vessel, such that when the vessels are connected to one another the plurality of vessels provide a series of interconnected cavities forming a chamber, each vessel capable of occupying a first draft when afloat without aid of a power system and a second draft smaller than the first draft with aid of a power system; loading different ones of the vessels with material destined for different end locations; connecting the vessels to one another with rigid couplings to effect tandem movement of the multiple vessels over water as one ship while permitting each vessel to undergo changes in pitch; transporting the vessels to a first destination; and disconnecting one or more of the vessels from the ship.