DK202070774A1 - Line handling device and vessel comprising the line handling device - Google Patents

Abstract

A line handling device for a vessel is disclosed. The line handling device comprises a main body comprising a first main body section and a second main body section. The first main body section and the second main body section being configured to pivot in relation to each other. The line handling device comprises a first set of catching arms for catching a first line. The first set of catching arms being arranged on the first main body section. The line handling device comprising a receptacle for receiving an eye of a first line caught by the first set of catching arms. The receptacle being arranged on the second main body section. The line handling device comprises a second set of catching arms for catching a second line. The second set of catching arms being arranged on the second main body section. The receptacle is configured to position the eye of the first line in a first position. The second set of catching arms is configured to position the second line such that the second line comes in contact with the eye of the first line in the first position.

Description

DK 2020 70774 A1 1

LINE HANDLING DEVICE AND VESSEL COMPRISING THE LINE HANDLING DEVICE The present disclosure pertains to the field of mooring of vessels. The present disclosure relates to a line handling device grabbing and handling a line, such as a mooring line, during a mooring operation, and a vessel comprising the line handling device.

BACKGROUND Mooring refers to an act of securing a vessel to a permanent structure, which permanent structure will hereinafter be referred to as a mooring point. A vessel may be secured to a mooring point to forestall free movement of the vessel on the water. An anchor mooring fixes the vessel's position relative to a point on the bottom of a waterway without connecting the vessel to shore.

The mooring point may be any variety of shore fixture, from trees and rocks to specially constructed areas such as quays, wharfs, jetties, piers, anchor buoys, and/or mooring buoys.

Mooring is often accomplished using thick ropes called mooring lines or hawsers. The lines may be fixed to deck fittings on the vessel at one end and to fittings such as bollards, rings, and cleats at the other end.

Mooring typically requires cooperation between people on shore and on a vessel. Heavy mooring lines are often passed from larger vessels to people on shore by smaller, weighted heaving lines. The mooring line is then pulled onto shore by means of the heaving line and are then manually connected to the mooring point by the people on shore.

Typically, a plurality of mooring lines is required to secure a vessel. The heaviest cargo ships may require more than a dozen mooring lines, while small vessels can generally be moored by four to six mooring lines.

Once a mooring line is attached to a mooring point, it is pulled tight. Large ships generally tighten their mooring lines using heavy machinery, such as called mooring winches or capstans. The high tension may cause snap-back of the mooring line. A snap-back is a sudden recoil of a mooring line as a result of its failure under tension. A failed mooring line

DK 2020 70774 A1 2 could recoil with great velocity, possibly resulting in injury or even death to personnel handling the mooring line onboard the vessel or on shore. The risk of snap-back increases if the mooring line are worn or damaged. Mooring lines are typically long and heavy ropes stored on board ships in coil form. When these lines are under operation, they tend to naturally form a coil or ring shape, which is also known as rope bight. If a person involved in mooring operation comes under this rope bight, such as gets stuck in a coil or ring of the line, a pull of the line may drag the person over the ship or smash the person against the vessel or equipment mounted or stored on the vessel.

Snap-back and rope bight may lead to severe injuries or even death of personnel. Hence, mooring of a vessel involves hard labor with risk for injuries for personnel handling the mooring line. Further, mooring operations are time consuming and must be planned in advance to ensure that people are available onshore to assist during mooring.

SUMMARY Accordingly, there is a need for a device for handling a line, such as mooring line, which mitigate, alleviate or address the shortcomings existing and provide a safe and less time- consuming mooring operation.

A line handling device for a vessel is disclosed. The line handling device comprises a main body comprising a first main body section and a second main body section. The first main body section and the second main body section being configured to pivot in relation to each other. The line handling device comprises a first set of catching arms for catching a first line. The first set of catching arms being arranged on the first main body section. The line handling device comprising a receptacle for receiving an eye of a first line caught by the first set of catching arms. The receptacle being arranged on the second main body section. The line handling device comprises a second set of catching arms for catching a second line. The second set of catching arms being arranged on the second main body section. The receptacle is configured to position the eye of the first line in a first position. The second set of catching arms is configured to position the second line such that the second line comes in contact with the eye of the first line in the first position.

DK 2020 70774 A1 3 Further, a vessel comprising the line handling device according to the current disclosure is disclosed. The second main body section of the line handling device is vertically arranged on the vessel. Further, a method is disclosed, performed by a first vessel comprising the line handling device according to the current disclosure, for mooring of a second vessel. The method comprises catching, using the first set of catching arms, a first line from the second vessel: The method comprises receiving an eye of the first line in the receptacle. The method comprises catching, using the second set of catching arms, the second line. Positioning, using the second set of catching arms, the second line, such that the second line comes in contact with the eye of the first line in the receptacle. It is an advantage of the present disclosure that the time and effort required for performing a mooring procedure may be reduced, since the line handling device can grab and secure the line, without requiring manual handling of the line. Further, the risk of personnel getting injured is reduced, since the line can be handled — without personnel directly handling the line. The personnel may be located at a safe distance from the line during the mooring procedure, thereby reducing the risk of injuries for example in case of a snap-back of a mooring line. Thus, a safe mooring operation can be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art by the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings, in which: Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary line handling device according to this disclosure, Fig. 1A shows a perspective view of an example line handling device according to this disclosure,

