WO2017158203A1

WO2017158203A1 - Lifeboat ramp

Info

Publication number: WO2017158203A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/056581
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark CALLAWAY; Sauli SIPILÄ
Original assignee: Rolls-Royce Marine As
Priority date: 2016-03-18
Filing date: 2017-03-20
Publication date: 2017-09-21
Also published as: WO2017158204A1; WO2017158205A1

Abstract

Various aspects provide for a lifeboat ramp configured to convey lifeboats off a ship. The ship may have a large area propeller, which may be disposed below, or even aft of, the transom. A director (e.g., a rudder, nozzle, and the like) may be disposed aft of the propeller, and may be located aft of the transom. A bracket may couple the lifeboat ramp to the ship. The bracket may be located aft of the transom, and may be located substantially above the director.

Description

LIFEBOAT RAMP

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to lifeboats, and more particularly to systems to attach lifeboats to a ship.

2. Description of Related Art

[0002] A ship may have a lifeboat, which typically requires a removable mounting to the ship. A lifeboat is rarely used, and thus spends significant time attached to the ship awaiting emergency or testing. The lifeboat should be easily and safely accessible by passengers, and easy to launch from the ship to which it is mounted. As ship accidents are often associated with inclement weather and rough seas, a lifeboat and lifeboat mount should be robust against wave motion, rain, wind, and the like.

[0003] Various artisans have investigated life boat apparatus. A typical lifeboat apparatus holds the lifeboat in a "stowed" position during regular (non emergency) use, then pivots, lifts, or otherwise moves the lifeboat into a "launching" position prior to launching. In an emergency, the requisite human and mechanical requirements needed to transition the lifeboat from a stowed position to a launchable position may fail, disabling the lifeboat launch. This transition may be challenging, particularly in rough seas and/or under the stress of emergency.

[0004] EP0178386 teaches a launching device for a free fall life-saving boat. EP0144646 teaches a launching apparatus for free-falling life-saving boats. NL8800380 teaches a life boat launching installation. KR20140004399 teaches a lifeboat housing structure. US7581507 teaches launch and recovery devices for water vehicles and methods of use. DE3329159 teaches a ship with lowerable boats, in particular lifeboats.

[0005] A ship may have a large propeller, for example as disclosed in PCT patent application publication no. WO 2009/126090, which is incorporated by reference herein. While a large propeller may improve efficiency, added complexity and hardware may make implementation of a large propeller difficult. Usable deck space, interior space, and/or other "real estate" on a ship is valuable, and an effective utilization of all available space may improve the efficiency of shipping.

SUMMARY

[0006] Various aspects provide for removably coupling a lifeboat to a ship using a lifeboat ramp. An apparatus may comprise a fixed bracket, which may be located at an end of the ship (e.g., the bow or stern). The bracket may be coupled to, integrated with, and/or otherwise connected to the hull, particularly at the prow, and/or transom of the ship. The bracket is typically structurally integrated with the hull, such that the bracket does not move with respect to the hull. A fixed bracket configured to hold the lifeboat in a "ready to launch" position may increase safety and robustness as compared to prior devices that require pivoting, levering, raising, and/or otherwise positioning the lifeboat prior to launch. The bracket may comprise and/or be coupled to a lifeboat ramp configured to removably couple a lifeboat to the ship. Typically, the bracket and ramp are rigidly connected to the hull to form an integrated structure with the rest of the hull. At least one (including several, including all) of the lifeboat ramp, bracket, transmission, and director may be located aft of the transom. A bracket that is integrated with the hull may provide for actuation of a director (e.g., a rudder) via a transmission integrated with the bracket. In an embodiment, the propeller plane is ahead of the transom, the bracket, director and transmission are aft of the propeller (e.g., aft of the transom), the bracket is rigidly connected to the hull, and the lifeboat ramp is structurally integrated with the bracket. At least 40%, including at least 60%, of the lifeboat ramp may be located aft of the transom (e.g., at all times). In some cases, such apparatus may be located ahead of the prow. At least the bow of the lifeboat (when mounted on the ramp) may be located aft of the transom or ahead of the bow of the ship.

