EP4114722A1

EP4114722A1 - Line handling device and vessel comprising the line handling device

Info

Publication number: EP4114722A1
Application number: EP21707921.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thomas Bangslund
Original assignee: Svitzer AS
Current assignee: Svitzer AS
Priority date: 2020-03-06
Filing date: 2021-02-20
Publication date: 2023-01-11
Also published as: CA3169314A1; CN115151480A; PE20230532A1; BR112022017680A2; WO2021175627A1; MX2022010715A

Abstract

A line handling device for a vessel is disclosed. The line handling device comprises a main body having a guide section and a receiving section for receiving a line. The guide section is arranged along a perimeter of the receiving section, is arc shaped and has a centre axis. The line handling device further comprises a guiding arc being arranged in the guide section concentrically with and rotatably around the centre axis of the guide section. The guiding arc comprises an open section allowing the line to enter the receiving section of the main body. The line catching device further comprises a grabbing cable for grabbing and holding the line, having a distal end connected to a swivel arranged on the guiding arc and a proximal end connected to a point arranged on the main body. The guiding arc is configured to rotate in a first direction around the receiving section of the main body such that the swivel forms a trajectory encircling the line located in the receiving section, such that the grabbing cable catches the line located in the receiving section and pulls the line against an inner surface of the receiving section.

Description

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 holding 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 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 having a guide section and a receiving section for receiving the line, the guide section being arranged along a perimeter or edge of a receiving section for receiving the line. The guide section is optionally arc shaped and has a centre axis. The line handling device further comprises a guiding arc being arranged in the guide section of the main body, wherein the guiding arc is arranged concentrically with and rotatably around the centre axis of the guide section. The guiding arc comprises an open section allowing or configured to allow the line to enter the receiving section of the main body. The line catching device further comprises a grabbing cable for grabbing and holding the line, the grabbing cable having a distal end connected to a swivel arranged on the guiding arc and a proximal end connected to appoint arranged on the main body. The guiding arc is configured to rotate in a first direction around the receiving section of the main body such that, when the line is located in the receiving section, the swivel forms a trajectory encircling, such as fully or partly encircling, the line located in the receiving section, such that the grabbing cable catches the line located in the receiving section and pulls the line against an inner surface of the receiving section.

Further, a vessel comprising the line handling device is disclosed.

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 by one single rotational movement, 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 in case of a snap-back of a mooring line. Thus, a safe mooring operation is 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 an exploded top down view of an exemplary line handling device according to this disclosure,

Fig. 2 illustrates a top down view of an exemplary line handling device comprising a drive system according to this disclosure,

Fig. 3A illustrates an exploded side view of an exemplary line handling device according to this disclosure in an open position for receiving a line,

Fig. 3B illustrates a side view of an exemplary line handling device according to this disclosure in an open position for receiving a line,

Fig. 3C illustrates an exploded side view of an exemplary line handling device according to this disclosure in a closed position, Fig. 3D illustrates a side view of an exemplary line handling device according to this disclosure in a closed position,

Fig. 4 illustrates a top down view of a line handling device comprising a tensioning device according to some embodiments herein,

Fig. 5A-5G illustrate different states of the line handling device in a mooring system for securing a vessel to a mooring point during a mooring operation,

Fig. 6 illustrates an exemplary line handling device according to this disclosure,

Fig. 7A illustrates an exemplary vessel comprising the line handling device according to this disclosure in a retracted position, and

Fig. 7B illustrates an exemplary vessel comprising the line handling device according to this disclosure in an extended position.

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.

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.

A line handling device for a vessel is disclosed. The line handling device comprises a main body having a guide section, for receiving a guiding arc, and a receiving section for receiving a line. The guide section being arranged along a perimeter of the receiving section. The guide section is optionally arc shaped and having a centre axis. The line handling device further comprises a guiding arc being arranged in the guide section of the main body. The guiding arc is arranged concentrically with (or at least partly concentrically with) and/or rotatably around the centre axis of the guide section. Being concentrically arranged shall herein be interpreted as having the same center axis or having aligned center axes. In other words, when the guiding arc is arranged in the guide section the guiding arc and the guide section have aligning center axes. The guiding arc is configured to rotate in relation to the main body around the aligned center axes. The guiding arc comprises or forms an open section allowing the line to enter the receiving section of the main body. The line catching device further comprises a grabbing cable for grabbing and holding the line. The grabbing cable has a distal end connected to a swivel arranged on the guiding arc and a proximal end optionally connected to a mounting point arranged on the main body. The swivel may be mounted to the guiding arc via a pin, such that the swivel is free to rotate in relation to the guiding arc around the pin. The guiding arc is configured to rotate in a first direction around the receiving section of the main body, such that, when the line is located in the receiving section, the swivel forms a trajectory encircling the line located in the receiving section, such that the grabbing cable catches or is configured to catch the line located in the receiving section and pulls or is configured to pull the line against an inner surface of the receiving section. The main body and the guiding arc of the line handling device may be made out of metal, such as a stainless steel or aluminum. The grabbing cable may for example be a steel cable, such as a stainless-steel cable, or a rope, such as a natural fibre rope, a synthetic fibre rope or a combined synthetic/natural fibre rope.