DK 2020 70774 A1 4 Fig. 2 illustrates a side view of an exemplary vessel comprising the line handling device according to this disclosure, Fig. 3 illustrates the exemplary vessel comprising the line handling device during an example first step of an example mooring procedure according to the current disclosure, Fig. 4 illustrates the exemplary vessel comprising the line handling device during an example second step of an example mooring procedure according to the current disclosure, Fig. 5 illustrates the exemplary vessel comprising the line handling device during an example third step of an example mooring procedure according to the current disclosure, Fig. 6 illustrates the exemplary vessel comprising the line handling device during an example fourth step of an example mooring procedure according to the current disclosure, Fig. 7 illustrates the exemplary vessel comprising the line handling device during an example fifth step of an example mooring procedure according to the current disclosure, and Fig. 8 shows a flow diagram of an example method performed by a first vessel comprising a line handling device for mooring of a second vessel according to the current disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Various exemplary embodiments and details are described hereinafter, with reference to the figures when relevant. It should be noted that the figures may or may not be drawn to scale and that elements of similar structures or functions are represented by like reference numerals throughout the figures. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the disclosure or as a limitation on the scope of the disclosure. In addition, an illustrated embodiment needs not have all the aspects or advantages shown. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in any other embodiments even if not so illustrated, or if not so explicitly described.

DK 2020 70774 A1 The figures are schematic and simplified for clarity, and they merely show details which aid understanding the disclosure, while other details have been left out. Throughout, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding parts. Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary line handling device 1 for a vessel. The line 5 handling device 1 is configured for catching and connecting a first line and a second line during a mooring procedure. The line handling device 1 is configured to catch the first line, such as a mooring line, from a larger vessel and pulling the first line to a mooring point located on shore or on a fixed structure. The mooring point may be any variety of shore fixture, such as a tree or a rock, or a specially constructed area, such as a quay, a wharf, a jetty, a pier, an anchor buoy, and/or a mooring buoy. The line handling device 1 is further configured to catch a second line, such as a messenger line, located at the mooring point, and position the second line such that when the second line is retracted, which may also be referred to as heaved in, the second line catches the first line, such as an eye of the first line, and pulls the first line, such as the eye of the first line, onto the mooring point. The line handling device 1 comprises a main body 10. The main body comprises a first main body section 10A and a second main body section 10B. The first main body section 10A and the second main body section 10B being configured to pivot in relation to each other. The first main body section 10A may have a first main body axis Xs. The first main body axis Xi; may be a longitudinal axis of the first main body section 10A. The second main body section 10B may have a second main body axis Xo. The main body axis X2 may be a longitudinal axis of the second main body section 10B. The first main body axis X, and the second main body axis X> may be coaxially arranged in a first state of the line guiding device 1. The first state may be a catching state for catching the first line from the second vessel. The first main body section 10A and the second main body section 10B may be configured to pivot in relation to each other around a pivot axis 10C. The pivot axis being perpendicular to the first main body axis X1and/or the second main body axis Xo. In one or more example line handling devices 1, the second main body section 10B is configured to be mounted to a vessel.

The line handling device 1 comprises a first set of catching arms 11 for catching the first line. The first set of catching arms 11 is arranged on the first main body section 10A. The first set of catching arms may have a main protrusion direction from the first main body

DK 2020 70774 A1 6 section 10A perpendicular to the main body axis Xi. The first set of catching arms 11 may comprise one or more first catching arms. The first set of catching arms 11 may be configured to encircle and grab the first line. The line handling device 1 comprises a receptacle 12 for receiving an eye of a first line caught by the first set of catching arms 11. The receptacle 12 is arranged on the second main body section 10B. The receptacle 12 is configured to position the eye of the first line in a first position. In one or more example line handling devices 1, the receptacle 12 may have an internal shape configured to cause the eye of the first line to rotate and/or slide into the first position when the first line is inserted into the receptacle.

The line handling device 1 comprises a second set of catching arms 13 for catching a second line. The second set of catching arms 13 is arranged on the second main body section 10B. The second set of catching arms 13 is configured to position the second line such that the second line comes in contact with the eye of the first line in the first position. The second set of catching arms 13 may have a main protrusion direction from the second main body section 10B perpendicular to the main body axis X, of the second main body section. The second set of catching arms 13 may comprise one or more second catching arms. The first set of catching arms 11 may be configured to encircle and grab the first line. The first set of catching arms 11 may be configured to catch the first line and guide the mooring line into the receptacle 12, when the first line is paid out.