[0007] A director may be configured to controllably redirect flowing water to steer the ship. A director may include a rudder, a steering nozzle, and/or a steerable thruster. A transmission may couple the director to the ship and include apparatus (e.g., hydraulic systems, gears) to actuate (e.g., rotate) the director to steer the ship. A lifeboat ramp may remain fixed as a director moves. A lifeboat ramp may be coupled to a director, such that the lifeboat ramp moves with the director as the director moves through its range of motion. [0008] In some cases, the lifeboat ramp is located aft of the transom. A lifeboat ramp may be coupled to, connected to, and/or combined with the transmission (e.g., a lifeboat bracket may be integrated with the transmission, or vice versa), either or both of which may be integrated with the hull of the ship. The transmission is typically structurally integrated into the hull via beams that rigidly couple the transmission to the rest of the hull, such that the director may be actuated via the transmission to steer the ship. In an embodiment, both the lifeboat (via the ramp) and director (via the

transmission) are coupled to the hull via the bracket. In some cases, at least the bow of the lifeboat (when mounted on the ramp) is located aft of propeller and/or the director during normal steaming.

[0009] In an embodiment, a propeller has a diameter greater than 50% of the draft of the ship, including greater than 85% of the draft, including greater than 95% of the draft, or even greater than the draft of the ship.

[0010] A ship may comprise a bracket coupled to (e.g., connected to) the ship. A lifeboat ramp may be coupled to (e.g., mounted on) the bracket. The ship may comprise a first propeller configured to propel the ship, and a director configured to controllably redirect water flowing past the ship to steer the ship. A transmission may couple the director to the ship, and may be configured to actuate the director to steer the ship. At least one of the bracket, transmission, and director may be located aft of the transom. At least one propeller may be located aft of the transom. In an embodiment, the lifeboat ramp and director are located aft of the transom, and the first propeller is located beneath the stern (e.g., just ahead of the transom). The lifeboat ramp, bracket, transmission, director, and propeller may all be disposed aft of the transom. The bracket may be disposed above the transmission (e.g., directly above the transmission), and may be integrated with the transmission. In some cases, the bracket and transmission are separate.

[0011] The director may comprise a rudder, a nozzle, and/or a thruster. A thruster may comprise a second propeller (e.g., a contra-rotating propeller, or CRP) configured to propel the ship. [0012] A ship may comprise a transom, a bracket connected to the transom (particularly located aft of the transom) and a lifeboat ramp mounted on or otherwise coupled to the bracket. A hull may comprise a transom that integrates a lifeboat ramp and/or a bracket (e.g., without a distinct demarcation of the transom per se). At least a portion (e.g., greater than 30%, or even greater than 50%) of the lifeboat ramp may extend aftward of the transom. A ship may comprise a prow, and a bracket connected to the prow. The bracket may extend forward of the prow. At least a portion (e.g., greater than 30%, or even greater than 50%) of the lifeboat ramp may extend forward of the prow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a view of the aft portion of the starboard side of a ship comprising a lifeboat ramp, according to some embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view illustration of a portion of a ship, above waterline, according to some embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates an illustration of a centerline view of the aft portion of a ship comprising a lifeboat ramp, according to some embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective illustration of a portion of a ship, according to some embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates an illustration of an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates an illustration of an exemplary embodiment.

