AU2021221788A1

AU2021221788A1 - Cable Spool, Cradle, Support and System for Handling Ship Dock Cables and Hoses

Info

Publication number: AU2021221788A1
Application number: AU2021221788A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Roy MITCHELL
Original assignee: Onetide Modular Systems Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Onetide Modular Systems Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2020-09-16
Filing date: 2021-08-25
Publication date: 2022-03-17

Abstract

The present invention provides a system and method for storing, deploying and retracting cables, wherein the cables are those used to connect a docked ship with onshore facilities, such as water, electricity, and telecommunications. The system comprises one or more of a cable spool, a cradle and a support for moving and managing the cable spool. The system enabling the relatively rapid deployment and retraction of cables with minimal personnel compared to prior art systems. 3/12 20'| 1250.00 16 10 2102 0 o 200 1.6t Max 12 100 Load Center for 14 100m Cable FIG. 3 32 2 50 40 32 4430 FI .1

Description

3/12

20'| 1250.00 16

10 2102 0 o

1.6t Max 12 100 200 14 Load Center for 100m Cable

FIG. 3 32 2

50 32 4430 FI.1

Cable Spool, Cradle, Support and System for Handling Ship Dock Cables and Hoses

Field

[0001] Generally the present invention relates a system for handling and storing cables suited for providing utilities to a docked ship. In particular the present invention relates to a cable spool, a cradle for handling the cable spool, a support base for supporting the cable spool, and a system for storing and deploying cables including high energy cables, and hoses, including flat hoses.

Background

[0002] High energy cables are deployed on a temporary basis, for example when a ship docks to connect the ship to a land electricity grid while the ship is docked so as to supply power to the docked ship. Such cables may be transported with the ship so that dependency on infrastructure is not created, or they may be made available at the ship dock. In any case, usually there is no permanent cable installed on a wharf. The lengths of such temporary cables are usually quite long, so as to reach from the docked ship to a connection point of the grid.

[0003] When deployed, and typically when stored, the cable is exposed to UV radiation and the elements (including salt water). Accordingly it is desirable for the cables to be stored when not in use to minimise exposure of the cable for only as long as needed so as to prolong the life of the cable.

[0004] Currently, such cables are stored in a basket and deployed using many people (see Figs. 1A, 1B, and 2A) to remove one end of the cable from the basket and to extend the cable from the basket. This is labour intensive (see Figures 1B and 1C) and is quite time consuming to deploy.

[0005] Additionally, it is desirable to have the basket as small as possible to hold the necessary length of cable. The cables have a certain thickness to carry the necessary current. Due to this, the cables have a minimum curve radius (maximum amount of bend) for the cable to satisfy manufacturer requirements and ensure maximum service life (for example, 780mm see Fig. 2B). When coiled in the baskets the cables are often bent to a curve radius less than the minimum specified curve radius - thereby negatively affecting the service life of the cable - see Fig. 2A.

[0006] Alternatively, the cables are left on the wharf exposing them to environmental conditions, potentially reducing their service life.

[0007] Commonly three cables are deployed to provide three phase power, or single phase AC power with Active, Neutral and Earth conductors.

[0008] Current techniques can take up to 4 hours to deploy one cable. Deploying three cables can take up to 12 hours.

[0009] The preceding discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

Summary of the Invention

[00010] It is an object of this invention to provide a cable spool which ameliorates, mitigates or overcomes, at least one disadvantage of the prior art, or which will at least provide the public with a practical choice.

[00011] It is an object of this invention to provide a support base for supporting a cable spool which ameliorates, mitigates or overcomes, at least one disadvantage of the prior art, or which will at least provide the public with a practical choice.

[00012] It is an object of this invention to provide a system for storing and deploying cables used for connecting a docked ship to shore based facilities which ameliorates, mitigates or overcomes, at least one disadvantage of the prior art, or which will at least provide the public with a practical choice.

[00013] Throughout the specification the term 'cable' is used to describe a cable, a hose, a flat hose or any other similar flexible conduit may be used to assist in transmitting services such as water, electricity or telecommunication signals. Furthermore the term 'cable' can denote a single unitary cable, or a cable made from a number of cables.