The receiving section may be an open section in the main body, such as a through-going cut out in the main body and may be defined by one or more side walls of the main body. An opening may be provided in the side of the main body for allowing an object, such as a line, to be inserted into the receiving section. In other words, the opening in the side of the main body may be an opening providing access to the receiving section in a direction perpendicular to the center axis of the guide section. The receiving section is arranged within the perimeter of the guide section and the guiding arc, such that the guide section and guiding arc surrounds the receiving section. The periphery of the receiving section may have one of the following shapes, U-shaped, arc shaped, V-shaped, or trapez- shaped. The dimensions of the receiving section are selected such that the receiving section and the opening in the side wall can accommodate the line, such as a mooring line. The dimensions may be dependent on the size of the line that is to be caught. In one or more exemplary line handling device(s), a diameter or a width of the receiving section may be in the range of 0,5-3 meters, such as in the range of 1-2 meters, such as in the range of 1,2-1 ,5 meters. The receiving section may be a through hole arranged in the main body, such as in a main plane of the main body and being surrounded by the guide section. The guide section may be a groove, such as a milled groove, or a rail, mounted on the surface of the main body, surrounding the through hole. When the guide section is a rail, the guiding arc may comprise a groove, such as a milled groove, arranged along the perimeter of the guiding arc in a surface facing the main body, wherein the groove is configured to receive the rail of the main body. The through hole and the guide section may be truncated, such that the guide section and the through hole are open to one side of the main body. The guide section and/or the receiving section being truncated shall herein be interpreted as the main body having an imaginary cut going through a through hole and a circular guide section, such that a part of a side wall, such as a part of a circumference, of the through hole and the circular guide section is missing. An inner surface of the receiving section being configured to be in contact with the line may comprise a plurality of protrusions or a coating, such as a rubber material, for increasing friction between the surface and the line. This may reduce the risk of the line unintentionally releasing from the line handling device.

An angular span of the guiding arc and of the guide section, such as the angular span between two free ends of the guiding arc and the arc-shaped guide section, may be selected such that the opening between a first free end and a second free end of the guiding arc and the opening in the guide section are large enough to allow the line to be inserted through the openings, while ensuring that the guiding arc stays in contact with the guide section throughout a complete revolution of the guiding arc in the guide section. Thus, the angular span of the guiding arc and the angular span of the guide section may be selected such that the sum of the angular spans of the guide section and the guiding arc is larger than 380°, such that the angular spans of the guide section and the guiding arc always overlap when the guiding arc rotates a full revolution in relation to the main body. The guiding arc may span an angle larger than 180° and smaller than 360°, such as 200° to 240°. The guide section may span an angle larger than 180° and smaller than 360°, such as 200° to 240°. Consequently, the opening 23 of the guiding arc 21 and the opening 11 b of the guide section 11 may span less than 180°, such as 360° minus the span of the guiding arc 21 or the guide section 11 correspondingly, to ensure that the free end 21 A of the guiding arc 21 is engaged with the guide section 11 and the drive system 30 on the opposite side of the opening 11 b before the free end 21 B exits the guide section 11 and disengages the drive system 30.

The guiding arc may, to release the line, be configured, for example by means of the drive system, to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction around the receiving section of the main body such that the swivel follows the trajectory in the second direction and dis-encircles the line, such that the grabbing cable releases the line located in the receiving section.

The grabbing cable may be configured to exert a holding force on the line, when the line is pulled against the inner surface of the receiving section. The holding force may be provided by tensioning the grabbing cable. In some embodiments herein, the grabbing cable may be an elastic cable. The tensioning of the elastic cable may be performed by means of a change in distance between the swivel connected to the distal end of the grabbing cable and the mounting point connected to the proximal end of the grabbing cable during rotation of the guiding arc. When the swivel is located further away from the mounting point of the proximal end of the grabbing cable, the tension of the grabbing cable may be increased. The properties of the grabbing cable, such as an elasticity and/or a length, may be selected such that the tension in the grabbing cable is low enough to not be a hinder for rotation of the guiding arc. The properties may further be selected such that the line is firmly grabbed and held in the receiving section without causing damage to the line.

The line handling device may comprise a tensioning device connected to the grabbing cable, wherein the tensioning device is configured to exert a tensioning force on the grabbing cable. The tensioning device may be arranged between the distal end of the grabbing cable and the swivel and/or between the proximal end of the grabbing cable and the main body. A first end of the tensioning device may be fixed to the main body, such as to the mounting point, and/or the swivel and a second end of the tensioning device may be connected to the proximal or distal endof the grabbing cable. The tensioning device may comprise a spring and/or a tensioning cylinder, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic tensioning cylinder. The tensioning cylinder has the benefit that the tensioning force is variable by adjusting the pressure in the cylinder, such that the holding force is adjustable and may be adjusted depending on the size and weight of the line located in the receiving section.

The tensioning device may be configured to provide a first tensioning force during rotation of the guiding arc. The first tensioning force may be low enough to allow an undisturbed rotation of the guiding arc, such as a tensioning force lower than the driving force exerted on the guiding arc by the drive system during rotation. The tensioning device may further be configured to provide a second tensioning force for firmly holding the line against the inner surface of the receiving section. The second tensioning force may be higher than the first tensioning force, in order to exert a holding force on the line. The second tensioning force may be selected such that the line is firmly held between the grabbing cable and the inner surface of the receiving section, without casing wear or damage to the line. The actual tensioning force may be dependent on the size and type of line and/or grabbing cable.

When the line has been grabbed by the grabbing cable, the tensioning force may be increased to firmly pull and hold the line towards an inner surface of the receiving section. When the tensioning device comprises a tensioning cylinder connected to one of the distal or proximal ends of the grabbing line, the tensioning force may be increased by increasing a pressure in the cylinder such that the distal end of the grabbing cable moves away from the proximal end of the grabbing cable. When a lower tensioning force is required, such as during rotation of the guiding arc, the pressure in the tensioning cylinder may be reduced by releasing some of the pressure into an accumulator, which accumulator may be comprised in the tensioning device. If the tensioning force is too high, the grabbing cable may cause any mechanical stress to the line, which may cause damage or wear to the line. The tensioning force is therefore further selected such that the grabbing cable does not cause any damage or wear on the line during the mooring operation. By reducing the mechanical stress on the line during the mooring procedure, the risk of a snap-back due to failure of the line is reduced, thereby reducing the risk of injuries among personnel.

The guiding arc may be configured to be arranged in an open position, which may herein also be referred to as an initial position, in which the open section is arranged to allow the object to be inserted into and/or removed from the receiving section of the main body. In the open position the openings in the guiding arc, the guide section and the receiving section are aligned such that the line can be inserted into the receiving section. In the open position the guiding arc may be fully arranged within the main body, such as within the guide section of the main body. In addition to allowing an object to be inserted into the receiving section through the aligned openings, this position also protects the guiding arc during a mooring operation. If the guiding arc would be in a protruding position, such as when the leading free end or the trailing free end has left the guide section, the guiding arc might be damaged or deformed if it would come in contact with any other structure during the mooring operation, such as when the line handling device is brought in vicinity of a vessel from which a mooring line is to be caught, to position the mooring line in the receiving section. Damage or deformation of the guiding arc may lead to malfunction of the line handling device since the guiding arc may no longer align with the guide section and thus prevent rotation of the guiding arc. Thus, positioning the guiding arc in the initial position protects the guiding arc from being damaged or deformed during a mooring operation.

