GB2624199A

GB2624199A - Modular vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2624199A
Application number: GB2216727.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Boruah Dhrubajyoti
Original assignee: Oceanways Tech Ltd
Current assignee: Oceanways Tech Ltd
Priority date: 2022-11-09
Filing date: 2022-11-09
Publication date: 2024-05-15
Also published as: GB202216727D0

Abstract

A modular vehicle 100 for transporting cargo, for example such as fuel, underwater. The modular vehicle comprises a cargo module 112 configured as a hull 110 of the modular vehicle; and a propulsion module 120 being attachable to the cargo module 112. A vehicle assembly (200, Fig 2) comprising two or more modular vehicles attached together is also proposed. A method (700, Fig 10) of transporting cargo underwater is also disclosed.

Description

MODULAR VEHICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to modular vehicles for transporting cargo. In particular, though not exclusively, this invention relates to a modular vehicle for transporting cargo underwater that comprises a cargo module configured as a hull of the modular vehicle, a vehicle assembly comprising two or more such modular vehicles, and a method of transporting cargo underwater with a submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly.

BACKGROUND

Cargo is commonly transported across land, air, and water. Cargo transportation by water is particularly efficient as vessels can be manufactured to a much larger size than land or air vehicles, allowing for more cargo to be transported at once. Some vehicles have been specifically adapted to transport cargo underwater. These vehicles combine the benefits of waterborne cargo transport whilst being immune to some of the associated dangers, such as adverse weather conditions. They also help to reduce traffic in shipping lanes, many of which are already operating at close to full capacity.

There are many challenges associated with transporting cargo underwater, and existing vehicles suitable for the task are typically bespoke and very complex in design. In order to maintain the correct buoyancy, such vehicles consist of multiple pressurised compartments, all of which need to be watertight. These requirements make existing underwater cargo vehicles particularly time consuming and expensive to manufacture, thereby preventing the large-scale adoption of underwater cargo transport.

Moreover, the cargo transportation industry is a particularly large producer of global pollution. Many shipping vessels still operate on diesel engines which produce harmful pollutants and greenhouse gases which harm the waters on which they travel. There are currently very few waterborne cargo vessels which operate in a carbon neutral manner, or attempt to improve the condition of the water whilst transporting cargo.

Hence, there remains a need for improved vehicles that can transport cargo underwater. It is an object of the invention to address at least one of the above problems, or another problem associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the invention provides a modular vehicle for transporting cargo underwater, comprising a cargo module configured as a hull of the modular vehicle; and a propulsion module being attachable to the cargo module.

In this way, the modular vehicle may advantageously be assembled with the cargo module itself forming the primary hull of the vehicle. Thus, modular vehicles according to the present invention may conveniently provide for the low-cost storage and transport of cargo underwater from one point to another.

In some embodiments, the cargo module may be formed from one or more re-usable cargo containers. For example, the cargo module may be formed from one or more intermodal containers (i.e. shipping or freight containers). In some embodiments, the cargo module may be at least partially covered by a protective covering. Suitably, the protective covering may be transparent to allow the cargo module to be visible through the protective covering. The protective covering may advantageously improve the hydrodynamic efficiency of the modular vehicle.

Suitably, the cargo module may have a length of at least 20 meters, or at least 30 meters, or even of at least 40 meters. In some embodiments, cargo module may have a width and/or diameter of at least 3 metres, or at least 4 meters, or at least 5 meters, or even of at least 6 meters. For example, the cargo module may have a width and/or diameter in a range of from 4 to 5 metres.

In some embodiments, the cargo module may be formed from one or more fuel tanks. In this way, the modular vehicle may advantageously be used to transport fuel, for example a fluid fuel such as hydrogen, ammonia, and/or liquid biofuels. Moreover, a portion of the transported fuel may be used to provide a supply of fuel to the propulsion module to drive the modular vehicle.