[00014] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a system and method for storing, deploying and retracting cables, wherein the cables are those used to connect a docked ship with onshore facilities, such as water, electricity, and telecommunications, the system comprises a cable spool, a cradle and a support for moving and managing the cable spool, the system enabling the relatively rapid deployment and retraction of cables with minimal personnel compared to prior art systems.

[00015] The Cable Spool may be adapted to be used for a variety of cables, simultaneously and selectively. The cable spool may be divided into section along its axis for different cables.

[00016] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a cable spool adapted for repeatable winding on and off of at least one cable; the cable spool comprises: a support surface upon which the at least one cable is received, the diameter of the support surface being adjustable to accommodate different cable types; two sidewalls between which the support surface extends; each sidewall having slots formed therein, wherein stiffening members may be fitted to the slots to add rigidity to the cable spool.

[00017] The slots may also accommodate shrinkage and expansion of the sidewall.

[00018] The support surface may be provided by a plurality of elongate support members extending between the two sidewalls.

[00019] The sidewalls may support the support members at predetermined radial positions from the spool's central axis, wherein the support surface may be adjusted to different diameters to accommodate different cables. In this regard the cable spool can be adjusted so that the support surface is at a diameter whereupon the cable may be wound and in a manner which meets the recommended radius of curvature for that cable.

[00020] The elongate support members may be spaced from adjacent elongate support members, wherein a first end of a cable may be received in a hollow central core defined by the elongate support members, before the cable is wound thereon.

[00021] The sidewalls may be in the form of a polygon. This allows for ease of storage. The sidewalls may have mounting means to allow spools to be stacked thereon. The sidewall may have tie down means to secure cable spools together.

[00022] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a cradle adapted to releasably secure a cable spool as herein described;

[00023] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a cradle support for receiving and supporting a cable spool, such as one herein described, the cradle support comprising: at least two arms between which the cable spool may span, each arm having a locking means at its end, each locking means movable between an open condition wherein the cable spool may be received thereon, and a closed position wherein the cable spool is locked relative to the cradle arm; a power system adapted to engage the spool for rotation thereof, the power system being removable attached to an end of one of the arms; a cradle support adapted to be received on a vehicle such as a fork lift.

[00024] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a support base for supporting a cable spool such as a cable spool as herein described, the support base comprises stabilising means which are retractable and may be extended when a cable spool is supported on the support base. The support base may be disassembled into a relatively flat package. The support base may have mounting means which may be received on complementary mounting means on a truck (such as those similar to for mounting shipping containers.)

[00025] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for deploying cable between a ship and onshore services, the method comprises: securing a cable spool having the required cable stored thereon to a cradle support, wherein the cradle support is secured to a lifting vehicle, such as a forklift; connecting one end to a ship coupling, or placing the one end adjacent the ship; powering a motor on the cradle support to cause the spool to rotate; moving the vehicle to lay the cable adjacent the dock; connecting the other end of the cable to the onshore services.

[00026] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for retracting a cable which extends between a ship and onshore services, the method comprises: securing an empty cable spool to a cradle support, the cable spool having the support surface set at the desired diameter for the cable to be received thereon, placing or securing one end of the cable relative to a hollow core of the cable spool; powering a motor on the cradle support to cause the spool to rotate and to start winding on the cable; moving the vehicle to continue to wind on the cable which is adjacent the dock; securing the other end of the cable relative to the spool; storing the cable spool with cable for future use.

[00027] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a cable spool comprising an axial shaft; spaced apart radially extending side walls; at least one winding surface radially spaced from the shaft extending substantially parallel to the shaft between the side walls, whereby in use, cable is wound on to the winding surface(s).

[00028] The cable can therefore be wound onto the spool so as to have a radius of curvature of at least the radial spacing between the surface and the shaft.

[00029] In an embodiment the at least one winding surface comprises a plurality of spaced apart longitudinally extending members. In an embodiment the spool further comprises a respective support member radially extending from the shaft to each respective member between ends of the member.

[00030] In an embodiment the spool comprises an axle portion projecting from each side wall. In an embodiment the shaft forms the axle portions.

[00031] In an embodiment the spool comprises a motor for rotating the spool so as to wind cable onto or off the spool. In an embodiment the motor is coupled to one of the axle portions for rotating the spool.