The main body may further comprise a cable guiding device, such as a fairlead, for guiding the grabbing cable, such as during rotation of the guiding arc. The grabbing cable may extend in a direct line from the cable guiding device to the swivel, unless the path is interrupted by a line located in the receiving section. The cable guiding device may further comprise one or more guiding rollers being rotatable arranged to the main body, such that when the line is abutting the rollers and is being pulled, the guiding rollers roll along the line, thereby reducing friction between the line and the line guiding device. The guiding rollers may reduce the friction against the grabbing cable, when the grabbing cable is sliding against the cable guiding device. Thereby the wear on the line and consequently a risk of failure of the line is reduced, thereby increasing safety during the mooring operation.

The line handling device may comprise a drive system, for rotating the guiding arc in relation to the main body. The drive system may comprise a motor, such as an electric, hydraulic or pneumatic motor, for creating a torque, and a transmission for transferring the torque to the guiding arc. The transmission may be a gear drive or a sprocket drive. The transmission may comprise a plurality of pinions or sprockets, arranged to be in driving contact with a gear rim or a chain. The pinions or sprockets may be synchronized so that they perform a synchronized rotation. The plurality of pinions may be arranged on the main body, such as around a perimeter of the guide section, and the gear rim may be arranged on the guiding arc, such as on an outer circumference of the guiding arc. In some embodiments, the pinions may be arranged on the guiding arc, while the gear rim is arranged on the main body, such as on an inner circumference of the guide section. In some embodiments, the transmission may comprise a plurality of sprockets being arranged to contact and to mesh with the chain. The plurality of sprockets may be arranged on the main body, such as around a periphery of the guide section, and the chain may be arranged on the guiding arc, such as on an outer circumference of the guiding arc. In some embodiments, the sprockets may be arranged on the guiding arc, while the chain is arranged on the main body. The pinions or sprockets may be arranged such that at least one pinion or sprocket is in contact with the gear rim or the chain at any angular position of the guiding arc in relation to the main body. This ensures that at least one pinion or sprocket is always in driving contact with the gear rim or chain during a full rotation of the guiding arc, such that the guiding arc can be rotated by the drive system independent of the angular position of the guiding arc in relation to the main body.

The main body may comprise a mounting section for mounting the line handling device to a vessel. The mounting section may be mounted to a first end of an arm. A second end of the arm may be configured to be mounted to a side of the vessel. The arm may be an articulated arm mounted to the vessel via one or more pivot points. In some embodiments the arm may be a telescopic arm, such that the line handling device may be extracted from the vessel to reach a mooring point. The arm may be comprised in the line handling device.

Further a vessel comprising the line handling device is disclosed. The vessel may for example be a ship or a mooring support vessel, such as a tugboat. The line handling device may be movably arranged to the vessel. The line handling device may for example be movably arranged via one or more articulated joints, such as pivot points, such that an angular position of the line handling device may be changed in relation to the vessel. Furthermore, the line handling device may be movably arranged via an articulated arm, such that the line handling device may be extracted from the side of the vessel towards a mooring point on shore or towards a second vessel. Furthermore, the line handling device may be movably arranged via a slide rail, such that the line handling device is slidably arranged along the side of the vessel. One or more of the movable arrangements mentioned above, such as one or more pivot points, the telescopic arm and/or the slide rail may be used, such as alone or in combination. By combining a plurality of the one or more movable arrangements mentioned above, a freedom of movement of the line handling device may be increased. By having the line handling device being movably arranged to the vessel, the position of the line handling device may be adjusted to facilitate an insertion of a mooring point into the receiving section of the line handling device. The vessel may comprise one or more mooring systems arranged on a side, a stern and/or a bow of the vessel.

Fig. 1 illustrates an exploded top down view of an exemplary line handling device 1 for grabbing and holding a line during a mooring procedure. The line handling device 1 may be used for grabbing a line, such as a mooring line, from a larger vessel and pulling the 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 comprises a main body 10 having a guide section 11 and a receiving section 12 for receiving the line, such as a mooring line. The line may be inserted into the receiving section via an opening 12A of the receiving section 12. The guide section 11 is arranged along a perimeter of the receiving section 12. The guide section 11 is arc shaped and has a center axis 3. The guide section 11 being arc shaped shall herein be interpreted as being shaped as part of a circumference of a circle, i.e. any point along the perimeter of the guide section 11 is located at the same radius from the center axis 3. The guide section 11 may however not span an entire 360° to form a circle, instead the guide section 11 may comprise an opening, such as an open section 11b, through which an object, such as a line hanging down from a vessel, can be inserted into the receiving section 12. In other words, the guide section 11 may have the shape of a truncated circle, such as a circular arc. The guide section 11 may be a groove that is milled into a surface of the main body 10, or a rail mounted on the surface of the main body 10.

The line handling device 1 further comprises a guiding arc 21 being arranged in the guide section 11 of the main body 10 and a grabbing cable 24 for grabbing and holding the line. The grabbing cable 24 has a distal end 24A connected to a swivel 25 arranged on the guiding arc 21 and a proximal end 24B connected to a mounting point 27 arranged on the main body 10. The swivel 25 may be mounted to the guiding arc 21 via a pin such that the swivel 25 is free to rotate in relation to the guiding arc 21 around the pin. The guiding arc 21 is arranged concentrically with and rotatably around the center axis 3 of the guide section 11. It shall be noted that fig. 1 shows an exploded view of the line handling device 1 , wherein the dotted lines indicate the position of the guiding arc 21 in relation to the main body 1 in an assembled state of the line handling device 1. The guiding arc 21 comprises an open section 23 allowing the object, such as a line hanging down from a vessel, to enter the receiving section 12. The size of the opening 23 is defined by the distance between two free ends 21 A, 21 B of the guiding arc 21. The guiding arc 21 is configured to rotate in a first direction Ri around the receiving section 12 of the main body 10 such that, when the line is located in the receiving section 12, the swivel 25 forms a trajectory encircling the line located in the receiving section 12, such that the grabbing cable 24 catches the line located in the receiving section 12 and pulls the line against an inner surface 12A of the receiving section 12.