[0019] FIGS. 7 A and 7B illustrate different illustrations of an exemplary embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a lifeboat ramp integrated with a swept hull, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Various aspects provide for a lifeboat mounting apparatus. The apparatus may couple a lifeboat to a ship via a lifeboat ramp. The lifeboat ramp may be coupled to (e.g., mounted on) the ship via a bracket, which typically includes a transmission coupled to a director (e.g., a rudder) used to steer the ship. The bracket is typically structurally integrated with the hull, such that the lifeboat ramp (and thus the lifeboat) remains in a deployable position at all times. By having a lifeboat ramp that does not need to be activated/adjusted or otherwise "made ready" for deployment, the lifeboat may be loaded and deployed in high seas, rough weather, and the like. In some cases, the bracket and transmission are integrated, such that actuators that steer the ship are coupled to the hull via the bracket; in some cases they are discrete. Typically, a bracket is structurally integrated with and rigidly fixed with respect to the rest of the hull, avoiding the use of pivots, joints, linkages, and other moving structures that may cause failure during emergencies. Structural integration may comprise various beams that "rigidly" couple the bracket to corresponding beams in the hull. A bracket (and ramp) may be connected to the transom (whether an actual transom or a virtual transom). A bracket (and ramp) may be connected to the prow (e.g., such that the bracket and ramp form a sort of "figurehead" ahead of the prow). The use of the term "ramp" is merely for illustration. A lifeboat ramp may, but need not, have a slope.

[0022] The lifeboat ramp may be disposed aft of the ship's transom. In some cases, the director is disposed aft of the transom, and the lifeboat ramp is disposed above the director.

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a view of the aft portion of the starboard side of a ship comprising a lifeboat ramp, according to some embodiments. A ship 100 may comprise a bridge 101 where various navigation personnel and systems may be situated. A ship may have a draft 102, which may, in some embodiments, be greater than 3 meters, including above 5 meters, including greater than 10 meters. An exemplary ship may have a draft between 4 and 18 meters, such as up to 22 meters. A ship may have a length greater than 20m, 30m, or even greater than 50m. A very large ship may have a plurality of lifeboat ramps disposed together. Examples shown herein for smaller vessels may be scaled to larger vessels, both in size and number of ramps.

[0024] A first propeller 110 may be coupled to an engine (e.g., an LNG engine, a diesel engine, a mixed-fuel engine, and/or a turbine, not shown), and configured to propel the ship. The propeller may have a large diameter, which may provide for increased propulsion efficiency. In some cases, a diameter 112 of the propeller is greater than 50%, greater than 75%, greater than 85%, greater than 90%, or even greater than draft 102. An exemplary propeller may be between 2 and 19 meters in diameter, including between 2 and 19 meters in diameter, including between 3 and 18 meters in diameter, including between 5 and 15 meters in diameter. A propeller may be as small as 1.5 meters in diameter.

[0025] A bracket 130 may be integrated with or connected to the ship (e.g., connected to a transom 103) of the ship. The bracket may be located aft of the transom, as shown in FIG. 1. For simplicity, various illustrations call out the bracket and transom as separate structures; they may be integrated. In some cases, the bracket is located ahead of the bow, and may be mounted to the prow. A bracket may be structurally integrated with a hull (106) of the ship (e.g., a swept hull) such that the bracket and hull form (as much as possible) a substantially rigid body.

[0026] A lifeboat ramp 140 may be mounted on, coupled to and/or otherwise integrated with the bracket. The lifeboat ramp may be configured to convey a lifeboat 150 off the ship into the water. The lifeboat ramp may have a slope, and may comprise a low-friction surface down which the lifeboat slides or rolls (e.g., on rollers) into the water. The slope may be between 0 and 45 degrees, including between 10 and 40 degrees, from horizontal. The lifeboat ramp may have a shape that controls a roll of the lifeboat (e.g., a U-shape, V-shape, sidewalls, or other structure preventing the lifeboat from tipping over if the ship lists or rolls). A lifeboat ramp may be integrated with the hull (e.g., via an integrated bracket).

[0027] A director 120 may be configured to controllably redirect flowing water to steer the ship. Director 120 may be actuated to steer the ship (e.g., by causing the director to direct water to the port or starboard). A director may comprise a rudder 122 (FIGS. 3, 4), a steering nozzle 124 (FIG. 5), through which propeller 110 propels water, a thruster 126 (FIG. 6), which may provide for additional propulsion (e.g., with a second propeller), and/or a combination thereof. For example, a director may comprise a thruster 128 (FIGS. 7 A, 7B) comprising a second propeller and a nozzle or shroud. A thruster may comprise a second propeller that counterrotates with respect to the first propeller 110 (e.g., a contra-rotating propeller).