[00032] In an embodiment the side walls are hexagonal in shape.

[00033] In an embodiment the side walls are formed of a high density polyethylene, preferably UHDPE.

[00034] In an embodiment the radial distance of the members is variable and/or adjustable. In an embodiment the sidewalls comprise radially extending slots each for receiving an end portion of the member so as to allow the radial position to be adjusted. In an embodiment the end portions of the members comprise a fixing means for fixing the radial position of the end of the member within the slot.

[00035] According to another aspect of the present invention there is an assembly comprising a cradle for lifting the spool so that the shaft is substantially horizontal, the cradle comprising spaced apart slots for receiving the axle portions.

[00036] In an embodiment the cradle comprises a mounting mechanism for attachment to a vehicle.

[00037] In an embodiment the cradle comprises a motor for rotating the spool so as to wind cable onto or off the spool. In an embodiment the motor is coupled to one of the axle portions for rotating the spool.

[00038] In an embodiment the motor is a hydraulic motor. In an embodiment the hydraulic motor is powered by a hydraulic circuit of the vehicle.

[00039] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of deploying a cable comprising providing the cable wound onto a spool; lifting the spool with a cradle; unwinding the cable from the spool using a motor mounted to the cradle; and moving the spool as the cable is unwound.

[00040] In an embodiment the spool as defined above.

[00041] In an embodiment the cradle is as defined above.

[00042] In an embodiment there are a plurality of cables wound on the spool. Preferably as the spool is unwound the cables unwind and are deployed in parallel.

[00043] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of storing a cable comprising lifting a spool with a cradle; winding the cable onto the spool using a motor mounted to the cradle; and moving the spool as the cable is wound onto the spool.

[00044] In an embodiment the spool as defined above.

[00045] In an embodiment the cradle is as defined above.

[00046] In an embodiment there are a plurality of cables wound on to the spool in parallel.

Description of Drawings

[00047] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which::

Figure 1A is a side elevation of a prior art basket stored cable being positioned;

Figure 1B is a side elevation of prior art deployment of the cable from the basket of Figure 1A.

Figure 1C is a side elevation of a prior art storage of the cable back into the basket;

Figure 2A is a schematic depiction comparing basket size to minimum curve radius of a given cable shown in Figure 2B;

Figure 3 is an end elevation of a cable spool assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view through a centre line of a spool portion of the assembly of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is an elevation of a hub of the spool portion of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is an elevation of an axle of the spool portion of Figure 3;

Figure 7 is an elevation of an alternative axle of the spool portion of Figure 3;

Figure 8 is an end view of a cross-section of the axle of Figure 6/7 showing a spider ring;

Figure 9 is a side elevation of alternative vehicles and a cable for holding the spool portion of the assembly of Figure 3;

Figure 10 is an end elevation of an alternative embodiment of the spool portion;

Figure 11 is a side elevation of the spool portion of Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a side elevation of the spool assembly of Figure 3 showing a motor in an engaged position;

Figure 13 is a side elevation of the spool assembly of Figure 12 showing the motor in a disengaged position;

Figure 14 is an end view of the spool portion of Figure 3 schematically shown within an intermodal shipping container;

Figure 15 is a side elevation of three spool portions of Figure 3 end to end schematically shown within an intermodal shipping container;

Figure 16 is a photo of a spool assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 17 is a photo of a cradle of the spool assembly of Figure 16 coupled to a vehicle;

Figure 18 is a photo of a spool portion and cradle of the assembly of Figure 16;

Figure 19 is a schematic diagram showing deployment of a cable from the spool assembly;

Figure 20 is a side view of a cable spool according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 21 is a front view of the cable spool of figure 20 wherein the support surface is set at a first diameter;

Figure 22 is a front view of the cable spool of figure 20 wherein the support surface is set at a second diameter;

Figure 23 is a rear view of a cradle support according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 24 is a side view of an end of an arm of the cradle support of figure 23 wherein the end is in a locked position, such would be the case when a cable spool was supported thereon;

Figure 25 is a side view of an end of an arm of the cradle support of figure 23 wherein the end is in a unlocked position, such would be the case when a cable spool is to be received thereon;

Figure 26 is a vie of a cable spool according to an embodiment supported in cradle arms according to an embodiment; and

Figure 27 is a close up view of figure 26 showing one side of the cradle arm supporting one side of the cable spool, the arm also supporting a motor to rotate the spool.