In some embodiments, the one or more fuel tanks may be pressure vessels. For example, the one or more fuel tanks may be capable of withstanding pressures of 100 bar or more. For example, the one or more fuel tanks may be capable of withstanding pressures of 150 bar or more, or 200 bar or more, or 250 bar or more or 300 bar or more, or even 350 bar or more.

Suitably, the one or more fuel tanks may be generally cylindrical. Thus, the one or more fuel tanks may be gas and/or liquid cylinders. Suitably, the one or more fuel tanks may conform to one or more ISO standards, for example such as ISO 14245:2021. Alternatively, the one or more fuel tanks may be generally hexagonal.

In some embodiments, the one or more fuel tanks may be arranged or assembled in a rack. Suitably, the rack may have one or more sides separated by first and second ends of the rack. In some embodiments one or more of the one or more sides and/or first and second ends may be at least partially covered by a protective covering. Suitably, the protective covering may be transparent to allow the one or more fuel tanks in the rack to be visible through the protective covering. The protective covering may advantageously improve the hydrodynamic efficiency of the modular vehicle.

In some embodiments, the modular vehicle may comprise an electronics module. The electronics module may be attachable to one or both of the cargo module and the propulsion module. For example, the electronics module may be arranged between the cargo module and the propulsion module. In some embodiments, the electronics module may conveniently be arranged inside the propulsion module.

Suitably, the electronics module may comprise one or more of control, navigation and/or command modules.

In some embodiments, the modular vehicle may comprise a power module. Suitably, the power module may comprise a battery and/or battery pack. The battery pack may conveniently be a used battery from a car. Additionally, or alternatively, the power module may comprise a fuel cell, other propulsion system (such as a combustion engine running on hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, biofuels or other synthetic fuel), and/or a hybrid power system.

The power module may be attachable to one or more of the cargo module, propulsion module and/or electronics module. In some embodiments, the power module may be conveniently arranged inside one or more of the cargo module, propulsion module and/or electronics module.

In some embodiments, the modular vehicle may comprise a variable ballast module. Suitably, the variable ballast may comprise one or more inflatable bags. The one or more inflatable bags may be arranged to be filled with air and/or water. The variable ballast module may be attachable to one or more of the cargo module, propulsion module and/or electronics module. The variable ballast module may advantageously manage large changes to the buoyancy of the modular vehicle, for example, due to salinity changes to the water, or due to different densities of cargo being carried by the modular vehicle.

In some embodiments, the cargo module may be generally elongate having first and second ends being separated by an elongate length of the cargo module.

In such embodiments, the electronics module may be attached to the first end of the cargo module and/or the propulsion module may be attached to the second end of the cargo module.

In some embodiments, the modular vehicle may comprise an elongate cradle having a length equal to or less than the elongate length of the cargo module. The cradle may suitably be attached to the cargo module lengthways along the elongate length of the cargo module.

Suitably, the elongate cradle may comprise an electronics module. The electronics module may comprise one or more of control, navigation and/or command modules. Additionally, or alternatively, the elongate cradle may comprise a power module. The power module may comprise a battery and/or battery pack. Additionally, or alternatively, the power module may comprise a fuel cell, other propulsion system (such as a combustion engine running on hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, biofuels or other synthetic fuel), and/or a hybrid power system.

In some embodiments, the modular vehicle may comprise a protective covering attached to at least a portion of the cargo module. Suitably, the protective covering may be transparent 15 to allow the cargo module to be visible through the protective covering. The protective covering may advantageously improve the hydrodynamic efficiency of the modular vehicle.

In some embodiments, the modular vehicle may comprise one or more sensors for collecting ocean data. For example, the one or more sensors may be selected from temperature sensors, 20 carbon dioxide sensors, oxygen sensors, pH sensors, and/or light sensors.

In some embodiments, the modular vehicle may comprise a microplastics filtration module. The microplastics filtration module may suitably be arranged to remove microplastics from seawater, for example, whilst the modular vehicle is transporting cargo underwater.