In one or more example line handling devices 1, the receptacle 12 has an elongated slot 19 for receiving a second line caught by the second set of catching arms 13. The elongated slot 19 may be parallel to the second main axis X, of the second main body section 10B. In other words, the elongated slot may be vertically arranged in the receptacle 12, when the line handling device 1 is arranged on a vessel. The second set of catching arms 13 may be configured to guide the second line into the elongated slot 19 of the receptacle 12. The second line may in one or more example embodiments comprise a catching device for catching the first line, such as for catching the eye of the first line. The catching device may be arranged at a free end of the second line. The catching device may in one or more example second lines be a hook, such as an asymmetric hook. The second set of catching arms 13 and/or the receptacle 12, such as the elongated slot 19 of the receptacle, may be configured to position the catching device in a position where the

DK 2020 70774 A1 7 catching device is configured to catch the first line arranged in the receptacle 12, such as the first line being arranged in the first position within the receptacle 12. The first set of catching arms 11 may be configured to be arranged in a first position, such as an open position, in which the first line may be inserted, in a radial direction, into a space defined by the first set of catching arms 11. The first set of catching arms 11 may be configured to be arranged in a second position, such as a closed position, in which the first line may be radially encircled by the first set of catching arms 11. In the second position, the first set of catching arms 11 may be configured to center the first line over the receptacle 12, such that the eye of the first line can be lowered into the receptacle 12 by paying out the first line. The first set of catching arms 11 may be configured to be arranged in a third position, such as a grabbing position, in which the first set of catching arms 11 are fully closed and grab the first line. In the third position, the first set of catching arms 11 may be configured to center the first line over the receptacle 12, such that the eye of the first line can be lowered into the receptacle 12 by paying out the first line, such as lowering the line from the second vessel.

In one or more example line handling devices 1 according to claim 1, the first set of catching arms 11, the receptacle 12 and the second set of catching arms 13 may be arranged along a common axis X.. The first set of catching arms 11, the receptacle 12 and the second set of catching arms 13 may be arranged along the common axis X: when the first main body axis X4 and the second main body axis X, are coaxially arranged in the first state of the line guiding device 1. The receptable 12 may be arranged between the first set of catching arms 11 and the second set of catching arms 13 along the common axis X-, such as when the line handling device 1 is in the first state. The common axis X. may be parallel to the second main body axis Xo.

In one or more example line handling devices 1, the line handling device 1 may be configured to be in a second state. In the second state of the line guiding device 1, the first main body section 10A is configured to be pivoted in relation to the second main body section 10B, so that the first main body axis Xs and the second main body axis X» are arranged at an angle larger than 0 degrees to each other.

DK 2020 70774 A1 8 In one or more example line handling devices 1, the first main body axis X; and the second main body axis X> may be arranged perpendicularly to each other, when the line handling device 1 is in the second state. In one or more example line handling devices 1, the line handling device 1 comprises a line guiding device 15 for guiding the first line caught by the first set of catching arms 11.

The line guiding device 15 may be configured to guide the first line caught by the first set of catching arms 11 in a radial direction of the first line. The line guiding device 15 may be arranged on the first main body section 10A, such that the line guiding device 15 is configured to pivot with the first main body section 10A in relation to the second main body section 10B. The line guiding device 15 may be a profile, such as a passive profile, such as a U-shaped or C-shaped profile, having a plurality of parallel longitudinal side surfaces protruding from the first main body section. The line guiding device may be configured to receive the first line between a first and a second longitudinal side surface, such that the first line is restricted from moving in a radial direction of the first line when the first line is inserted into the line guiding device 15. In one or more example line handling devices 1, the line handling device 1 comprises a set of rollers 16 configured to rotate a first line caught by the first set of catching arms 11 around a longitudinal axis of the first line. The set of rollers 16 may comprise one or more rollers. The set of rollers 16 may be used to position the eye of the first line relative to the receptacle 12 prior to inserting the eye of the first line into the receptacle 12. Thereby, the risk of the eye of the first line being wrongly positioned in the receptacle, such as not being positioned in the first position is reduced. A wrong position of the eye of the first line in the receptacle may cause the second line to not being able to catch the first line, such as the eye of the first line. One or more rollers of the set of rollers 16 may have a rotation axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of a first line caught by the first set of catching arms

11. The set of rollers may comprise a drive unit for rotating at least one roller of the set of rollers 16. The set of rollers 16 may be arranged to abut the first line caught by the first set of catching arms 11, such that the rotation of the at least one roller of the set of rollers is transferred to the first line caught by the first set of catching arms 11, so that the first line is rotated around its longitudinal axis. In order to increase the friction between the set of rollers 16 and the first line caught by the first set of catching arms 11, the rollers may be

DK 2020 70774 A1 9 spring loaded towards the first line, when the first line is caught by the first set of catching arms 11. In one or more example line handling devices 1, the line handling device 1 comprises an actuator 18 for pivoting the first main body section 10A in relation to the second main body section 10B. The actuator 18 may be configured to move, such as pivot or tilt, the first main body section 10A in relation to the second main body section 10B. In one or more line handling devices 1, the actuator 18 may be a linear actuator, such as an electrical actuator or an actuating cylinder, such as hydraulic cylinder, such as a ram-type actuator. The actuator 18 may, in one or more example line handling devices 1, be configured to move the first main body section 10A from a first state, in which the first main body axis Xi is coaxially arranged with the second main body axis X», to a second state, in which the first main body axis X is perpendicularly arranged with the second main body axis Xo. The first state of the first main body section 10A may herein be referred to as a vertical state of the first main body section 10A. The first state of the first main body section 10A may herein be referred to as a vertical state of the first main body section 10A. In one or more line handling devices 1, the line handling device 1 comprises a third set of catching arms 17 for catching the second line. The third set of catching arms 17 may be arranged on the first main body section 10A perpendicular to the first set of catching arms