Embodiments of the Invention

[00048] Referring to Figure 3 there is shown a cable spool assembly 10 comprising a spool portion 12 (spool) and a cradle 14 for attachment to a mounting point 16 of a vehicle 150. The spool 12 comprises spaced apart side walls 20, preferably hexagonal in shape (although other shapes are possible such as a circle, pentagon, heptagon, an octagon, or other polygon). The side walls 20 are preferably formed of a corrosion resistance light weight material, such as a thermoplastic, preferably polyethylene (PE), more preferably a high density PE (HDPE) and most preferably ultra-high density PE (UHDPE).

[00049] As seen in Figure 4 the side walls 20 are connected by an axially extending shaft 22 and bars 32 forming a plurality of contact surfaces 30 on which the cable 95 is to be wound. The bars 32 may have a layer connecting them in a substantially orbital path so as to form a single contact surface, but this is less preferred. Preferably the shaft 22 is a formed of a steel tube. When connected to the shaft 22 the side walls 22 extend radially with respect to the shaft 22. The bars 32 are substantially parallel to and are radially spaced from the shaft 22. In an embodiment the axle comprises a connector ring for connecting radially extending support struts (spiders) 42. The bars 32 are connected to the side walls 20 by a connector 48 at each end.

[00050] At each end 24, 26 of the shaft 22 is a hub 40, shown in Figure 5. The hub 40 is connected to the side wall 20 by fasteners extending through holes 50. The hub 40 may also have a hole 28 therethrough, and through the sidewall 20.

[00051] In the embodiment of the shaft 22 in Figure 6 has a stub axle in the form of a shaft welded to or otherwise fixed thereto which passes through the hole 28. The stub axel 60 has a centring ring 62 at each end. One end (the left one in Figure 6) also has a drive hub 64 fixed to it such that a motor can be coupled to the drive hub 64 which in turn can rotate the shaft 22 and thus to spool 10 about the axis coinciding with the shaft 22. In the embodiment of Figure 7, the shaft 60 is securable so as to be replaceable.

[00052] Figure 8 shows the connector 40 having holes through which fasteners can connect the connector to the spiders 42.

[00053] Figure 9 shows the cradle 14, which comprises side supports 100 and a backplate 112 connecting the side supports 100. Opposite the backplate 112 at the end of each side support 100 is a receiver 104, generally V shaped, for the axle 60 to sit within so as to support the spool 12. The centring rings 62 keep the spool 12 centred on the cradle 14. The underside 110 of the side supports 100 may rest on the ground or on a transport/work stand (not shown). The backplate 112 may be reinforced with or formed of beams. On the other side of the backplate to the spool 12 a pair of adaptors 102 can be bolted on. The adaptors 102 are made suitable for the mounting point 16 of the vehicle 150 to be used. It can be seen in Figure 9 that there are three types of adaptor 102, 102' and 102", with two different types of mounting point 16, 16' for the respective vehicles 150, 150'.

[00054] Figures 10 and 11 show an embodiment of the spool 12'with adjustable radius bars 32. In this embodiment the side walls 20 have radially extending slots 74 in which sliders 70 can slide until tightened to secure the slider 70 in position within the slots 74 using fastener 80. As an alternative to slots, fixed position holes can be used see Figure 16.

[00055] In can be seen the fastener 70 can be moved inwardly to position 72. This can be done on both ends of the bars 32 for each of the bars 32 so that the radius of the winding diameter can be varied to accommodate the characteristics of the cable being wound on (in terms of permitted bending radius and length).

[00056] It can also be seen that the cable 95 has a weatherproof connector housing 96 at each end and the connector housing has a hammock/hanger 90, 92 for each end so that it can hang from the bars 32.

[00057] It can be seen that the side walls 20 have holes 76 for lifting or tie-down.

[00058] Figures 12 and 13 show a motor assembly 148 comprising a motor 140 connected by a right angle gear box 146 to a coupling 142. The coupling couples the output of the gearbox 142 to the drive hub 64 so as to drive the shaft 22 and this the spool 12 to rotate about its axis. The motor 140 may be electric instead of hydraulic.

