WO2010092127A1

WO2010092127A1 - A launching system

Info

Publication number: WO2010092127A1
Application number: PCT/EP2010/051739
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bent Nielsen
Original assignee: Nadiro A/S
Priority date: 2009-02-13
Filing date: 2010-02-11
Publication date: 2010-08-19

Abstract

A launch and/or retrieval device for handling means for lifesaving to be lowered to the surface of the sea from an inside of an encasement (100). The device inter alia comprising a winch (1) comprising a drum (2), one or more pulleys (51) and a structure (50) accommodating the winch (1) and one or more pulleys (51) wherein the structure comprises coupling means adapted to provide a releasable connection between the structure (50) and an interior part of an encasement (100) adapted to accommodate means for lifesaving.

Description

A launching system

According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a launch and/or retrieval device for handling means for lifesaving. The means for lifesaving are, by means of the launch and/or retrieval device, to be lowered to, or retrieved from, the surface of the sea and to or from an inside of an encasement configured for accommodating the means for lifesaving. The launch or retrieval device inter alia constitute a structure accommodating means, such as a winch, configured for discharge and retrieval of rope or wire connectable the means for lifesaving.

The winch may be adapted for; a rotational speed, winding and unwinding ropes or wires connected to the lifesaving equipment, and further, the winch may comprise brake means controlling the rotational speed of the one or more drums as well as means for reading the rotational speed of the one or more drums.

It is understood that the expressions ship, boat or vessel, throughout this specification is meant to denote any kind of floating structure suitable for car- rying either persons, cargo or a combination thereof.

It is further understood that the expression fall, throughout this specification is meant to denote any kind of wire or rope which is capable of being wound up on, or wound from, a drum.

Background

Larger ships and rigs are required to accommodate lifeboats. There are generally two types of lifeboats in use, one being the so called free fall lifeboat and the other being the conventional lifeboat. The conventional lifeboat is to be lowered to the surface of the sea by means of a dedicated launch system typically encompassing one or more winch systems.

The winch system is, in order secure safe launch of the lifesaving equipment, required to work flawlessly under various loads as well as under any imaginable environmental condition. The system will be operative under trials or drills as well as under emergencies, and the system must demonstrate steady and reliable behaviour under severe weather conditions. The general requirements to the winch system are:

- securing controlled winding in or out throughout the entire distance of descent and/or lift of the lifesaving equipment,

- continuous reliability, and

- weather resistancy.

As lifesaving equipment typically is launched while accommodating crew or seafarers, and therefore is relatively heavy, the launch system incl. any winches etc., has to be able to cope with significant forces. The forces are converted into heat by means of one or more, often regulated, brake mecha- nisms.

It is therefore clear that a launching system for means for lifesaving requires extensive maintenance and inspection.

Background art

Prior art teach various winch and launch systems.

US 5671912 A discloses a safety brake system applied directly to a hoisting drum adapted to facilitate launch or retrieval of lifesaving equipment. According to the document, the system is able to stop the load from falling in the event of a drive line failure. The load can be lowered or raised by applying sufficient torque to the drum in order to overcome the braking force and thus lower or raise the load.

US 4177973 A discloses a system provided for automatically clamping a cable drum in the event of mechanical failure of the drive train that connects the cable drum to its prime mover. The system monitors the mechanical continuity of the drive train by comparing the number of revolutions of the prime mover with the number of revolutions made by the cable drum in the same time interval. The system actuates a calliper disc brake mounted with the drum if a discontinuity of the drive train is detected. In the electrical system, shaft encoders are used on both the cable drum axle and prime mover shaft. The cable drum encoder is selected such that the number of pulses it produces per revolution of the cable drum is approximately equal to the number of pulses produced by prime mover shaft encoder per revolution of its shaft divided by the speed reduction ratio of the drive train. The counters in the comparator are periodically reset to prevent the slight difference in the number of pulses produced by the encoders during normal operations from falsely indicating a drive train discontinuity. In the mechanical system, the prime mover shaft and cable drum axle may be connected to a mechanical phase sensing switch through respective rotation transmitting cables in order to determine if the cable drum and prime mover are rotating at the drive train speed reduction ratio.

JP 4164799 A discloses a launching system adapted to prevent uncontrolled fall of a load. The document teaches a radially extending outward side plate provided at both ends of a winding drum, where the side plates form part of a brake device. Upon detection of a rotational speed of the drum which is equal to or above a predetermined value, the brake device is engaged whereby the descent is either controller or stopped completely. GB 191422229 A discloses a self-regulating brake mechanism connected to a drum holding falls for lowering lifeboats from a vessel at sea. The brake mechanism comprises a brake band, which partially encircles a drum, which with varying force is adapted to control the rotational speed of the drum. The force applied to the brake band is controlled by the outlet speed of the falls or by a hand controlled lever.