11. The third set of catching arms 17 may be configured to extend perpendicularly to the second main body axis Xo, when the first main body section is in the longitudinal state, such as when the first main body axis X is perpendicular to the second main body axis Xo. In one or more line handling devices 1, the line handling device 1 comprises a signaling system 14 for signaling an operating state of the line handling device 1. The signaling system 14 may be configured to visually and/or acoustically indicate the operating state of the line handling device 1. The signaling system may for example be a light signaling system arranged on top of the line handling device, such as on a free end of the first main body section 10A distal from the pivot point of the first main body section. The signaling system 14 may be configured to signal a first operating state of the line handling device when the first set of catching arms 11 has caught a first line. The first operating state may indicate, for example to personnel on deck of a second vessel, to pay out the first line.

DK 2020 70774 A1 10 The signaling system 14 may be configured to signal a second operating state of the line handling device when an eye of the first line has been positioned in the receptacle 12. The signaling system 14 may comprise a processor, one or more sensors for providing information indicative of the operating states of the line handling device 1 to the processor and an output device, such as a visual (for example a light) output device and/or an acoustic output device (for example a speaker). The processor may receive the information indicative of the operating state of the line handling device 1 from the one or more sensors. The processor may determine the operating state of the line handling device based on the received information indicative of the operating state. Based on the determined operating state, the processor may instruct the output device to provide an output signal corresponding to the determined operating state of the line handling device. In one or more example line handling devices, the signaling system comprises a sensor, such as a first sensor, arranged in the receptacle 12, for detecting that the eye of the first line has been positioned in the receptacle 12. The sensor arranged in the receptacle may for example be a sensor for detecting a weight of the line in the receptacle. In one or more example line handling devices, the signaling system 14 comprises a sensor, such as a second sensor, for detecting that a line has been caught by the first set of catching arms

11. The second sensor may for example be a sensor for detecting a position of the first set of catching arms, a proximity sensor for detecting an object in the proximity of the first set of catching arms and/or a force sensor for detecting a force applied to the first set of catching arms 11 when the first set of catching arms grabs the first line. In one or more example line handling devices, the signaling system 14 comprises a sensor, such as a third sensor, for detecting that a line has been caught by the second set of catching arms

13. The third sensor may for example be a sensor for detecting a position of the second set of catching arms 13, a proximity sensor for detecting an object in the proximity of the first set of catching arms and/or a force sensor for detecting a force applied to the second set of catching arms 13 when the second set of catching arms grabs the first line. In one or more example line handling devices, the signaling system 14 comprises a sensor, such as a fourth sensor, for detecting a change in state of the first main body section 10A in relation to the second amin body section 10B. The fourth sensor may for example be a sensor for detecting a position of the first main body section 10A, such as an end position sensor.

DK 2020 70774 A1 11 Fig. 1A shows a perspective view of an example line handling device 1 comprising the first set of catching arms 11, the line guiding device 15 and the receptacle 12. A first line 31 has been inserted into the receptacle 12, such that the eye 32 of the first line is in a first position in the receptacle 12. The receptacle 12 has the elongated slot 19 for receiving the second line (not shown in Fig. 1A) caught by the second set of catching arms (not shown in Fig. 1A). In the first position the eye 32 of the first line 31 may face the elongated slot 19 of the receptacle 12. The elongated slot 19 may be arranged in parallel to the second main axis Xz of the second main body section, such that when the line handling device 1 is arranged in a vertical direction on a vessel, the second line may be inserted into the elongated slot 19 when the second line hangs vertically from a mooring point. The receptacle 12 may further have an opening 20 in the bottom of the receptacle 12, such that a catching device arranged on a free end of the second line can enter the receptacle 12 through the opening 20 in the bottom of the receptacle 12 when the second line 41 is heaved in. When the catching device of the second line enters the receptacle, the catching device is configured to catch the eye 32 of the first line 31 located inside the receptacle 12. When the second line 41 is heaved in further, the catching device may lift the eye 32 of the first line 31 out of the receptacle 12. An inner shape of the receptacle 12 may be configured to position the eye 32 of the first line 31in the first position when the eye 32 of the first line 31 is inserted into the receptacle 12.

Fig. 2 shows a side view of a vessel 200 comprising the line handling device 1. The second main body section 10A of the line handling device 1 is vertically arranged on the vessel 200. In one or more example vessels, the line handling device 1 may be arranged on a stern of the vessel 200. In one or more examples, the vessel is a mooring vessel, such as a vessel used for mooring a second larger vessel to a mooring point.

