WO2010084249A2

WO2010084249A2 - A floating structure, a vessel or the like

Info

Publication number: WO2010084249A2
Application number: PCT/FI2010/050033
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sauli Eloranta; Olli-Matti Jantunen; Janne Andersson; Kari SILLANPÄÄ
Original assignee: Stx Finland Cruise Oy
Priority date: 2009-01-23
Filing date: 2010-01-21
Publication date: 2010-07-29
Also published as: ITTO20100004U1; FR2941435A3; CN102292262A; FI20095055A0; CN102292262B; DE202010001269U1; WO2010084249A3; KR101702994B1; FR2941435B3; JP5670348B2; KR20110111498A; JP2012515682A

Abstract

A floating structure, a vessel or the like having an elongated hull part (1) with a superstructure (2) comprising a number of floors thereon, the superstructure containing an essential part of the passenger accommodation of the floating structure, vessel or the like. The superstructure (2) is essentially narrower than the hull part (1) in the width direction of the floating structure, vessel or the like and there is at least one deck (3) in connection with the superstructure (2) extending essentially outside the hull part (1) of the floating structure, vessel or the like.

Description

A FLOATING STRUCTURE, A VESSEL OR THE LIKE

The present invention relates to a floating structure, a vessel or the like according the preamble of claim 1 having an elongated hull part with a superstructure comprising a number of floors thereon, the superstructure containing an essential part of the passenger accommodation of the floating structure, vessel or the like.

The meanings of some terms used in this text are described in the following: Main deck means the uppermost deck to which the sides of the vessel extend for practically the whole of the length of the ship. Everything over it is the superstructure. Thus the main deck extends in width from side to side, i.e. it is a full-width deck. Here, accommodation means the space reserved for passengers, i.e. customers, usually especially cabins, the crew accommodation is separate. The ship comprises a hull part and a superstructure. The "roof of the hull part is the main deck. The superstructure is located on the main deck. The superstructure can consist of two parts: the wider part mainly contains public spaces meant for common use, the narrower part, the so-called cabin block, mainly contains cabins. The wider part can be on top or below.

Cruise ships and the like floating structures containing lots of accommodation, to which the present invention relates, also include lots of so-called public space meant for the common use of the passengers. These include e.g. various restaurants, bars and corresponding recreational spaces, spaces related to and meant for public access and entertainment, various physical exercise rooms and especially various spaces and pools suitable for outdoor activities and sunning. The vessels can additionally contain shops, conference rooms and the like, depending on the planned use of the vessel. It is known to divide a part of these public spaces to be in connection with the main deck of the ship above and/or below it and another part to be in connection with the sun decks on the uppermost decks of the vessel's superstructure. The passenger cabins or corresponding accommodation are typically mainly located in the superstructure of the vessel between these areas.

A large portion of the public spaces can also be located in the upper part of the superstructure, especially in vessels operating in colder regions that do not need a large sundeck.

With modern technology it is problematic to arrange sufficiently large and versatile roofed and especially unroofed, so-called sun deck spaces in connection with the main deck without having to arrange them in a number of floors.

The aim of the invention is to minimize the deficiencies found in prior art and to provide a new arrangement in which rearrangement of various parts of spaces and structure can produce a functionally more effective and less expensive floating structure or vessel especially suitable for fulfilling the needs of large amounts of passengers better than previously.

The aims of the invention are achieved substantially as described in claim 1 and as disclosed in more detail in other claims.

This invention produces an arrangement in which most of the public spaces and sun decks are arranged to be in connection with the so-called main deck or the uppermost and/or widest deck of the ship. This main deck area typically comprises from 1 to 3 deck intervals. In a vessel according to the invention it is preferable to overlap the functions of sun decks and other public spaces so that at times the sun decks complement the functions of public spaces, such as during meals, and at times the public spaces can be used for the functions of sun decks, such as during days. As cruise ships typically have large sun decks, in a solution according to the invention the deck of the public spaces has preferably been widened to outside the sides of the vessel, thereby creating as wide a deck space as possible. It is also preferable to form the passenger cabin arrangement as one tower, high but clearly narrower than the hull part, whereby most of the cabins can be provided with a sea view. It is also possible to divide the superstructure in two or more parts in connection with a wide deck arranged over the hull part.

The advantage of the invention is, among others, a more enticing arrangement of the floating structure, especially a cruise ship or a passenger ship, bringing added value to the ship-owners, as it is possible to arrange all functions within the same area. The need to move vertically around the vessel is essentially reduced as all functions typical for public spaces are concentrated as far possible. This also reduces the need for stair and lift capacity. For the shipowners operating the vessel the arrangement according to the invention is cost- effective, as the workplaces of the crew can be arranged to mainly be located on a single area, minimizing the storage and transport needs as well. Correspondingly, the construction costs of the ship are reduced, as the need for, for example, staircases, kitchens and other auxiliary spaces is reduced due to concentrating. The great width of the wide deck according to the invention gives an opportunity to arrange large uniform spaces into smaller vessels as well that have previously been possible in larger vessels only. Due to the versatility of the spaces their occupancy rate also increases. The total space reserved for passengers is reduced as the passengers move on the same area at all times except the time spent in the cabin.