[0028] A transmission 131 may couple the director to the ship. Transmission 131 may be integrated with bracket 130 (e.g., with lifeboat ramp 140). In some cases, a lifeboat ramp may be mounted to a transmission that comprises a bracket 130 (e.g., above the director 120). In some cases, transmission 131 is separate from bracket 130. A transmission may be integrated with the hull (typically via the bracket) such that actuation forces are transmitted from the ship to the director and steering forces are transmitted from the director to the ship. In some cases, at least a portion of the transmission is located aft of the (otherwise) most aftward portion of the hull not integrated with the transmission.

[0029] Transmission 131 may comprise actuation hardware (e.g., hydraulic lines and cylinders, gearing, and the like) needed to move director 120. The

transmission may be disposed above (e.g., directly above) the director; in some cases it may not be directly above the director.

[0030] In some embodiments, at least one of the transmission and the director is located aft of a transom 103 of the ship. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, both transmission and director are located aft of the transom, and at least a portion (e.g., the majority) of the lifeboat ramp is located aft of the transom.

[0031] In the example shown in FIG. 1, first propeller 110 is located just ahead of transom 103 (e.g., as far aft as possible, subject to the constraint that no portion of the blades extend aftward of the transom). In the example shown in FIG. 1, director 120 is located aft of transom 103. Both first propeller 110 and director 120 may be located aft of transom 103. Both first propeller 110 and director 120 may be located ahead of transom 103. A director may be located ahead of a propeller.

[0032] The lifeboat ramp may remain in the same position as the

transmission actuates the director (e.g., to steer the ship). In some cases, the lifeboat ramp may be coupled to the director, such that it "aims" the lifeboat according to the direction of the director (e.g., rudder aimed toward starboard and lifeboat ejected toward starboard).

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view illustration of a portion of a ship, above waterline, according to some embodiments. Lifeboat ramp 140 may be located near the center of the ship (e.g., equidistant from the port and starboard sides), such that rolling of the ship has a minimal effect on the distance from the lifeboat to the water. In FIG. 2, lifeboat ramp 140 is located at the stern (e.g., above transom 103). In some embodiments, a bracket and lifeboat ramp may be located at the bow (e.g., over the prow of the ship). The lifeboat ramp may be substantially narrower than the transom (e.g., less than twice the width of the lifeboat). In some embodiments, a lifeboat ramp is integrated with the hull. Preferably, the bridge 101 has a clear "line of sight" view to the lifeboat 150, particularly a loading door (not shown) of the lifeboat. An optional deck 210 (e.g., an observation deck and/or a loading deck) may be integrated with the transom and/or hull.

[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates an illustration of a centerline view of the aft portion of a ship comprising a lifeboat ramp, according to some embodiments. In this example, ship 300 comprises a director that includes a rudder 122. Lifeboat ramp 140 may have a shape 142 (e.g., a V shape or a U shape) that minimizes rolling of the lifeboat. In this example, lifeboat ramp 140 is substantially equidistant from port 104 and starboard 105 sides of ship 100.

[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective illustration of a portion of a ship, according to some embodiments. In this example, ship 300 has a distinct transom 103. In other cases, a lifeboat ramp may be more "integrated" with the hull (e.g., the transom may be "convex" relative to the interior of the ship, rather than substantially flat). Maximizing the efficiency of a large area propeller may include mounting the propeller as far aft as possible (e.g., below the stern, below the transom, or even aft of the transom). In mounting a director (e.g., rudder 122) near, or even aft of, the transom, its associated transmission 131 may be located aft of the transom. By incorporating a lifeboat ramp 140 (e.g., into a bracket 130 disposed above transmission 131), the "real estate" (or usable surface area) above the director may be efficiently utilized. A lifeboat ramp located near, or even aft of, the transom may facilitate emergency offloading, particularly in inclement weather. In some embodiments, the most-aft portion of lifeboat ramp 140 is farther aft than any other portion of the ship (e.g., by at least 30cm, including by at least lm).

