MANEUVERING VESSELS UNDER STRUCTURES SPANNING WATERWAYS

摘要

The invention relates to maneuvering vessels (6) under structures spanning waterways such as low bridges spanning rivers, canals and the like. The invention provides methods and apparatuses for maneuvering a waterborne vessel (6) under such a structure. In a first step, the method comprises associating the vessel (6) with a container (1) on a first side of the structure where said vessel (6) occupies a first level (I) with respect to the container (1). The vessel (6) is then repositioned to occupy a second level (1) with respect to the container where said second level is lower than the first level. Then the container (1) is maneuvered beneath the structure. At the other side of the structure, the vessel (6) is returned to the first level (I) so that it can be removed from the container (1). Repositioning of the vessel (6) in the container (1) is achieved by varying a water level (I) in the container in which the vessel is floating.