In order to release the line, the guiding arc 21 may further be configured to rotate in a second direction R opposite to the first direction Ri around the receiving section 12 of the main body 10 such that the swivel 25 follows the trajectory in the second direction R and dis-encircles the line, such that the grabbing cable 24 releases the line located in the receiving section 12. The opening 12A may be smaller than the opening 23 and/or the opening 11 b. When the openings 11 b, 12A, and 23 are aligned, access is provided to the receiving section 12, such that an object, such as a line, can be inserted into or removed from the receiving section 12 in a direction perpendicular to the center axis 3.

An angular span a of the guiding arc 21 and b of the guide section 11 may be up to implementation and is to be selected such that the opening 23 between a first free end 21 A and a second free end 21 B of the guiding arc 21 and the opening 11b in the guide section 11 are large enough to allow the line to be inserted through the openings, while ensuring that the guiding arc 21 stays in contact with the guide section 11 throughout a complete revolution of the guiding arc 21 in the guide section 11. Thus, the angular span a of the guiding arc 21 and the angular span b of the guide section 11 may be selected such that the sum of the angular spans a and b is larger than 380°, such that the angular spans a and b always overlap when the guiding arc 21 rotates a full revolution in relation to the main body. The guiding arc 21 may span an angle a larger than 180° and smaller than 360°, such as 200° to 240°. The guide section 11 may span an angle b larger than 180° and smaller than 360°, such as 200° to 240°.

The main body 10 may further comprise a cable guiding device 13, such as a fairlead, for guiding the grabbing cable 24 during rotation of the guiding arc 21. The cable guiding device 13 may comprise rollers for reducing the friction against the grabbing cable 24, when the grabbing cable 24 is sliding against the cable guiding device 13. The main body 10 may further comprise a mounting section 14 for mounting the line handling device 1 to a vessel. The mounting section 14 may be mounted to a distal end of a telescopic arm which proximal end is mounted to a side of the vessel, such that the line handling device may be extracted from the vessel to reach the line.

The line handling device 1 may further comprise a drive system 30, for rotating the guiding arc 21 in relation to the main body 10. An exemplary drive system 30 is shown in Fig. 2. The drive system 30 may comprise a motor 31 , such as an electric motor, for creating a torque and a transmission 32 for transferring the torque to the guiding arc 21. The transmission 32 may be a gear drive or a sprocket drive. The transmission 32 may comprise a plurality of pinions 33a or sprockets 33b, arranged to be in driving contact with a gear rim 34a or a chain 34b. The pinions 33a or sprockets 33b may be synchronized so that they perform a synchronized rotation. In some embodiments, the transmission 32 may comprise a plurality of pinions 33a, arranged to contact and to mesh with a gear rim 34a. The plurality of pinions 33a may be arranged on the main body 10, such as around a perimeter of the guide section 11 , and the gear rim 34a may be arranged on the guiding arc 21 , such as on an outer circumference of the guiding arc 21. In some embodiments, the pinions 33a may be arranged on the guiding arc 21, while the gear rim 34a is arranged on the main body 10, such as on an inner circumference of the guide section 11. In some embodiments, the transmission 30 may comprise a plurality of sprockets 33b being arranged to contact and to mesh with the chain 34b. The plurality of sprockets 33b may be arranged on the main body 10, such as around a periphery of the guide section 11 , and the chain 34b may be arranged on the guiding arc 21 , such as on an outer circumference of the guiding arc 21. In some embodiments, the sprockets 33b may be arranged on the guiding arc 21 , while the chain 34b is arranged on the main body 10. The pinions 33a or sprockets 33b may be arranged such that at least one pinion or sprocket is in contact with the gear rim 34a or the chain 34b at any angular position of the guiding arc 21 in relation to the main body 10. This ensures that at least one pinion or sprocket is always in driving contact with the gear rim or chain during a full rotation of the guiding arc 21 , such that the guiding arc 21 can be rotated by the drive system 30 independent of the angular position of the guiding arc 21 in relation to the main body 10.

The guiding arc 21 is configured to rotate in relation to the main body 10 around the center axis 3, wherein the guiding arc 21 , during a full rotation may assume a plurality of positions relative to the main body 10. The guiding arc 21 may be configured to be arranged in an open position, in which the open section 23 is arranged to allow the line to be inserted into and/or removed from the receiving section 12 of the main body 10. In order to allow the line to be inserted into and/or removed from the receiving section 12 of the main body 10, the open section 23 of the guiding arc 21 may be aligned with an open section of the main body 10, such as the open section 11A of the guide section 11.

Fig. 3A-3D illustrate a front view of the line handling device 1, seen in a direction of the receiving section 12, according to some embodiments herein.

Fig. 3A shows an exploded front view of the line handling device 1 in an open position.

The guiding arc 21 is arranged such that the open section 23 of the guiding arc 21 is aligned with the open section 11 b of the guide section 11 of the main body 10, such that a line can be inserted into the receiving section 12 through the opening 12A. The opening 12A of the receiving section 12 may be smaller than the opening 23 and/or the opening 11 b. This position of the guiding arc 21 corresponds to the position shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3B shows the line handling device of Fig. 3A in an assembled state. The guiding arc 21 is rotatably arranged inside the guide section 11 and can rotate around the center axis 3 in relation to the main body. As can be seen in Fig. 3B, the open section 23 of the guiding arc 21 is optionally aligned with the open section 11 B of the guide section 11 of the main body 10, such that the guiding arc 21 may be completely located within the guide section 11 , (as indicated by the dotted lines of the guiding arc 21 ). This may protect the guiding arc 21 during catching of the line, such as during insertion of the line 4 into the receiving section 12 or removal of the line 4 from the receiving section 12.