A preferred way to use the invention is to concentrate all or at least mainly all public spaces to between the hull part and the narrow part of the superstructure and the so-called cabin block, into which the wide deck extending outside the sides of the vessel is located. Alternatively, the wide deck and the public spaces can be correspondingly concentrated to the upper part of superstructure.

In the following, the invention is described in more detail with reference to the appended schematic drawings, in which - figure 1 shows one embodiment of a vessel according to the invention as a cross-section view,

- figure 2 shows another embodiment of a vessel according to the invention as a cross-section view, and - figures 3 and 4 exemplify two alternative embodiments of a vessel according to the invention as a perspective view.

In the drawings, reference number 1 means the hull part of the vessel, over which there is a superstructure 2 at least mainly being used for passenger accommodation only. Reference number 3 means a wide deck which according to the invention extends essentially beyond the hull part 1 in the width direction of the vessel. Reference number 4 refers to public spaces being in common use of the passengers and reference number 5 means lifeboats. Reference H means the total height of the vessel from the bottom of the structure to the uppermost continuous part of the structure, reference hi means the height of the superstructure 2 and reference h2 means the height of the hull part 1 measured to the level of the wide deck 3 in figure 1. Reference B means the width of the wide deck 3. In case this width changes in the longitudinal direction of the vessel, reference B means the average width of the wide deck 3. The width of the superstructure 2 is marked b1 measured at the weather-proof outer side. In this case it must be considered that the cabins of the superstructure can be provided with balconies that can be provided with a wall which can optionally be drawn to cover it and which can also act as a weather-proof insulation towards the environment. The width of the hull part is marked b2.

Referring to the embodiment of figure 1 , the wide deck 3 is arranged between the hull part 1 and the superstructure 2. At least essentially all public spaces intended for the common use of passengers are arranged in connection with the wide deck 3, in practice on from 1 to 3 decks. The hallways and corresponding special spaces and crew spaces are not, of course, included among these. Depending on the situation, public spaces can easily be combined and separated when needed by means of e.g. walls and other arrangements. It is also possible to change their function, whereby e.g. the wide deck 3 can during daytime and in good weather function as a so-called sundeck, while in the evening it is being used as a dining room or for various entertainment purposes.

The usability of the wide deck 3 can be improved by providing it or a part of it with a movable cover (not shown). In order to minimize possible smoke and/or smell problems the exhaust system of the vessel is preferably located under the superstructure 2 and the exhaust gases are directed out from the hull part 1 under the wide deck 3 (not shown).

In practice the advantages of the invention are best achieved by arranging the main part of the width b1 of the superstructure 2 to be less than 50% of the average width of the wide deck 3. Further, preferably the wide deck 3 is more than 5% wider than the average width b2 of the hull part 1. The length of the superstructure 2 is additionally most preferably more than 50% of the maximum length of the vessel. Thus, a maximum proportion, most preferably at least 70%, of the public spaces of the vessel can be arranged in connection with the wide deck 3.

The height hi of the superstructure 2 measured at the uppermost continuous structure extending over the main part of the superstructure is preferably chosen so that its main part is over 50% of the combined height H of the height hi of the superstructure 2 and the height h2 of the hull part 1. The relatively narrow and thus light superstructure allows for its part the increased height thereof. This allows placing at least 70%, preferably over 90% or even all cabins used for accommodating the customers, i.e. passengers in the superstructure 2, and thereby further at least most of the cabins can also be provided with a balcony. The crew accommodation can be arranged traditionally in the hull part 2, but using the invention does not exclude locating a part of crew cabins in the superstructure 2 as well. When there are no large structures extending in the width direction of the superstructure 2, all cabins can also have an unobstructed sea view. The embodiment of figure 1 can also be changed so that the superstructure 2 comprises two or more superstructure units (see figure 4). Thus they are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the hull part 1 so that they are side by side for less than 50% of their length.

In the embodiment of figure 2 the wide deck 3 is arranged above the superstructure 2. In this case the actual superstructure 2 comprises a wider part over the main deck and a narrower part, i.e. a so-called cabin block, whereby the wide deck 3 is located over the narrower part of the superstructure. In this case it also possible to arrange more public spaces in connection with the wide deck 3 than in prior art, but concentrating the public spaces as largely as in the embodiment of figure 1 is not possible.

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate some practical variations of carrying out the embodiment of figure 1. As can be seen, there can be various, even high, separate structures over the superstructure, but these are not taken into account when defining the height of the superstructure measured at the uppermost continuous structure extending over the main part of the superstructure according to the invention. In the embodiment of figure 3 the funnels 7 are directed in the stern of the vessel through the wide deck beside the superstructure so as to be clearly over it, whereby possible smoke and smell problems can easily be eliminated. Further, in the embodiment of figure 3 a part of the deck 3 is also covered, as shown with reference number 6, whereby it also offers protection from the weather. The cover 6 can also be opened, if necessary.