In one or more example vessels, the vessel 200 may comprise one or more propulsors, such as thrusters. In one or more example vessels, the vessel 200 may comprise one or more propulsors in each end of the vessel, such as in a fore end and in an aft end of the vessel 200. By providing the vessel with propulsors in each end of the vessel 200, the vessel 200 can operate equally well in each direction. In one or more example vessels, the vessel 200 may be a steel vessel.

In one or more example vessels, the vessel is a remotely operated vessel. For example, one operator may operate the vessel comprising the line handling device remotely, e.g.

DK 2020 70774 A1 12 during a mooring procedure.

In one or more example mooring operations, the operator may operate the vessel 200 and/or a capstan, and/or a messenger line 41 and/or a bollard 40 at a mooring point.

In one or more example vessels, the vessel 200 is an autonomous vessel.

In one or more example mooring operations, one or more autonomous vessel functions may be available to the operator in order to reduce the operator workload.

The one or more autonomous vessel functions may for example comprise: 1) Hold position 2) Navigate to mobilization point. 3) Return to base In one or more example vessels, the vessel 200 may comprise a control system for remotely controlling the vessel 200. The control system may comprise one or more cameras for providing images of the vessel and/or the line handling device and/or the surroundings of the vessel to the operator, such as to a control unit comprised in the — control system for operating the vessel.

The control system may be configured to allow the operator to toggle between cameras in order to provide detailed images from the vessel, such that the operator can perform the mooring operation within line of sight.

In one or more example mooring operations, the operator of the vessel can communicate with the deck crew on a second vessel, such as a berthing vessel, via radio, such as via VHF, and/or via the signaling system of the line handling device 1. In this way the crew of the second vessel will know when to pay out and when to hold the first line.

The signaling system 14 may also signal to the crew when the eye of the mooring rope is safely on the bollard 40 to let the crew know that the line is to be heaved in.

Fig. 3 shows the vessel 200 comprising the line handling device 1 according to the current disclosure during an example first step of an example mooring operation.

A second vessel to be moored is positioned outside a mooring point, such as a bollard 40. The second vessel 30 has paid out a first line 31, such as a mooring line, the first line comprising an eye 32, such that the first line is hanging vertically from the second vessel.

In one or more example mooring points, the mooring point has a messenger line 41 comprising a

DK 2020 70774 A1 13 catching device 42 for catching the first line 31, such as for catching the eye 32 of the first line 31. The catching device 42 may be arranged at a free end of the second line 41. The catching device 42 may in one or more examples be a hook, such as an asymmetric hook.

In one or more example mooring operations, the vessel 200 is maneuvered so the first line 31 is within reach of the first set of catching arms 11 of the line handling device 1. The first set of catching arms may be closed enough to position, such as center, the first line 31, such as the eye 32 of the first line 31, over the receptacle 12. The signaling system 14 may signal a first operating state of the line handling device. The signaling of the first operating state of the line handling device 1 may indicate, for example to the crew of the second vessel 30, that the first line 31 is to be paid out, such as lowered towards the water level, such that the eye 32 of the first line enters the receptacle 12. When the eye 32 of the first line is detected to be positioned in the receptacle 12, a full closing of the first set of catching arms 11 may be initiated, so that the first set of catching arms 11 grabs the first line 31. When the first set of catching arms 11 grabs the first line, the first line may be fixed by the first set of catching arms, so that the line handling device 1 can pull the first line. When the eye 32 of the line 31 has been detected to be positioned in the receptacle the signaling system 14 may signal a second operating state of the line handling device 1. The second operating state of the line handling device may indicate, for example to the crew of the second vessel 30, that the pay out of the first line 31 is to be stopped. During the example first step of the example mooring operation the first main body section 10A is arranged in the vertical state.

Fig. 4 shows the vessel 200 comprising the line handling device 1 according to the current disclosure during an example second step of an example mooring operation. When the — first set of catching arms 1 has grabbed the first line, the first line may be brought towards the mooring point, such as to the bollard 40, by the vessel 200. In order to improve maneuverability of the vessel 200, the first main body section 10A may be arranged in a longitudinal state. A tilting of the first main body section 10A may be activated, such that the main body section moves from the vertical position to the longitudinal position. By moving the first main body section 10A to the longitudinal position, the tow point, such as the point where the first line is connected to the line handling device, is moved closer to a deck of the vessel 200, which improves the maneuverability of the vessel 200. In one or