Fig. 3C shows an exploded front view of the line handling device 1 according to some embodiments herein. In Fig. 3C the guiding arc 21 has been rotated 180° around the center axis 3, such that the open section 23 of the guiding arc 21 is facing away from the open section 11 B of the guide section 11. In this position the guiding arc 21 blocks the open section 11 B of the guide section 11 , such that the mooring point cannot be inserted into and/or removed from the receiving section 12. In the embodiments shown in Fig. 3C the line handling device 1 comprises a drive system 30 for driving the guiding arc 21. The drive system 30 comprises a motor (not shown in Fig. 3C) and a transmission 32 for transferring a torque from the motor to the guiding arc 21. The transmission 32 may comprise a plurality of pinions 33a arranged on the main body 10 and in driving contact with a gear rim 34a arranged on the guiding arc 21. The plurality of pinions 33a may be arranged around the perimeter of the guide section 11 , and the gear rim 34a may be arranged on the outer circumference of the guiding arc 21.

Fig. 3D shows the line handling device in an assembled state and in the position where the guiding arc 21 has been rotated such that the open section 23 of the guiding arc 21 is facing away from the open section 11B of the guide section 11. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3D the transmission 32 comprises a plurality of sprockets 33b arranged on the main body 10 and being in driving contact with a chain 34b arranged on the guiding arc 21. The plurality of sprockets 33b may be arranged around the perimeter of the guide section 11 , and the chain 34b may be arranged on the outer circumference of the guiding arc 21. The chain 34b may for example be welded to the guiding arc 21.

Fig. 4 shows the line handling device according to some embodiments herein. The grabbing cable 24 is configured to exert a holding force on the line, when the line is pulled against the inner surface 12A of the receiving section 12. The holding force may be provided by tensioning the grabbing cable 24. In some embodiments herein, the grabbing cable 24 may be an elastic cable. The tensioning of the elastic cable may be performed by means of a change in distance between the swivel 25 connected to the distal end 24A of the grabbing cable 24 and the mounting point 27 connected to the proximal end 24B of the grabbing cable 24 during rotation of the guiding arc 21. When the swivel 25 is located further away from the mounting point 27 of the proximal end 24B of the grabbing cable 24, the tension of the grabbing cable 24 may be increased. The properties of the grabbing cable 24, such as an elasticity and/or a length, may be selected such that the tension in the grabbing cable 24 is low enough to not be a hinder for rotation of the guiding arc 21. The properties may further be selected such that the line 4 is firmly grabbed and held in the receiving section without causing damage to the line 4.

In some embodiments the line guiding device may comprise a tensioning device 26 connected to the grabbing cable 24, wherein the tensioning device 26 is configured to exert a tensioning force on the grabbing cable 24. The tensioning device 26 may be arranged between the distal end 24A of the grabbing cable 24 and the swivel and/or between the proximal end 24B of the grabbing cable and the main body 10. A first end of the tensioning device 26 may be fixed to the main body 10, such as to the mounting point 27, and/or the swivel 25 and a second end of the tensioning device may be connected to the proximal or distal end 24A, 24B of the grabbing cable 24. The tensioning device 26 may comprise a spring and/or a tensioning cylinder, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic tensioning cylinder.

The tensioning device 26 may be configured to provide a first tensioning force during rotation of the guiding arc 21. The first tensioning force may be low enough to allow an undisturbed rotation of the guiding arc 21 , such as a tensioning force lower than the driving force exerted on the guiding arc by the drive system 30 during rotation. The tensioning device 26 may further be configured to provide a second tensioning force for firmly holding the line against the inner surface 12A of the receiving section 12. The second tensioning force may be higher than the first tensioning force, in order to exert a holding force on the line 4. The second tensioning force may be selected such that the When the line 4 has been grabbed by the grabbing cable 24, the tensioning force may be increased to firmly pull and hold the line 4 towards an inner surface of the receiving section 12. When the tensioning device 26 comprises a tensioning cylinder connected to one of the distal or proximal ends of the grabbing line 24, the tensioning force may be increased by increasing a pressure in the cylinder such that the distal end 24A of the grabbing cable 24 moves away from the proximal end 24B of the grabbing cable 24.

When a lower tensioning force is required, such as during rotation of the guiding arc 21 , the pressure in the tensioning cylinder may be reduced by releasing some of the pressure into an accumulator, which accumulator may be comprised in the tensioning device 26. If the tensioning force is too high, the grabbing cable 24 may cause any mechanical stress to the line 4, which may cause damage or wear to the line 4. The tensioning force is therefore further selected such that the grabbing cable 4 does not cause any damage or wear on the line 4 during the mooring operation. By reducing the mechanical stress on the line during the mooring procedure, the risk of a snap-back due to failure of the line is reduced, thereby reducing the risk of injuries among personnel.

Figs. 5A to 5G disclose different states of the line handling device 1 for grabbing and holding a line during a mooring operation.

In Fig. 5A the line handling device 1 is depicted in an open position, which may also be referred to as an initial position. In the open position the open section 23 of the guiding arc 21 is aligned with the open section 11 B of the guide section 11 of the main body 10, such that a line 2, such as a mooring line of a second vessel, can be inserted into the receiving section 12 in a direction perpendicular to the center axis 3 of the receiving section 12. The grabbing cable 24 extends in a straight line from the cable guiding device 13 to the swivel 22. In the example shown in Fig. 5A a line 2 has been inserted into the receiving section 12. This may for example be the case when a vessel comprising the line handling device 1 moves close to a second vessel that is to be moored to a mooring point, and grabs a mooring line hanging down the side of the second vessel by inserting the mooring line 4 into the receiving section 12 of the main body 10 of the line handling device 1. In the open position the guiding arc 21 may be fully arranged within the main body 10, such as within the guide section 11 of the main body 10. In addition to allowing an object to be inserted into the receiving section 12 through the aligned openings 23, 11b and 12A, this open position also protects the guiding arc 21 during a mooring operation. If the guiding arc 21 would be in a protruding position, such as when the leading free end 21 A or the trailing free end 21 B has left the guide section, the guiding arc 21 might be damaged or deformed if it would come in contact with any other structure during the mooring procedure, such as when the line handling device 1 is brought in vicinity of a mooring point at shore or a second vessel, in order to position the line 4 in the receiving section 12. Damage or deformation of the guiding arc 21 may lead to malfunction of the line handling device 1 since the guiding arc 21 may no longer align with the guide section 12 and may thus prevent rotation of the guiding arc 21. Thus, positioning the guiding arc 21 in the initial position protects the guiding arc 21 from being damaged or deformed during a mooring operation.