EP 0875448 A2 discloses a braking device for controlling the speed of descent of a lifeboat to be lowered from a ship. The device comprising a pair of disc brakes, where the first disc is connected to a fixed member and the second disc is connected to a winch. The brake is arranged to urge the discs towards each other in order to brake the winch. The brake is controlled by a static brake pressure achieved by means of a spring arranged to exert a constant force on the discs in order to keep the rotating disc braked. The device further comprises release means for counteracting the action of the spring and enabling the discs to be separated upon the lifeboats descent from the ship. Dynamic brake control is achieved by arranging a loose mass adapted to exert, by centrifugal effect, a thrust on the discs proportional to the rotational speed of the winch such as to bring the discs into mutual contact and brake the winch.

GB 1326477 A discloses a winch system for raising and lowering a lifeboat etc. from a ship or a rig. The system comprises a blower drivable by a winch drum to control the rate of descent of the lifeboat and a brake being arranged so as to prevent rotation of the drum when so desired. The blower comprises blades curved such that maximum resistance to rotation is offered during descending moment of the lifeboat, and minimum resistance is offered during raising of the lifeboat. The drum is driven through reduction gear and shaft by an electric motor. A controllable clutch is arranged between the motor and the shaft in order to free the shaft during descent of the lifeboat. A disc brake encompassing a clutch permitting the shaft to turn in a direction raising the lifeboat while the brake is applied are coupled through a lever system such that the clutch is disengaged prior to release of the brake. To release the brake from the lifeboat, a lever is pulled withdrawing a pin from a weight which when released, lowers the lever end to raise the weight whereby the brake is released.

WO 07125549 A discloses a winch for handling lifeboats etc., where the winch is operated by means of a fluid dynamic system. The system comprises a brake hydraulically controlling of the outlet speed from the winch of the falls or lines carrying the lifeboat. The outlet speed is controlled by means of a speed regulation valve controlling a flow of fluid from a pump, i.e. the desired outlet speed of the winch is controlled by the allowed through flow through the speed regulating valve.

DE 4213290 A discloses a holder for a dinghy configured for use on a boat or a ship provided with a diving platform. The diving platform includes a chamber for the dinghy, and the chamber is accessible from outside via an opening in the diving platform. The holder inter alia comprises a cable which is removable fastened to a mount on the dinghy and configured for drawing the dinghy into the chamber. A winch, mounted inside the chamber, is provided for driving the cable. The winch is mounted inside the chamber on a wall opposite to the opening, whereby, according to the disclosure, unobtrusive, quick and simple stowing/hoisting of dinghy is rendered possible.

Examples of common drawbacks of prior art launch systems are:

- service, repair and maintenance has to be carried out on the equipments site of operation

- unreliability arising e.g. from mechanically complex systems, - outlet speed depend on the friction within the brake means, - control systems not being able to compensate e.g. for rust and deterioration of the brake means and other vital components,

- difficulties in obtaining sufficient cooling of the brake means, and

- service demanding configurations.

Brief description of the invention

The present invention seeks to reduce the required manpower as well as burdens of the personnel performing maintenance and repairs to lifesaving systems where the means for lifesaving is stored inside an encasement.

According to various prior art lifesaving systems where the means for lifesaving is to be lowered to the surface of the sea from inside an encasement, the launching system, i.e. winches, pulleys and ropes or wires etc. is rigidly in- stalled on an upper interior portion of the encasement whereby any service and maintenance is required to be performed by personnel physically entering the typically uncomfortable and badly lit environment. Such inexpedient operations are thus considered time-consuming and therefore also costly.

Up to this day, prior art has failed to teach a simple, reliable and inexpensive launching system which in a safe and reliable manner, without substantially increasing the weight, cost and particulars of the system, provides a system which is easily maintained and repaired.

According to the invention, there is provided an improved launch and retrieval device as per the introductory part of this specification. In particular, upon configuring the launch and retrieval device such that the device comprise coupling means adapted to provide a releasable connection between the launch or retrieval device and the encasement configured for accommodating the means for lifesaving, a system which may be easily maintained is obtained. As a result of the releasable connection, any maintenance and repair may be performed while the structure accommodating the components required to facilitate the launch or retrieval of the means for lifesaving may be performed at positions outside the encasement.

According to one embodiment, the releasable connection between the launch or retrieval device and the encasement may be configured such that the launch or retrieval device, when connected to the encasement, is accommodated within an interior part of the encasement.

According to one embodiment, the launch or retrieval device further comprise guide means adapted to guide the rope or wire such that the rope or wire is discharged and retrieved in a direction substantially normal to a plane defined by the structure.

According to one embodiment, the guide means constitutes one or more pulleys.

According to one embodiment, the means configured for discharge and retrieval of rope or wire constitute a winch comprising at least one drum adapted to accommodate the rope or wire.

According to one embodiment, the structure is configured such that at least one drum, via at least one pulley, discharge one or more ropes or wires from the launch and retrieval device in a direction substantially normal to a plane defined by the structure.