[00059] As seen in Figure 13 the motor assembly 148 is able to be pivoted so as to de-couple the coupling 142 from the drive hub 64 when the spool 12 is to be removed from the cradle 14.

[00060] Figure 14 and 15 show that the spool 12 is preferably dimensioned to fit within the width and height of an intermodal shipping container 170 and is of an axial length so that three spools 12, 12', 12" can fit end to end within the length of a standard 20 foot intermodal shipping container.

[00061] Also shown are dividers 85 which can divide the length of the shaft 22 into sections for each cable.

[00062] In an embodiment a connection point 83 can be used where the cable is connected to an outlet 83 provided in the side wall 20.

[00063] Figures 16 to 18 show photos of a prototype embodiment of the spool assembly. Hydraulic lines 144 for the hydraulic pump 140 are shown for connection to a hydraulic power supply of the vehicle 150'. The hydraulic pump 140 may be provided with a flow control to control the speed of rotation of the spool 12.

[00064] Mounting panels 114 for mounting the backplate 112 to the adaptors 102.

[00065] Figure 19 shows a method of employing the spool assembly 10 to deploy a cable 95 to a marine vessel (in this case a submarine 99). The spool 12 is lifted via the cradle 14 to a deployment position. The motor is activated to unwind the free end of the cable 95 having connector 96 (once it is unhooked) so there is enough slack in the cable. A drop desk deployment as illustrated can be accommodated, or a rise can also be accommodated by using a crane or lifting arms of the vehicle 150. The vehicle 150 can then continue to unwind the cable 95 from the spool 12 as it moves (in this case backwards down the wharf). Once unwound and at the desired position the cradle can be lowered to release the spool 12 from the cable 14. The spool can be rested on the ground 5. The other end of the cable can be connected.

[00066] As seen in Figures 16 and 18 a plurality of cables 95, 95' are wound onto the spool 12. As the spool is unwound the cables 95, 95' are unwound in parallel.

[00067] The cable(s) 95, 95' can also be stored by picking up the spool with the cradle 14 and the motor can rotate the spool 12 so as to wind the cable 95 on to it. The vehicle 150 can move along as the cable is be wound so as to not drag it on the ground 5. When fully wound on, the connector 96 can be hooked on thereby securing the cable in place and the spool 12 can then be moved to a storage place.

[00068] The cradle 14 is attachable and detachable from the vehicle 150 similar to the manner in which any tool would ordinarily be attached to the mounting point 16 of the vehicle 150 by use of the adaptor 102.

[00069] The present invention allows for storage of the cable in a manner less prone to damage and allows for deployment and storage using less manpower (about 2 people) than currently used techniques and is much quicker (about 10 minutes compared to 30-40 minutes).

[00070] The spool is weight appropriate, being about 570kg unloaded and about 1.6 tonne when loaded with a 100m high energy 72mm diameter cable. The spool 12 can carry three 30m cables.

[00071] The spool 12 may also accommodate hoses (for fresh water, fuel).

[00072] The spool 12 able to be disassembled into a 'flat pack'format for transport.

[00073] Ship to ship and ship to shore deployment is possible.

[00074] Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention. The present invention is not to be limited in scope by any of the specific embodiments described herein. These embodiments are intended for the purpose of exemplification only. Functionally equivalent products, formulations and methods are clearly within the scope of the invention as described herein. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[00075] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[00076] Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

[00077] The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[00078] Reference to positional descriptions and spatially relative terms), such as "inner," "outer," "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper" and the like, are to be taken in context of the embodiments depicted in the figures, and are not to be taken as limiting the invention to the literal interpretation of the term but rather as would be understood by the skilled addressee.