When a line 4 has been inserted into the receiving section 12 of the main body 10, the guiding arc 21 is rotated in relation to the main body 10 around the center axis 3. Fig. 5B shows the guiding arc in a first intermediate position during the rotation of the guiding arc 21 for grabbing the line 4. As can be seen in Fig 5B, in this position a leading free end 21 A of the guiding arc 21 has left the guide section 11 of the main body 10 and starts to encircle the receiving section 12, and the line 4 located therein. The guiding arc 21 thus starts to bridge the gap between the two free ends 11 A of the guide section 11. The leading free end 21 A shall herein be interpreted as the free end of the guiding arc 21 that is facing forward in the direction of rotation, while the other free end 21 B may herein be referred to as the trailing free end. In some embodiments herein, the line handling device may comprise the tensioning device 26 for tensioning the grabbing cable 24. During the rotation of the guiding arc 21 the tensioning force from the tensioning device may be reduced, such that the tensioning force does not counteract the driving force from the drive system 30 and thus allows the guiding arc 21 to rotate.

When the guiding arc 21 continues its rotation around the center axis 3, the swivel 25 pulls the grabbing cable 24 with it while encircling the line 4, as disclosed in Fig. 5C. The leading free end 21 A of the guiding arc 21 has now bridged the gap between the free ends 11 A of the guide section 11. In this position the guiding arc 21 covers the opening, such as the open section 11 B, of the guiding section 11. Thus, the guiding arc 21 restricts access to the receiving section 12 in the direction perpendicular to the center axis 3. As can be seen, in this position only two of the sprockets and/or pinions 33A, 33B are in contact with and are driving the guiding arc 21 (in this case the two left sprockets and/or pinions 33A, 33B in Fig. 5C), since the open section 23 is facing the other two sprockets 33A and/or pinions 33B.

In Fig. 5D the leading free end 21 A of the guiding arc 21 has completely bridged the gap between the free ends 11 A of the guide section 11. Both the leading free end 21 A and the trailing free end 21 B overlap with the guide section 11 , such that both ends 21 A, 21 B of the guiding arc are guided by the guide section. In this position the guiding arc 21 completely covers the opening, such as the open section 11 B, of the guiding section 11. Thus, the guiding arc 21 restricts access to the receiving section 12 in the direction perpendicular to the center axis 3. As can be seen, in this position only two of the sprockets and/or pinions 33A, 33B are in contact with and are driving the guiding arc 21 (in this case the two top sprockets and/or pinions). In Fig. 5E the guiding arc 21 has rotated, such that the swivel 22 is located substantially opposite of the cable guiding device 13. The grabbing cable 24, which is guided by the cable guiding device 13 and the swivel 25, is contacting the line 4 and starts to form a loop around it. The trailing free end 21 B of the guiding arc 21 has left the guide section 11 of the main body 10 and is starting to make its way across the open section 11 B of the guiding section 11. In doing so, the guiding arc 21 is starting to provide access to the receiving section 12 again, thus allowing the mooring point 2 to be inserted into or removed from the receiving section 12. In this position of the guiding arc 21 , only a subset of the sprockets 33A and/or pinions 33B are in contact with and are driving the guiding arc 21. In this case however, the two right sprockets 33A and/or pinions 33B in Fig. 5E are in contact with the guiding arc 21 , since the open section 23 is facing the two left sprockets 33A and/or pinions 33B.

In Fig. 5F the guiding arc 21 and the swivel 25 have completed a full revolution around the center axis 3 and is back in the open position. The open section of the guiding arc 21 is once again aligned with the open section of the guide section 11 of the main body 10. Through the encircling motion of the swivel 25 around the line 4, the grabbing cable 24 has been pulled around and formed a loop around the line 4. The tension from the grabbing cable 24 has further pulled the line 4 in contact with an inner surface 12B, such as a side wall, of the receiving section 12, such that the line 4 is squeezed between the inner surface 12B of the receiving section 12 and the grabbing cable 24. The grabbing cable 24 is configured to exert a holding force on the line, when the line is pulled against the inner surface 12B of the receiving section 12. The holding force exerted on the line 4 by the tension of the grabbing cable 24 holds the line secured in the receiving section 12 and allows the line handling device 1 to pull the line 4 with it. The line handling device 1 may for example pull the line from a second vessel to the mooring point. When the line handling device comprises the tensioning device 26, the tensioning force may be increased, for example by increasing the pressure in the tensioning cylinder, in order to increase the tension in the grabbing cable 24, and thus increase the holding force acting on the line 4. The increased tensioning force may also prevent a rotation of the guiding arc 21 in the second direction R2, which would otherwise cause the line 4 to be released from the receiving section 12. Fig. 5G discloses a scenario where the line 4 is released from the line handling device 1. Once the line 4 has been pulled to a mooring point 2, the line handling device 1 may release the line 4, such that the line 4 can be removed from the receiving section 12. To release the line 4, the guiding arc 21 is rotated in a second direction f¾ opposite to the first direction Ri around the receiving section 12 of the main body 10 such that the swivel 25 follows the trajectory in the second direction f¾and dis-encircles the line 4, such that the grabbing cable 24 unloops the line 4.