In some embodiments, the modular vehicle may comprise a liming module. The liming module may suitably be arranged to add lime, i.e. calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), to seawater, for example, whilst the modular vehicle is transporting cargo underwater. This may advantageously increase the alkalinity of the seawater, thereby increasing the ability of the seawater to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere.

In some embodiments, the modular vehicle may comprise a direct action module. The direct action module may comprise one or more of the sensor(s), microplastics filtration module and/or liming module.

Suitably, the modular vehicle may be an autonomous vehicle. For example, control of the modular vehicle may be at least partially autonomous.

In some embodiments, the propulsion module may comprise one or more propellors. For example, the propulsion module may comprise one or more thrusters. Suitably, the propulsion module may comprise two thrusters arranged on opposite sides of the propulsion module. Such an arrangement may advantageously help stabilise the modular vehicle as it moves through water. In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more thrusters may be moveable relative to the propulsion module. Suitably, this may provide enhanced positioning capabilities. In such embodiments, at least one of the one or more thrusters may be moveable with at least six degrees of freedom.

A second aspect of the invention provides a vehicle assembly comprising two or more modular vehicles according to the first aspect of the invention attached together.

In some embodiments, the vehicle assembly may comprise two or more structurally identical modular vehicles attached together.

In some embodiments, the two or more modular vehicles may have an elongate length and may be attached together along at least a portion of their elongate lengths. For example, the two or more modular vehicles may be attached together in a side-by-side arrangement.

In some embodiments, the two or more modular vehicles may have an elongate length defining first and second ends. In such embodiment, the two or more modular vehicles may be attached together in an end-to-end arrangement. For example, the first end of a first modular vehicle may be attached to the second end of a second modular vehicle.

A third aspect of the invention provides a method of transporting cargo underwater using a submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly comprising two or more submergible vehicles, the method comprising: loading cargo onto the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly at a first dock; instructing the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly to travel on the surface of the water surrounding the first dock from the first dock to a first location and/or escorting the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly from the first dock to the first location; instructing the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly to dive into the water in the first location to a water depth; instructing the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly to travel under water at the water depth from the first location to a second location; instructing the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly to surface at the second location; instructing the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly to travel on the surface of the water surrounding the second dock from the second location to the second dock and/or escorting the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly from the second location to the second dock; and unloading cargo from the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly at the second dock.

Suitably, the submergible vehicle may be a modular vehicle according to the first aspect of the invention. Suitably, the submergible vehicle assembly may be a vehicle assembly 10 according to the second aspect of the invention.

A dock as referred to herein includes any structure built in, underwater, on or over water from which cargo, such as fuel, may be loaded onto or unloaded from the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly. For example, the dock may be a port, harbour, (offshore) floating platform, or a stock / refill location. In some embodiments, the dock may be a ship, floating barge, or other vessel.

In some embodiments, escorting the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly may comprise using a boat or other vessel to tow the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly along the surface of the water. In some embodiments, escorting the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly may comprise loading the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly onto a boat or other vessel, transporting the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly on the boat or other vessel, and unloading the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly from the boat or other vessel at the destination.

In some embodiments, the first location may define a first dive exclusion zone and/or the second location may define a second dive exclusion zone. As defined herein, a dive exclusion zone refers to an area of water from which all vehicles and vessels other than the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly are excluded (i.e. prohibited from entering). Suitably, the dive exclusion zone may define a volume of water extending from the sea surface at mean sea level down to the sea bed.

In some embodiments, the method may comprise at least partially autonomously loading cargo onto and/or at least partially autonomously unloading cargo from the submergible 35 vehicle or vehicle assembly at the first dock and/or at the second dock.

In some embodiments, the method may comprise the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly at least partially autonomously and/or manually communicating with the first and/or second dock to provide information on the departure and/or arrival of the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly from/to the first and second docks.

In some embodiments, the method may comprise using one or more of satellite, mobile, 5 and/or radio communications (for example, with existing vessel traffic services (VTS) systems) to enable the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly to communicate with the first and/or second dock.