DK 2020 70774 A1 14 more example vessels, moving the first main body section 10A to a longitudinal position may move the towing point into a position between a plurality of propulsors, such as thrusters, of the vessel, which further improves the maneuverability of the vessel 200. When tilting of the main body section 1A is activated the signaling system 14 may signal the first state of the line handling device indicating the first line is to be paid out. By paying out the first line, slack is provided in the first line which allows the tilting of the first main body section 10A. The line handling device may comprise backpressure surveillance to monitor a backpressure in the actuator 18 during the tilting of the first main body section 10A. The operation of the actuator 18 for tilting the main body section 10A may thereby be stopped in case the first line 31 is not paid out, such as in case the crew of the second vessel 30 fails to pay out the first line 31. Fig. 5 shows the vessel 200 comprising the line handling device 1 according to the current disclosure during an example third step of an example mooring operation. In the example third step, the vessel 200 may approach the second line 41, such as the messenger line, and may be maneuvered so that the second line 41 is within reach of the second set of catching arms 13 of the line handling device 1. When the second line 32 is within reach of the second set of catching arms 13, the second set of catching arms 13 may be closed so that the second line 41 is caught by the second set of catching arms 13. The second set of catching arms 13 is configured to position the second line 41, such that the second line 41 comes in contact with the eye of the first line 31 being arranged in the first position in the receptacle 12. The second set of catching arms 13 may be configured to align the second line 41 with the receptacle 12, such as with the elongated slot 19 of the receptacle

12. The second set of catching arms 13 may thus be positioned in the elongated slot 19 of the receptacle 12, such that the second line 41 comes into contact with the first line 31, such as with the eye 32 of the first line 31 in the receptacle 12, such that when the second line 41 is retracted it catches the eye 32. In one or more example line handling devices 1, the line handling device 1 may comprise the third set of catching arms 17 for catching the second line. Due to the third set of catching arms 17 being arranged on the first main body section 10A perpendicular to the first set of catching arms 11, the third set of catching arms 17 is arranged in parallel to the second set of catching arms 13 when the first main body section 10A is in the longitudinal state. The third set of catching arms 17 may thus be configured to catch and position the second line 41 above the receptacle 12. The second set of catching arms 13 and the third set of catching arms 17 may thus pull

DK 2020 70774 A1 15 the second line 41 into the elongated slot 19 of the receptacle 12 and into contact with the first line 31, such that the second line comes in contact with the eye 32 of the first line 31 in the receptacle 12. When the second line 41 is within reach of the second set of catching arms 13 and the third set of catching arms 17 the second set of catching arms 13 and the third set of catching arms 17 may be closed to catch the second line 41.

Fig. 6 shows the vessel 200 comprising the line handling device 1 according to the current disclosure during an example fourth step of an example mooring operation. In the example fourth step, the vessel 200 may be stationary, such as holding its position in relation to the mooring point. When the second set of catching arms 13 and/or the third set of catching arms 17 are closed, such that the second line 41 is in contact with the eye 32 of the first line 31 being arranged in the receptacle 12, the second line 41 may be heaved in such that the catching device 42, such as the hook, such as the asymmetrical hook, is lifted and passes the eye 32 of the first line 31. The second set of catching arms 13 may be configured to form a guide for the catching device 42, such as for the asymmetrical hook, wherein the guide ensures that the catching device 42 lines up, such as is correctly positioned, with the elongated slot 19 in the receptacle 12. By lining up the catching device 42 to the elongated slot 19, it is ensured that the eye 32 of the first line 31 is caught, such as is hooked, by the catching device 42. The catching device 42 catches the eye 32 of the first line 31 and lifts the eye 32 from the receptacle 12. In one or more example line handling devices, the third set of catching arms 17 may be configured to be positioned such that it leaves behind enough opening so the first line 31 can pass through the first set of catching arms 17. Fig. 7 shows the vessel 200 comprising the line handling device 1 according to the current disclosure during an example fifth step of an example mooring operation. In the example — fifth step, the second line is when the eye 32 of the first line 31 lifted from the receptacle 12, such that the weight of the eye 32 of the first line 31 is lifted from the receptacle 12, the first set of catching arms 11 may be configured to open, thereby releasing the first line from the vessel 200. The line handling device 1 may be configured to open the first set of catching arms 11, when the first sensor arranged in the receptacle 12 detects a reduction of the weight applied to the receptacle 12. The first set of catching arms 11 may in one or more example line handling devices 1 be configured to manually release the first line, e.g.

DK 2020 70774 A1 16 controlled by an operator of the vessel 200. The second line 41 may be heaved in further until the eye 32 is pulled onto the mooring point, such as onto the bollard 40. Fig. 8 shows a flow diagram of an example method 100 performed by a first vessel, such as the vessel 200, comprising a line handling device according to the current disclosure, for mooring of a second vessel, such as of the vessel 30. The method 100 comprises catching S101, using the first set of catching arms 11, a first line from the second vessel. Catching S101 is similar to the example first step shown in relation to Fig. 3. The method 100 comprises receiving S103 an eye of the first line in the receptacle 12 of the line handling device 1. Receiving S103 is similar to the example first step shown in relation to Fig. 3.

The method 100 comprises catching S107, using the second set of catching arms 13, the second line. Catching S107 is similar to the example third step shown in relation to Fig. 5. The method 100 comprises positioning S108, using the second set of catching arms 13, the second line, such that the second line comes in contact with the eye of the first line in the receptacle. The positioning S108 is similar to the example third step shown in relation to Fig. 5.

In one or more example methods, the method comprises grabbing S105, using the first set of catching arms 11, the first line. Grabbing S105 is similar to the example first step shown in relation to Fig. 3.

In one or more example methods, the method comprises towing S106 the first line to a location of a second line. Towing S106 corresponds to the example second step shown in relation to Fig. 4.