Fig. 6 shows an exemplary line handling device according to some embodiments herein. The line handling device 1 may further comprise an arm 40 for mounting the line handling device to a vessel. The mounting section 14 may be mounted to a first end of the arm 40. A second end of the arm 40 may be mounted to a side of the vessel. The arm 40 may be an articulated arm mounted to the vessel via one or more pivot points 41, to allow the line handling device to be pivoted in relation to the vessel. In some embodiments the arm 40 may be a telescopic arm, such that the line handling device 1 may be extracted from the vessel to reach a line 4, such as a mooring line hanging down from a side of a second vessel.

Fig. 7A and 7B disclose a vessel 200, such as vessel supporting a mooring operation, such as a tug boat, comprising the line handling device 1 , as disclosed herein. The vessel 200 may comprise one or more line handling devices 1 arranged on a side, a stern or a bow of the vessel 100. The one or more line handling devices 1 may be movably arranged to the vessel 200. The line handling device 1 may for example be movably arranged via one or more articulated joints, such as pivot points, such that an angular position of the line handling device 1 may be changed in relation to the vessel 200.

The line handling device 1 may be mounted directly to the vessel 200 via a pivoting member. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the line handling device 1 may be comprised in a bulwark 201 of the vessel 200, such that the line handling device 1 is integrated in, such as constitutes a part of, the bulwark 201 of the vessel 200. The line handling device 1 may be configured to pivot from an upright position, which may also be referred to as a vertical position, in which the center axis 3 of the guide section is (substantially) horizontally arranged, to a horizontal position in which the center axis 3 of the guide section is (substantially) vertically arranged. In the horizontal position the line handling device 1 may be configured to receive a line located on a shore or on a fixed structure. The line handling device 1 may, in some embodiments, be mounted to the vessel via an arm, such as an articulated arm 40, such that the line handling device 1 may be extracted from the side of the vessel towards a mooring point on shore. In some embodiments the line handling device may be mounted to the vessel 200 via a slide rail, such that the line handling device 1 is slidably arranged along the side of the vessel 200. By having the line handling device 1 being movably arranged to the vessel 200, the position and/or direction of the line handling device 1 may be adjusted to facilitate an insertion of a line into the receiving section of the line handling device 1.

Figure 7A shows the plurality of line handling devices 1 in the upright position in which the center axis 3 of the guide section is (substantially) horizontally arranged. A first line handling device out of the plurality of line handling devices 1 (seen to the left in Fig. 7A) is mounted on the arm 40, such as an articulated arm. A second line handling device out of the plurality of line handling devices 1 (seen to the right in Fig. 7A) is mounted directly to the side of the vessel and is and integrated part of the bulwark 201 of the vessel 200. The first and the second line handling devices 1 are pivotably arranged to the side of the vessel 200 around a pivot axis 202.

Fig 7B shows the first and second line handling devices 1 in a horizontal position in which the center axes of the guide sections of the first and second line handling devices are (substantially) vertically arranged. In this position the first and second line handling devices 1 are arranged to receive a line arranged at a side of the vessel 200. The first line handling device 1 mounted on the arm 40 may extend further from the vessel 200 than the second line handling device 1 mounted directly to the vessel 200, while the second line handling device 1 may be more steadily mounted to the vessel. As can be seen in Fig. 7A, the second line handling device 1 may leave an opening in the bulwark 202, when the second line handling device 1 is in the horizontal position.

Embodiments of the line handling device, and the vessel according to the disclosure are set out in the following items:

Item 1. A line handling device (1 ) for a vessel, the line handling device (1 ) comprising: a main body (10) having a guide section (11) and a receiving section (12) for receiving a line, the guide section (11) being arranged along a perimeter of the receiving section (12), the guide section (11) being arc shaped and having a centre axis, the line handling device (1 ) further comprising a guiding arc (21 ) being arranged in the guide section (11) of the main body (10), wherein the guiding arc (21) is arranged concentrically with and rotatably around the centre axis of the guide section (11 ), the guiding arc (21 ) comprising an open section (23) allowing the line to enter the receiving section (12) of the main body, the line catching device (20) further comprising a grabbing cable (24) for grabbing and holding the line, the grabbing cable (24) having a distal end (24A) connected to a swivel (25) arranged on the guiding arc (21) and a proximal end (24B) connected to a mounting point (27) arranged on the main body (10), wherein the guiding arc (21) is configured to rotate in a first direction (Ri) around the receiving section (12) of the main body (10) such that, when the line is located in the receiving section (12), the swivel (25) forms a trajectory encircling the line located in the receiving section (12), such that the grabbing cable (24) catches the line located in the receiving section (12) and pulls the line against an inner surface (12B) of the receiving section (12).

Item 2. The line handling device (1 ) according to Item 1 , wherein the guiding arc (21 ), to release the line, is configured to rotate in a second direction (f¾) opposite to the first direction (Ri) around the receiving section (12) of the main body (10) such that the swivel (25) follows the trajectory in the second direction (R2) and dis-encircles the line, such that the grabbing cable (24) releases the line located in the receiving section (12).

Item 3. The line handling device (1 ) according to Item 1 or 2, wherein the grabbing cable (24) is configured to exert a holding force on the line, when the line is pulled against the inner surface (12B) of the receiving section (12).

Item 4. The line handling device (1 ) according to any one of the previous Items, wherein the line handling device (1) comprises a tensioning device (26) connected to the grabbing cable (24), wherein the tensioning device is configured to exercise a tensioning force on the grabbing cable (24). Item 5. The line handling device (1) according to Item 4, wherein the tensioning device (26) is configured to provide a first tensioning force during rotation of the guiding arc (21).

Item 6. The line handling device (1) according to Item 5, wherein the tensioning device (26) is configured to provide a second tensioning force for holding the line against the inner surface (12B) of the receiving section (12), wherein the second tensioning force is higher than the first tensioning force.

Item 7. The line handling device (1) according to any one of the previous Items 4 to 6, wherein the tensioning device comprises a tensioning cylinder.

Item 8. The line handling device (1) according to any of the previous Items, wherein the guiding arc (21) is configured to be arranged in an open position in which the open section (23) is arranged to allow the object to be inserted into and/or removed from the receiving section (12) of the main body (10).