In some embodiments, the method may comprise defining the first and/or second dive 10 exclusion zones using four or more virtual Automatic Identification System (AIS) points.

In some embodiments, the method may comprise refuelling and/or recharging the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly enroute between the first and second dive exclusion zones.

In some embodiments, the method may comprise instructing the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly to stop at a renewable energy generator enroute between the first and second dive exclusion zones.

In such embodiments, the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly may conveniently be refuelled or recharged by the renewable energy generator under water at the water depth.

Suitably, the renewable energy generator may comprise one or more of a solar, wind, tidal, and/or geothermal energy source. In such embodiments, the renewable energy generator may comprise a device for generating a supply of hydrogen and/or ammonia fuel using the energy source. The renewable energy generator may suitably be arranged on an offshore floating platform or floating barge.

In some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of resurfacing or snorkelling the 30 submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly enroute between the first and second dive exclusion zones to allow the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly to take air onboard. The air may suitably be mixed with fuel in the propulsion module to aid combustion of the fuel.

In such embodiments, the step of resurfacing or snorkelling the submergible vehicle or vehicle 35 assembly enroute between the first and second dive exclusion zones may comprise generating a temporary dive exclusion zone using four or more virtual Automatic Identification System (AIS) points.

In some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of recording a log of the movement of the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly between the first and second docks on a blockchain ledger.

In some embodiments, the submergible vehicle may comprise a modular vehicle having a cargo module configured as a hull of the modular vehicle and a propulsion module being attachable to the cargo module.

In such embodiments, the method of loading the cargo may comprise the step of attaching a cargo module (i.e. that is to be delivered) to the propulsion module and/or the method of unloading the cargo may comprise the step of detaching a cargo module (i.e. that has been delivered) from the propulsion module. Suitably, the propulsion module (and/or any other modules present) may at least partially autonomously detach from the cargo module. For example, the propulsion module (and/or any other modules present) may at least partially autonomously detach from the cargo module in the water near to or below the dock. In this way, the cargo module may advantageously be stored in the water near to or below the dock.

In some embodiments, the dock may comprise shoreside infrastructure (for example, such as a crane) for moving the cargo and/or other modules. In such embodiments, unloading the cargo module may comprise the step of moving a detached cargo module to a storage location and/or loading the detached cargo module onto a different vehicle for onward travel. Loading the detached cargo module directly onto a different vehicle for onward travel directly after detaching the cargo module from the propulsion module (and/or any other modules present) may advantageously avoid the need for local temporary storage in the dock.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", mean "including but not limited to", and do not exclude other components, integers or steps. Moreover, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires: in particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Preferred features of each aspect of the invention may be as described in connection with any of the other aspects. Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1(a) is side view of a modular vehicle in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 1(b) is an exploded view of the modular vehicle of Figure 1(a); Figure 2 is a modular vehicle assembly in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention comprising nine modular vehicles according to the first embodiment of the invention; Figure 3(a) is a side view of a modular vehicle in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention; Figure 3(b) is an exploded view of the modular vehicle of Figure 3(a); Figure 4(a) is a side view of a modular vehicle assembly in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention comprising two modular vehicles according to the third embodiment of the invention arranged in series; Figure 4(b) is a perspective view of the modular vehicle assembly of Figure 4(a); Figure 5(a) is a close-up side view of the connection of the modular vehicle assembly of Figure 4(a); Figure 5(b) is a close-up plan view of the connection of the modular vehicle assembly of Figure 4(a); Figure 6(a) is a side view of a modular vehicle in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention; Figure 6(b) is a perspective view of the modular vehicle of Figure 6(a); Figure 6(c) is a front view of the modular vehicle of Figure 6(a); Figure 7 is an exploded view of the modular vehicle of Figure 6(a); Figure 8(a) is a side view of a modular vehicle assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the invention comprising three modular vehicles according to the fifth embodiment of the invention arranged in series; Figure 8(b) is a perspective view of the modular vehicle assembly of Figure 8(a); Figure 9 is a close-up side view of the connection of the modular vehicle assembly of Figure 8(a); and Figure 10 is a schematic illustration of a method of transporting cargo underwater in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the invention, using a modular vehicle according to the first embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to Figure 1(a), a modular vehicle 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention has a hull 110 being defined by a cylindrical fuel tank 112. In this example, the cylindrical fuel tank 112 is arranged to store a liquid fuel, such as liquid hydrogen or ammonia. The modular vehicle 100 also includes a propulsion module 120 being attached to a first end of the cylindrical fuel tank 112 by a first cylindrical connector 130a and an electronics module 150 being attached to a second end of the cylindrical fuel tank 112 by a second cylindrical connector 130b.