[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates an illustration of an exemplary embodiment. Ship 500 comprises a director that includes a steering nozzle 124. Steering nozzle 124 may comprise a nozzle 125, and may be configured to control the flow of water generated by a propeller (e.g., first propeller 110). Nozzle 125 may have a larger radius than propeller 110, and may be configured to substantially surround propeller 110. Steering nozzle 124 may be coupled to ship 500 via transmission 131. In the example shown in FIG. 5, both first propeller 110 and steering nozzle 124 are located aft of the transom.

[0037] FIG. 6 illustrates an illustration of an exemplary embodiment. Ship 600 comprises a director that includes a thruster 126. Thruster 126 may comprise a second propeller 111, which may also propel ship 600. Propeller 111 may include a multipitch propeller, in which a first pitch is driven by the flow of the first propeller, and a second pitch drives the ship (e.g., as a so-called "grim vane"). Propeller 111 may be driven by an engine and/or motor, and transmission 131 may be configured to convey power to second propeller 111. Thruster 126 may be disposed as a pod thruster (e.g., an azimuth thruster). A thruster may comprise an electric motor configured to power the second propeller.

[0038] In some cases, a second propeller 111 may be located aft of a first propeller 110; in some cases it may be located ahead of first propeller 110. First propeller 110 and second propeller 111 may rotate in opposite directions (e.g., second propeller 111 may be a contra-rotating propeller, or CRP). In the example shown in FIG. 6, both first propeller 110 and second propeller 111 are disposed ahead of the transom. In some embodiments, a first propeller is disposed ahead of the transom and a second propeller (e.g., a CRP) is disposed aft of the transom. One or both propellers may be located ahead of the prow (e.g., in a ship having a bow propulsion system).

[0039] FIGS. 7 A and 7B illustrate different illustrations of an exemplary embodiment. Ship 700 comprises a director that includes a thruster 128. FIG. 7 A illustrates a view from the starboard side, with FIG. 7B illustrating a sectioned view of a portion of thruster 128. Thruster 128 may comprise a second propeller 111, which may propel ship 600. Second propeller 111 may include a multi-pitch (e.g., grim vane) propeller. Second propeller 111 may be powered, and transmission 131 may be configured to convey power to second propeller 111. In some embodiments (not shown), second propeller 111 may comprise a rim-driven propeller. Second propeller 111 may be a CRP with respect to first propeller 110.

[0040] In the example shown in FIGS. 7 A and 7B, both first propeller 110 and thruster 128 are disposed aft of the transom. One (or both) of the first propeller and thruster may be disposed ahead of the transom. One (or both) may be disposed ahead of the prow.

[0041] Thruster 128 may comprise a nozzle (or shroud) 125, which may have a diameter larger than at least one of, including both of, first propeller 110 and second propeller 111. In the example shown in FIGS 7 A and 7B, nozzle 125 substantially surrounds both first propeller 110 and second propeller 111.

[0042] FIG. 8 illustrates a lifeboat ramp integrated with a swept hull, according to some embodiments. A ship 800 may have a "convex" or "swept" hull 810, in which a center portion is farther aft than an outer (port or starboard) portion. A swept hull 810 may include an aft portion 820 (e.g., a "curved transom" or "curved stern") that extends a distance 822 past a "main portion" 830 of the hull. A swept hull 810 may include a lateral distance 824 between a port or starboard side and a center portion of the hull. In some cases, a lifeboat ramp may be located in the center portion. A swept hull 810 may include a deck (e.g., an observation deck, not shown). A swept hull may be integrated with a stern, transom, bow, and/or prow.

[0043] FIG. 8 illustrates a swept hull using an aft portion. A swept hull and lifeboat ramp may similarly be incorporated into a prow and/or bow of a ship. A lifeboat ramp may be the most forward "major component" of the ship. A lifeboat ramp may be the most aft "major component' of the ship.

[0044] Propulsion arrangements described herein (e.g., propellers, directors, and the like) may improve the efficiency of ship propulsion. By locating a large propeller far aft (e.g., below the stern), propeller diameter may be maximized. It may be advantageous to locate a director (to steer the ship) farther aft than the propeller (e.g., directly aft of the transom when the propeller is just ahead of the transom). In such configurations, the use of the "real estate" above the director as a lifeboat ramp may improve the efficiency with which shipboard space is utilized. As a result, cargo capacity may be commensurately increased.