Item 9. The line handling device (1) according to any one of the previous Items, wherein the main body (10) further comprises a cable guiding device (13) for guiding the grabbing cable during rotation of the guiding arc (21 ).

Item 10. The line handling device (1) according to any one of the previous Items, wherein the line handling device (1) comprises a drive system (30), for rotating the guiding arc (21) in relation to the main body (10), wherein the drive system comprises a motor for creating a torque and a transmission for transferring the torque to the guiding arc (21 ).

Item 11. The line handling device (1) according to Item 10, wherein the transmission (30) comprises a chain (34b) arranged on an outer circumference of the guiding arc (21) and a plurality of sprockets (33b) arranged on the main body (10), wherein the plurality of sprockets (33b) are arranged to be in driving contact with the chain (34b).

Item 12. The line handling device (1 ) according to Item 11 , wherein the sprockets are arranged such that at least one sprocket (33b) is in contact with the chain (34b) at any angular position of the guiding arc (21) in relation to the main body (10). Item 13. The line handling device (1) according to Item 10, wherein the transmission (30) comprises a gear rim (34a) arranged on an outer circumference of the guiding arc (21) and a plurality of pinion (33a) arranged on the main body (10), wherein the plurality of pinions (33a) are arranged to be in driving contact with the gear rim (34a).

Item 14. The line handling device (1) according to Item 13, wherein the pinions are arranged such that at least one pinion (33a) is in contact with the gear rim (34a) at any angular position of the guiding arc (21) in relation to the main body (10).

Item 15. The line handling device (1) according to any one of the previous Items, wherein the main body (10) comprises a mounting section (14) for mounting the line handling device (1) to a vessel.

Item 16. A vessel (200) comprising a line handling device (1 ) according to any one of the Items 1 to 15.

Item 17. The vessel (200) according to Item 16, wherein the line handling device (1) is movably arranged to the vessel (200).

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

1. A line handling device (1 ) for a vessel, the line handling device (1 ) comprising: a main body (10) having a guide section (11) and a receiving section (12) for receiving a line, the guide section (11 ) being arranged along a perimeter of the receiving section (12), the guide section (11 ) being arc shaped and having a centre axis, the line handling device (1) further comprising a guiding arc (21) being arranged in the guide section (11 ) of the main body (10), wherein the guiding arc (21) is arranged concentrically with and rotatably around the centre axis of the guide section (11 ), the guiding arc (21 ) comprising an open section (23) allowing the line to enter the receiving section (12) of the main body, the line catching device (20) further comprising a grabbing cable (24) for grabbing and holding the line, the grabbing cable (24) having a distal end (24A) connected to a swivel (25) arranged on the guiding arc (21) and a proximal end (24B) connected to a mounting point (27) arranged on the main body (10), wherein the guiding arc (21) is configured to rotate in a first direction (Ri) around the receiving section (12) of the main body (10) such that, when the line is located in the receiving section (12), the swivel (25) forms a trajectory encircling the line located in the receiving section (12), such that the grabbing cable (24) catches the line located in the receiving section (12) and pulls the line against an inner surface (12B) of the receiving section (12).

2. The line handling device (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the guiding arc (21 ), to release the line, is configured to rotate in a second direction (f¾) opposite to the first direction (Ri) around the receiving section (12) of the main body (10) such that the swivel (25) follows the trajectory in the second direction (R2) and dis-encircles the line, such that the grabbing cable (24) releases the line located in the receiving section (12).

3. The line handling device (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the grabbing cable (24) is configured to exert a holding force on the line, when the line is pulled against the inner surface (12B) of the receiving section (12).

4. The line handling device (1 ) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the line handling device (1) comprises a tensioning device (26) connected to the grabbing cable (24), wherein the tensioning device is configured to exercise a tensioning force on the grabbing cable (24).

5. The line handling device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the tensioning device (26) is configured to provide a first tensioning force during rotation of the guiding arc (21).

6. The line handling device (1 ) according to claim 5, wherein the tensioning device (26) is configured to provide a second tensioning force for holding the line against the inner surface (12B) of the receiving section (12), wherein the second tensioning force is higher than the first tensioning force.

7. The line handling device (1 ) according to any one of the claims 4 to 6, wherein the tensioning device (26) comprises a tensioning cylinder.

8. The line handling device (1 ) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the guiding arc (21) is configured to be arranged in an open position in which the open section (23) is arranged to allow the line to be inserted into and/or removed from the receiving section (12) of the main body (10).

9. The line handling device (1 ) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the main body (10) further comprises a cable guiding device (13) for guiding the grabbing cable during rotation of the guiding arc (21).

10. The line handling device (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the line handling device (1) comprises a drive system (30), for rotating the guiding arc (21) in relation to the main body (10), wherein the drive system comprises a motor for creating a torque and a transmission for transferring the torque to the guiding arc (21).

11. The line handling device (1) according to claim 10, wherein the transmission (30) comprises a chain (34b) arranged on an outer circumference of the guiding arc (21) and a plurality of sprockets (33b) arranged on the main body (10), wherein the plurality of sprockets (33b) are arranged to be in driving contact with the chain (34b).

12. The line handling device (1) according to claim 11, wherein the sprockets are arranged such that at least one sprocket (33b) is in contact with the chain (34b) at any angular position of the guiding arc (21 ) in relation to the main body (10).

13. The line handling device (1) according to claim 10, wherein the transmission (30) comprises a gear rim (34a) arranged on an outer circumference of the guiding arc (21 ) and a plurality of pinion (33a) arranged on the main body (10), wherein the plurality of pinions (33a) are arranged to be in driving contact with the gear rim (34a).

14. The line handling device (1) according to claim 13, wherein the pinions are arranged such that at least one pinion (33a) is in contact with the gear rim (34a) at any angular position of the guiding arc (21 ) in relation to the main body (10).

15. The line handling device (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the main body (10) comprises a mounting section (14) for mounting the line handling device (1) to a vessel.

16. A vessel (200) comprising a line handling device (1 ) according to any one of the claims 1 to 15.

17. The vessel (200) according to claim 16, wherein the line handling device (1) is movably arranged to the vessel (200).