The propulsion module 120 has a single thruster 122 and four stabilising fins 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d arranged at equidistant intervals around the circumference of the propulsion module 120.

Figure 1(b) provides an exploded view of the modular vehicle 100, in which an electronics chip 151 housed within the electronics module 150 and a battery 121 housed within the propulsion module 120 are visible.

Referring to Figure 2, a vehicle assembly 200 according to a second embodiment of the invention comprises a total of nine modular vehicles 100 attached together. Five modular vehicles 100 are attached together along their elongate lengths to form a first sub-assembly 202, which is attached end-to-end to the rear of a second sub-assembly 204 formed from a further four modular vehicles 100 attached together along their elongate lengths. In this example, the vehicle assembly 200 may be propelled using only one or more of the propulsion modules 120 of the five modular vehicles 100 in the first sub-assembly 202.

Referring to Figure 3(a), a modular vehicle 300 according to a third embodiment of the invention has a hull 310 being defined by a cylindrical fuel tank 312. The modular vehicle 300 further comprises a cradle 340 having a length equal to the elongate length of the cylindrical fuel tank 312. The cylindrical fuel tank 312 sits within the cradle 340 along its elongate length to form a sealed compartment between the cylindrical fuel tank 312 and cradle 340.

The modular vehicle 300 also comprises a propulsion module 320 having an oval shaped aperture for receiving the cylindrical fuel tank 312 and cradle 340. The propulsion module 300 has two thrusters 322a, 322b arranged on opposite sides of the propulsion module 320 and four stabilising fins 324a, 324b, 324c, 324d arranged at equidistant intervals around the circumference of the propulsion module 330. The fuel tank 312 and cradle 340 are secured together towards a first end of their elongate lengths by insertion into the oval shaped aperture of the propulsion module 330, and towards a second end of their elongate lengths by insertion into the oval bracket 342.

Figure 3(b) provides an exploded view of the modular vehicle 300, in which an electronics module 351 and battery pack 321 arranged inside the sealed compartment of the cradle 340 are visible.

Referring to Figures 4(a) and 4(b), a vehicle assembly 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention comprises two modular vehicles 300 attached together. The two modular vehicles 300 are attached in an end-to-end arrangement with the first modular vehicle 300 arranged at the front of the assembly 400 and the second modular vehicle 300 arranged at the rear of the assembly 400. In this example, the vehicle assembly 400 may be propelled using the only propulsion module 320 of the rear modular vehicle 300.

Figures 5(a) and 5(b) provide close-up views of the connection of the modular vehicles 300 in the modular vehicle assembly 400. The modular vehicles 300 each comprises a fore hook 362 arranged at a first end of the elongate cradle 340 and an aft hook housing 364 arranged at a second end of the elongate cradle 340. The fore hook 362 at the first end of a first modular vehicle 300 is engageable with the aft hook housing 364 at the second end of a second modular vehicle 300 to allow the first and second modular vehicles 300 to be attached together in an end-to-end fashion to form vehicle assembly 400.