[0045] Various features described herein may be implemented

independently and/or in combination with each other. An explicit combination of features does not preclude the omission of any of these features from other

embodiments. The above description is illustrative and not restrictive. Many variations of the invention will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon review of this disclosure. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but instead should be determined with reference to the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A ship (100, 300, 500, 600, 700, 800) comprising:

a hull (106);

a fixed bracket (130) coupled to the hull, particularly integrated with the hull;

a lifeboat ramp (140) integrated with the fixed bracket (130), the lifeboat ramp (140) configured to convey a lifeboat (150) off the ship into the water;

a director (120, 122, 124, 126, 128) configured to controllably redirect water flowing past the ship to steer the ship;

a transmission (131) coupling the director to the ship and configured to actuate the director to redirect the water, particularly a transmission (131) fixed to and integrated with the fixed bracket

(130); and

a first propeller (110) configured to propel the ship.

2. The ship of claim 1, further comprising a transom (103), wherein at least one, particularly each, of the bracket, transmission, and director is disposed aft of the transom.

3. The ship of either of claims 1 and 2, wherein the director comprises at least one of a rudder (122), a nozzle (124), and a thruster (126, 128), the thruster

comprising a second propeller (111), particularly a contra-rotating propeller with respect to a rotation direction of the first propeller (110).

4. The ship of any of claims 1-3, wherein the bracket is disposed above the transmission, particularly disposed above the director, particularly directly above the director, particularly wherein the bracket is disposed substantially directly above the transmission, which is disposed substantially directly above the director.

5. The ship of any of claims 1-4, wherein at least a portion of the lifeboat ramp (140) includes a shape (142) to control roll of the lifeboat in the ramp, particularly wherein the portion has at least one of a V-shape and a U shape.

6. The ship of any of claims 1-5, wherein the propeller (110) has a diameter (112) greater than 50% of a draft (102) of the ship, particularly greater than 75% of the draft, particularly greater than 90% of the draft.

7. The ship of any of claims 1-6, wherein the lifeboat ramp (140) is equidistant from the port (104) and starboard (105) sides of the ship, particularly wherein the ship comprises a bridge (101) having line of sight view of at least a portion of the lifeboat ramp (140).

8. The ship any of claims 1-7, wherein the lifeboat ramp (140) is coupled to the director (120), such that the lifeboat ramp (140) moves with the director as the director moves through its range of motion.

9. The ship of any of claims 1-8, wherein:

the propeller (110) has a diameter (112) greater than 50%, particularly greater than 85%, of a draft (120) of the ship (100);

the director comprises (120) a rudder (122); and

at least a portion, particularly at least 90%, of the bracket (130),

transmission (131) and rudder (122) is located aft of the transom (103).

10. A ship (100, 300, 500, 600, 700) comprising:

a transom (103);

a fixed bracket (130) located aft of the transom; and

a lifeboat ramp (140) mounted on the bracket, at least a portion of the lifeboat ramp located aft of the transom.

11. The ship of claim 10, further comprising: a director (120, 122, 124, 126, 128) configured to redirect water flowing past the ship, the director particularly located aft of the transom; and a transmission (131) coupling the director to the ship and configured to actuate the director to redirect the flowing water, particularly a transmission disposed aft of the transom.

12. A ship (800) comprising:

a swept hull (810), particularly having an aft portion (820); and

a fixed lifeboat ramp (140) integrated with the swept hull, particularly via an integrated bracket (130).

13. A ship (100, 300, 500, 600, 700, 800) comprising a fixed lifeboat ramp (140) disposed in at least one of the following configurations: at least a portion of the lifeboat ramp, particularly at least 10%, including at least 20%, of the lifeboat ramp, is located aft of the most aft portion of a hull of the ship; or at least a portion of the lifeboat ramp, particularly at least 10%, including at least 20%, of the lifeboat ramp, is located forward of the most forward portion of a hull of the ship.