[00079] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[00080] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on", "engaged", "connected" or "coupled" to another element/layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element/layer or intervening elements/layers may be present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements/layers should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., "between", "adjacent"). As used herein the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[00081] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms"comprise", "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having," or variations thereof are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Claims

Claims 1. A cable spool comprising an axial shaft; spaced apart radially extending side walls; at least one winding surface radially spaced from the shaft extending substantially parallel to the shaft between the side walls, whereby in use, cable is wound on the winding surface(s).
2. A cradle for lifting the spool so that the shaft is substantially horizontal, the cradle comprising spaced apart slots for receiving the axle portions.
3. An assemble comprising a cradle for lifting the spool so that the shaft is substantially horizontal, the cradle comprising spaced apart slots for receiving the axle portions.
4. A method of deploying a cable comprising providing the cable wound onto a spool; lifting the spool with a cradle; unwinding the cable from the spool using a motor mounted to the cradle; and moving the spool as the cable is unwound.
5. A method of storing a cable comprising

lifting a spool with a cradle; winding the cable onto the spool using a motor mounted to the cradle; and moving the spool as the cable is wound onto the spool.
6. A system and method for storing, deploying and retracting cables, wherein the cables are those used to connect a docked ship with onshore facilities, such as water, electricity, and telecommunications, the system comprises a cable spool, a cradle and a support for moving and managing the cable spool, the system enabling the relatively rapid deployment and retraction of cables with minimal personnel compared to prior art systems.
7. A cable spool adapted for repeatable winding on and off of at least one cable; the cable spool comprises:

a support surface upon which the at least one cable is received, the diameter of the support surface being adjustable to accommodate different cable types;

two sidewalls between which the support surface extends;

each sidewall having slots formed therein, wherein stiffening members may be fitted to the slots to add rigidity to the cable spool.
8. The slots may also accommodate shrinkage and expansion of the sidewall.
9. The cable spool according to claim 7 wherein the support surface provides by a plurality of elongate support members extending between the two sidewalls.
10. The cable spool according to claim 7 wherein the sidewalls support the support members at predetermined radial positions from the spool's central axis, wherein the support surface may be adjusted to different diameters to accommodate different cables.
11. The cable spool according to claim 10 wherein the cable spool can be adjusted so that the support surface is at a diameter whereupon the cable may be wound and in a manner which meets the recommended radius of curvature for that cable.
12. The cable spool according to claim 9 wherein the elongate support members are spaced from adjacent elongate support members, wherein a first end of a cable may be received in a hollow central core defined by the elongate support members, before the cable is wound thereon.
13. The cable spool according to claim 7 wherein the sidewalls are in the form of a polygon.
14. The cable spool according to claim 7 wherein the sidewalls have mounting means to allow spools to be stacked thereon.
15. A cradle adapted to releasably secure a cable spool according to any one of claims 7 to 14.
16. A cradle support for receiving and supporting a cable spool, such as one herein described, the cradle support comprising:

at least two arms between which the cable spool may span, each arm having a locking means at its end, each locking means movable between an open condition wherein the cable spool may be received thereon, and a closed position wherein the cable spool is locked relative to the cradle arm;

a power system adapted to engage the spool for rotation thereof, the power system being removable attached to an end of one of the arms;

a cradle support adapted to be received on a vehicle such as a fork lift.
17. A support base for supporting a cable spool according to any one of claims 7 to 14, the support base comprises stabilising means which are retractable and can be extended when the cable spool is supported on the support base.
18. The support base according to claim 17 wherein the support base can be disassembled into a relatively flat package.
19. The support base according to claim 17 wherein the support base has mounting means which can be received on complementary mounting means on a truck (such as those similar to for mounting shipping containers.)
20. A method for deploying cable between a ship and onshore services, the method comprises:

securing a cable spool having the required cable stored thereon to a cradle support, wherein the cradle support is secured to a lifting vehicle, such as a forklift;

connecting one end to a ship coupling, or placing the one end adjacent the ship;

powering a motor on the cradle support to cause the spool to rotate;

moving the vehicle to lay the cable adjacent the dock;

connecting the other end of the cable to the onshore services.
21. A method for retracting a cable which extends between a ship and onshore services, the method comprises:

securing an empty cable spool to a cradle support, the cable spool having the support surface set at the desired diameter for the cable to be received thereon,

placing or securing one end of the cable relative to a hollow core of the cable spool;

powering a motor on the cradle support to cause the spool to rotate and to start winding on the cable;

moving the vehicle to continue to wind on the cable which is adjacent the dock;

securing the other end of the cable relative to the spool;

storing the cable spool with cable for future use.