Referring to Figures 6(a) to 6(c), a modular vehicle 500 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention has a hull 510 being defined by a plurality of cylindrical fuel tanks 512 arranged in a rack 514. The modular vehicle 500 also comprises two battery packs 521a, 521b, the first of which sits on top of the rack 514 and the second of which sits below the rack 514. The modular vehicle 500 also comprises a transparent protective covering 516, which fully encases the rack 514 and battery packs 521a, 521b, thereby protecting them from damage by submersed foreign objects and improving the hydrodynamic efficiency of the modular vehicle 500.

A sensor 570 is arranged at the front of the rack 514, in-between the rack 514 and protective covering 516. A valve plate 572 connected to the cylindrical fuel tanks 512 is also arranged at front of the rack 514, in-between the rack 514 and protective covering 516. The valve plate 572 allows fuel to be loaded into or dispensed from the cylindrical fuel tanks 512 when the modular vehicle 500 is assembled without needing to dissemble the modular vehicle 500.

The modular vehicle 500 further comprises a propulsion module 520 having an oval shaped aperture for receiving the rack 514, battery packs 521a, 521b and protective covering 516, and securing them together. The propulsion module 520 comprises four thrusters 522a, 522b, 522c, 522d arranged at equidistant intervals around the circumference of the propulsion module 520, and four stabilising fins 524a, 524b, 524c, 524d also arranged at equidistant intervals around the circumference of the propulsion module 520 slightly forward of and in line with the respective thrusters 522a, 522b, 522c, 522d. Figure 7 provides an exploded view of the modular vehicle 500.

Referring to Figures 8(a) and 8(b), a vehicle assembly 600 according to a sixth embodiment of the invention comprises three modular vehicles 500 attached together in series. The three modular vehicles 500 are attached in an end-to-end arrangement with the first modular vehicle 500 arranged at the front of the assembly 600, the second modular vehicle 500 arranged in the middle of the assembly 600, and the third modular vehicle 500 arranged at the rear of the assembly 600. In this example, the vehicle assembly 600 may be propelled using only the propulsion module 520 of the rear modular vehicle 500.

Figure 9 provides a close-up view of the connection of the modular vehicles 500 in the modular vehicle assembly 600. The modular vehicles 500 each comprises a fore hook 562 arranged at the front of the modular vehicle 500 and an aft hook housing 564 arranged at a rear of the modular vehicle 500. The fore hook 562 at the front end of a first modular vehicle 500 is engageable with the aft hook housing 564 at the rear end of a second modular vehicle 500 to allow the first and second modular vehicles 500 to be attached together in an end-to-end fashion to form vehicle assembly 600.

Referring to Figure 10, a method 700 of transporting cargo underwater according to a seventh embodiment of the invention comprises a first step 710 of loading hydrogen fuel into the cylindrical fuel tank 112 of a modular vehicle 100 in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention at a first dock 701. In this example, the first dock 701 is a cargo port having a store of hydrogen fuel. In a second step 720 of the method 700, the modular vehicle 100 travels to a first location 702. In this example, the modular vehicle 100 is escorted to the first location by an escort vessel 703.

In a third step 730 of the method 700, having arrived at the first location 702, the modular vehicle 100 is instructed to dive into the water to a given water depth. Once the modular vehicle 100 has reached the given water depth, in a fourth step 740 of the method 700, the modular vehicle 100 is instructed to travel underwater at the given water depth to a second location 704.

In a fifth step 750 of the method 700, once at the second location 704, the modular vehicle 100 is instructed to surface. In this example, once surfaced, the modular vehicle 100 employs an ultra-short baseline (USBL) acoustic positioning system to communicate its location via a satellite 705 to a buoy 706 equipped with a radio transmitter. The buoy 706 may suitably be a fixed buoy or submarine-launched one-way transmitter (SLOT) buoy. The USBL installed in the buoy (powered by battery, etc) will send a signal to allow the modular vehicle 100 to hone in to its location and then send a signal of arrival to a second dock 707 to notify the second dock 707 of the location of the modular vehicle 100 and its intention to enter the second dock 707.