In one or more example methods, the method comprises signaling S102, upon catching S101 the first line, a first operating state of the line handling device 1. Signaling S102 the — first operating state of the line handling device corresponds to signaling the first operating state in the example first step shown in relation to Fig. 3.

In one or more example methods, the method comprises signaling S104, upon receiving S103 the eye of the first line in the receptacle, a second operating state of the line

DK 2020 70774 A1 17 handling device. Signaling S104 the second operating state of the line handling device corresponds to signaling the second operating state in the example first step shown in relation to Fig. 3.

Embodiments of the line handling device, and the vessel according to the disclosure are — set out in the following items: Item 1. Aline handling device (1) for a vessel, the line handling device (1) comprising: a main body (10) comprising a first main body section (10A) and a second main body section (10B), the first main body section (10A) and the second main body section being configured to pivot in relation to each other, a first set of catching arms (11) for catching a first line, the first set of catching arms (11) being arranged on the first main body section (10A), a receptacle (12) for receiving an eye of a first line caught by the first set of catching arms (11), the receptacle (12) being arranged on the second main body section (10B), a second set of catching arms (13) for catching a second line, the second set of catching arms (13) being arranged on the second main body section (10B), wherein the receptacle (12) is configured to position the eye of the first line in a first position, and wherein the second set of catching arms (13) is configured to position the second line such that the second line comes in contact with the eye of the first line in the first position.

Item 2. The line handling device (1) according to Item 1, wherein the first set of catching arms (11), the receptacle (12) and the second set of catching arms (13) are arranged along a common axis (Xc), the receptable being arranged between the first set of catching arms (11) and the second set of catching arms (13).

Item 3. The line handling device (1) according to Item 1 or 2, wherein the first line is a mooring line and the second line is a messenger line.

DK 2020 70774 A1 18 Item 4. The line handling device (1) according to any one of the previous Items, wherein the receptacle (12) has an elongated slot (19) for receiving the second line caught by the second set of catching arms (13), and wherein the second set of catching arms (13) is configured to guide the second line into the elongated slot (19) of the receptacle (12).

Item 5. The line handling device (1) according to any one of the previous Items, wherein the first main body section (10A) has a first main body axis (X1) being a longitudinal axis of the first main body section (10A) and the second main body section (10B) has a second main body axis (X2) being a longitudinal axis of the second main body section (10B), and wherein the first main body axis (X1) and the second main body axis (X>) are coaxially arranged in a first state of the line handling device (1).

Item 6. The line handling device (1) according to Item 5, wherein, in a second state of the line handling device (1), the first main body section (10A) is configured to be pivoted in relation to the second main body section (10B), so that the first main body axis (X41) and the second main body axis (X>) are arranged at an angle different than 0 degrees with respect to each other.

Item 7. The line handling device (1) according to any one of the previous Items, wherein, in the second state of the line handling device (1), the first main body axis (X1) and the second main body axis (X>) are arranged perpendicularly to each other.

Item 8. The line handling device (1) according to any one of the previous Items, wherein the line handling device (1) comprises a line guiding device (15) for guiding the first line caught by the first set of catching arms (11) in a radial direction of the first line, the line guiding device (15) being arranged on the first main body section (10A).

Item 9. The line handling device (1) according to any one of the previous Items, wherein the line handling device comprises a set of rollers (16) configured to rotate the first line caught by the first set of catching arms (11) around a longitudinal axis of the first line.

DK 2020 70774 A1 19 Item 10. The line handling device (1) according to any one of the previous Items, wherein the line handling device comprises an actuator (18) for pivoting the first main body section (10A) in relation to the second main body section (10B).

Item 11. The line handling device (1) according to any one of the previous Items, wherein the line handling device (1) comprises a third set of catching arms (17) for catching the second line, wherein the third set of catching arms (17) is arranged on the first main body section (10A) perpendicular to the first set of catching arms (11).

Item 12. The line handling device (1) according to any one of the previous Items, wherein the line handling device (1) comprises a signaling system (14) for signaling an operating state of the line handling device (1).

Item 13. The line handling device (1) according to Item 12, wherein the signaling system (14) is configured to visually and/or acoustically indicate the operating state of the line handling device (1).

Item 14. The line handling device (1) according to Item 12 or 13, wherein the signaling system (14) is configured to signal a first operating state of the line handling device when the first set of catching arms (11) has caught the first line.

Item 15. The line handling device (1) according to Item 14, wherein the signaling system is configured to signal a second operating state of the line handling device when an eye of the first line has been positioned in the receptacle (12).

Item 16. The line handling device (1) according to Item 15, wherein the signaling system comprises a sensor arranged in the receptacle (12), for detecting that the eye of the first line has been positioned in the receptacle (12).

Item 17. The line handling device (1) according to any one of the previous Items, wherein the second main body section (10B) is configured to be mounted to a vessel.

Item 18. A vessel (200) comprising a line handling device (1) according to any one of the Items 1 to 17, wherein the second main body section (10A) of the line handling device (1) is vertically arranged on the vessel (200).