In the embodiment of figure 4 the public spaces include a swimming pool area 8 located in the central part of the vessel. The exhaust pipes T are directed under the wide deck 3 to the stern of the vessel. Additionally the superstructure 2 itself comprises two units 2a and 2b arranged one after the other. The actual execution of the inventive idea is not limited according to what the hull part in itself contains. Thus it is possible to provide the hull part with, for example, one or more car decks so that the vessel can, if necessary, also function as a car ferry. In this case, the hull part must, of course, be provided with an openable ramp, known as such, for moving cars. Additionally, the hull part usually contains crew spaces, service spaces and stores as well as the machinery and fuel tanks.

The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but several modifications thereof can be conceived of within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A floating structure, a vessel or the like having an elongated hull part (1 ) with a su perstructu re (2) com prising a n u mber of floors thereon , the superstructure (2) containing an essential part of the passenger accommodation of the floating structure, vessel or the like and being essentially narrower in the width direction of the floating structure, vessel or the like, than the hull part (1 ), whereby there is at least one deck (3) in connection with the superstructure (2) above the hull part (1 ) extending essentially outside the hull part (1 ) in the width direction of the floating structure, vessel or the like, characterized in that the width (bi ) of the superstructure (2) measured at the weather-proof outer side is mainly less than 50% of the average width (B) of the said wide deck (3) and that the height (hi ) of the superstructure (2) measured at the uppermost continuous structure extending over the main part of the superstructure is mainly over

50% of the combined height (H) of the height (hi ) of the superstructure (2) and the height (h2) of the hull part (1 ).

2. A floating structure, a vessel or the like according to claim 1 , characterized in that the said wide deck (3) is located between the hull part (1 ) and the superstructure (2).

3. A floating structure, a vessel or the like according to claim 1 , characterized in that the said wide deck (3) is located above the actual superstructure (2).

4. A floating structure, a vessel or the like according to claim 1 , characterized in that there is an area comprising 1 to 3 deck intervals arranged in connection with the said wide deck (3) and that the main part, preferably at least 70%, of the public spaces of the floating structure, vessel or the like are arranged in this area of the wide deck.

5. A floating structure, a vessel or the like according to claim 4, characterized in that the said public spaces comprise one or more of the following space types: restaurants, lounges and other public access areas, outer decks and sun decks, entertainment spaces, pastime and refreshment spaces, shops and the like spaces intended for public use of passengers.

6. A floating structure, a vessel or the like according to claim 1 , characterized in that the length of the superstructure (2) is over 50% of the greatest length of the floating structure, vessel or the like.

7. A floating structure, a vessel or the like according to claim 1 , characterized in that the said wide deck (3) is over 5% wider than the average width (b2) of the hull part (1 ).

8. A floating structure, a vessel or the like according to claim 1 , characterized in that the superstructure (2) comprises two or more superstructure units (2a, 2b) arranged in the longitudinal direction of the hull part (1 ) so that they are side by side for less than 50% of their length.

9. A floating structure, a vessel or the like according to claim 8, characterized in that the width (b1 ) of at least one superstructure (2, 2a, 2b) measured at the weather-proof outer side is mainly less than 50% of the average width (B) of the said wide deck (3) and that the height (hi ) of the at least one superstructure (2, 2a, 2b) measured at the uppermost continuous structure extending over the main part of the superstructure is mainly over 50% of the combined height (H) of the height (hi ) of the superstructure (2) and the height (h2) of the hull part (1 ) and that the combined length of the superstructures (2, 2a, 2b) is over 50% of the greatest length of the floating structure, vessel or the like.

10. A floating structure, a vessel or the like according to claim 1 , characterized in that more than 70%, most preferably more than 90% of the passenger cabins and/or other accommodation spaces of the floating structure, vessel or the like, is arranged in the superstructure (2).

11.A floating structure, a vessel or the like according to claim 10, characterized in that more than 80% of the passenger cabins of the superstructure (2) are provided with an outside window or balcony for providing an unobstructed sea view.

12.A floating structure, a vessel or the like according to claim 1 , characterized in that the said wide deck (3) can be at least partly covered (6) and modified for various uses.

13.A floating structure, a vessel or the like according to claim 1 , characterized in that the said wide deck (3) extends at least more than 50%, preferably more than 80% over the total length of the floating structure, vessel or the like.

14.19. A floating structure, a vessel or the like according to claim 1 , characterized in that it is a single-hull cruise ship or the like.

15.A floating structure, a vessel or the like according to claim 1 , characterized in that the exhaust system (7, 7') of the vessel is located outside the superstructure (2).

16.A floating structure, a vessel or the like according to claim 1 , characterized in that the exhaust system (7') of the vessel is directed out of the hull part (1 ) below the said wide deck (3).