Once the modular vehicle 100 has received approval to enter the second dock 707, in a sixth step 760 of the method 700, the modular vehicle 100 travels on the surface of the water from the second location 704 to the second dock 707. In this example, the modular vehicle 100 is escorted to the second dock 707 by a second escort vessel 708. In a final step 770 of the method 700, the hydrogen fuel is unloaded from the cylindrical fuel tank 112 of the modular vehicle 100 at the second dock 707.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A modular vehicle for transporting cargo underwater, comprising a cargo module configured as a hull of the modular vehicle; and a propulsion module being attachable to the cargo module.
2. The modular vehicle of claim 1, wherein the cargo module is formed from one or more fuel tanks.
3. The modular vehicle of claim 2, wherein the one or more fuel tanks are arranged in a rack.
4. The modular vehicle of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the one or more fuel tanks are cylindrical.
5. The modular vehicle of any preceding claim, comprising an electronics module, wherein the electronics module is attachable to one or both of the cargo module and the propulsion module.
6. The modular vehicle of claim 5, wherein the electronics module comprises one or more of control, navigation and/or command modules.
7. The modular vehicle of any preceding claim, comprising a power module, optionally wherein the power module comprises a battery.
8. The modular vehicle of any preceding claim, wherein the cargo module is elongate having first and second ends being separated by an elongate length of the cargo module.
9. The modular vehicle of claim 8, wherein the electronics module is attached to the first end of the cargo module and/or wherein the propulsion module is attached to the second end of the cargo module.
10. The modular vehicle of any preceding claim, comprising an elongate cradle having a length equal to or less than the elongate length of the cargo module, wherein the cradle is attached to the cargo module lengthways along the elongate length of the cargo module.
11. The modular vehicle of claim 10, wherein the elongate cradle houses an electronics module, optionally wherein the electronics module comprises one or more of control, navigation and/or command modules.
12. The modular vehicle of claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the elongate cradle houses a power module, optionally wherein the power module comprises a battery.
13. The modular vehicle of any preceding claim, comprising a protective covering attached to at least a portion of the cargo module.
14. The modular vehicle of any preceding claim, comprising one or more sensors for collecting ocean data.
15. The modular vehicle of any preceding claim, comprising a microplastics filtration module.
16. The modular vehicle of any preceding claim, being an autonomous vehicle.
17. The modular vehicle of any preceding claim, wherein the propulsion module comprises one or more propellors.
18.A vehicle assembly comprising two or more modular vehicles according to any one of claims 1 to 17 attached together.
19. The vehicle assembly of claim 18, comprising two or more structurally identical modular vehicles attached together.
20. The vehicle assembly of claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the two or more modular vehicles have an elongate length and are attached together along their elongate lengths.
21. The vehicle assembly of any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the two or more modular vehicles have an elongate length defining first and second ends, and wherein the two or more modular vehicles are attached together in an end-to-end arrangement.
22.A method of transporting cargo underwater with a submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly comprising two or more submergible vehicles, the method comprising: loading cargo onto the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly at a first dock; instructing the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly to travel on the surface of the water surrounding the first dock from the first dock to a first location and/or escorting the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly from the first dock to the first location; instructing the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly to dive into the water in the first location to a water depth; instructing the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly to travel under water at the water depth from the first location to a second location; instructing the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly to surface in the second location; instructing the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly to travel on the surface of the water surrounding the second dock from the second location to the second dock and/or escorting the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly from the second location to the first dock; and unloading cargo from the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly at the second dock.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the first location defines a first dive exclusion zone and/or wherein the second location defines a second dive exclusion zone.
24. The method of claim 22 or claim 23, comprising autonomously loading cargo onto and/or unloading cargo from the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly at the first dock and/or at the second dock.
25. The method of any one of claims 22 to 24, comprising the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly autonomously and/or manually communicating with the first and/or second dock to provide information on the departure and/or arrival of the submergible vehicle or vehicle assembly from/to the first and second docks.