DK 2020 70774 A1 20 Item 19. The vessel (200) according to Item 17, wherein the vessel is a mooring vessel.

Item 20. The vessel (200) according to Item 17 or 18, wherein the vessel is a remotely operated vessel.

Item 21. The vessel (200) according to Item 17 or 18, wherein the vessel is an autonomous vessel.

Item 22. A method (100) performed by a first vessel comprising a line handling device according to any one of the Items 1 to 17, for mooring of a second vessel, the method comprising: e catching (S101), using the first set of catching arms (11), a first line from the second vessel; e receiving (S103) an eye of the first line in the receptacle (12); e catching (5107), using the second set of catching arms (13), the second line; and e positioning ($108), using the second set of catching arms (13), the second line, such that the second line comes in contact with the eye of the first line in the receptacle. Item 23. The method according to Item 22, wherein the method comprises: e grabbing (S105), using the first set of catching arms (11), the first line; and e towing (S106) the first line to a location of a second line. Item 24. The method according to Item 22 or 23, wherein the method comprises: e signaling ($102), upon catching (S101) the first line, a first operating state of the line handling device; and e signaling (S104), upon receiving (S103) the eye of the first line in the receptacle, a second operating state of the line handling device.

DK 2020 70774 A1 21 The use of the terms “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”, “secondary”, “tertiary” etc. does not imply any particular order, but are included to identify individual elements. Moreover, the use of the terms “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”, “secondary”, “tertiary” etc. does not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”, “secondary”, “tertiary” etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Note that the words “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth”, “primary”, “secondary”, “tertiary” etc. are used here and elsewhere for labelling purposes only and are not intended to denote any specific spatial or temporal ordering.

Furthermore, the labelling of a first element does not imply the presence of a second element and vice versa. It is to be noted that the word "comprising" does not necessarily exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed. It is to be noted that the words "a" or "an" preceding an element do not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. It should further be noted that any reference signs do not limit the scope of the claims, and that the exemplary embodiments may be combined. Although features have been shown and described, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed disclosure, and it will be made obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed disclosure. The specification and drawings are, accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. The claimed disclosure is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

Claims (10)

DK 2020 70774 A1 22 CLAIMS

1. Aline handling device (1) for a vessel, the line handling device (1) comprising: a main body (10) comprising a first main body section (10A) and a second main body section (10B), the first main body section (10A) and the second main body section being configured to pivot in relation to each other, a first set of catching arms (11) for catching a first line, the first set of catching arms (11) being arranged on the first main body section (10A), a receptacle (12) for receiving an eye of a first line caught by the first set of catching arms (11), the receptacle (12) being arranged on the second main body section (10B), a second set of catching arms (13) for catching a second line, the second set of catching arms (13) being arranged on the second main body section (10B), wherein the receptacle (12) is configured to position the eye of the first line in a first position, and wherein the second set of catching arms (13) is configured to position the second line such that the second line comes in contact with the eye of the first line in the first position.

2. The line handling device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first set of catching arms (11), the receptacle (12) and the second set of catching arms (13) are arranged along a common axis (Xc), the receptable being arranged between the first set of catching arms (11) and the second set of catching arms (13).

3. The line handling device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first line is a mooring line and the second line is a messenger line.

4. The line handling device (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the receptacle (12) has an elongated slot (19) for receiving the second line caught by the second set of catching arms (13), and wherein the second set of catching arms (13) is configured to guide the second line into the elongated slot (19) of the receptacle (12).

DK 2020 70774 A1 23

5. The line handling device (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the first main body section (10A) has a first main body axis (X1) being a longitudinal axis of the first main body section (10A) and the second main body section (10B) has a second main body axis (X2) being a longitudinal axis of the second main body section (10B), and wherein the first main body axis (X1) and the second main body axis (X>) are coaxially arranged in a first state of the line handling device (1).

6. The line handling device (1) according to claim 5, wherein, in a second state of the line handling device (1), the first main body section (10A) is configured to be pivoted in relation to the second main body section (10B), so that the first main body axis (X1) and the second main body axis (X>) are arranged at an angle different than O degrees with respect to each other.

7. The line handling device (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein, in the second state of the line handling device (1), the first main body axis (X1) and the second main body axis (Xz) are arranged perpendicularly to each other.

8. The line handling device (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the line handling device comprises an actuator (18) for pivoting the first main body section (10A) in relation to the second main body section (10B).

9. A vessel (200) comprising a line handling device (1) according to any one of the claims 1 to 8, wherein the second main body section (10A) of the line handling device (1) is vertically arranged on the vessel (200).

10. A method (100) performed by a first vessel comprising a line handling device according to any one of the claims 1 to 8, for mooring of a second vessel, the method comprising: e catching (S101), using the first set of catching arms (11), a first line from the second vessel; e receiving (S103) an eye of the first line in the receptacle (12);

DK 2020 70774 A1 24 e catching (5107), using the second set of catching arms (13), the second line; and e positioning (S108), using the second set of catching arms (13), the second line, such that the second line comes in contact with the eye of the first line in the receptacle.