According to one embodiment, the winch further comprises drive means for winding the ropes or wires onto the one or more drums.

According to one embodiment, the winch may be arranged in a first end of the structure and comprising one or more drums. The at least one pulley may be arranged in a second end of the structure opposite the first end of the structure, and one of the drums may have a first outlet of ropes or wires for winding and unwinding the ropes or wires substantially below the drum, and one of the drums may have a second outlet of ropes or wires for winding and unwinding ropes or wires in a direction substantially perpendicular to the unwinding of ropes or wires from the first outlet.

According to one embodiment, the second outlet of rope or wire may, by means of the pulley, be guided such that the rope or wire from the second outlet, upon being angled by the pulley, is oriented substantially parallel to rope or wire discharged from the first outlet.

According to one embodiment, the winch and the pulley may be spaced apart with a distance substantially equivalent to the distance between the coupling points of a lifeboat.

According to one embodiment, the structure may constitute a relatively flat structure with an overall length substantially corresponding an internal length a standard container such as a 20 foot or 40 foot container. Further, the pul- ley and the winch may ensure that the ropes or wires are winded or un winded to or from the winch in a direction, towards or away from the structure, substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by the structure, while also being disposed substantially in a central plane of the structure.

According to one embodiment, the means for lifesaving may constitute a lifeboat.

According to one embodiment, the encasement may be adapted to accommodate a lifeboat. According to one embodiment, the structure may be substantially rectangular.

According to one embodiment, the launch or retrieval device may form part of a modular system comprising a number of auxiliary launch or retrieval devices where at least one launch or retrieval device is arranged on board a ship or a rig, and where at least one launch or retrieval device is arranged ashore.

According to one embodiment, the launch or retrieval device may be adapted for lowering a lifeboat out underneath an encasement.

According to a second aspect, a launching system comprising a launch or retrieval device according to the first aspect of the present invention is pro- vided. The encasement may constitute an open or closed box having substantially parallel sides and further, the encasement may comprise a closed or substantially closed top.

According to one embodiment, the launch and retrieval device may config- ured for launch as well as retrieval of the means for lifesaving.

According to a third aspect, a method of maintaining a launch or retrieval device according to the first aspect is provided. The method comprises the steps of:

A) Retrieving a launch or retrieval device from an inside of an encasement,

B) Performing any required steps of maintenance or repair to the launch or retrieval device, and C) Connecting the launch or retrieval device to the inside of an encasement (100)

According to one embodiment of the third aspect, the step of performing any required steps of maintenance or repair may be replaced by a step of replacing the launch or retrieval device.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 illustrates a winch.

Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a structure accommodating a winch and a pulley.

Figure 3 is a side view of a structure accommodating a winch and a pulley.

Figure 4 illustrates a winch.

Figure 5 illustrates a partial perspective view of a launching system arranged inside an encasement.

Figure 6 illustrates a partial end view of a launching system arranged inside an encasement.

Detailed description of the invention with reference to the figures

Figure 1 illustrates a dual drum winch 1 including ropes or wires 3 (falls), wound up on drums 2. The winch 1 form part of a launching system adapted for launch or retrieval of means for lifesaving (not shown). The means for life- saving is typically launched from a ship or a rig onto the surface of the sea. The winch may also be provided with drive means 30 for winding the falls 3 onto the drums 2.

As can be seen in figure 1 the wires or ropes 3 on the double drum 2 pay out to the same side of the winch. This is however in no way limiting for the present invention; as the winch will work equally well in embodiments wherein the wires or ropes are paid out on opposite sides of the winch 1.

The winch 1 is accommodated by a structure (not shown in figure 1 ), and the structure is adapted to be connected to an interior of an encasement accommodating means for lifesaving, such as a lifeboat.

One end of the falls 3 may or may not be connected to the drums 2, while the opposite end of the falls 3 may be connected, and possibly guided by one or more pulleys, to the means for lifesaving which is to be lowered on the surface of the sea.

The lifesaving equipment may typically constitute a lifeboat, and in embodiments wherein the winch encompass two drums 2, the lifeboat may suitable constitute a so-called twin fall lifeboat.

Figure 1 further illustrates brake means in the form of a disc brake comprising discs 23, brake pads or shoes 20 and actuating means 25. Although the illustrated brake means constitutes a disc brake, the chosen brake system is not in any way limiting for the present invention. Other brake systems such as drum brakes, expanding brakes, band brakes, centrifugal brakes or hydraulic/viscous brakes etc. may equally be applied to the system according to the present invention. Further, multiple brake systems comprising similar and/or different types of brake systems may be applied to the winch 1. The actuator 25, as shown in figure 1 , may be adapted to force or urge the brake pads or shoes 20 towards or against one or more brake discs 23. The actuator 25 may constitute any suitable form of actuator, e.g. a hydraulic or electric or electro mechanical actuator. Further, it is possible to construct the system such that typical brake callipers, e.g. from vehicles and the like, with or without preparation or modification, may be applied to the system.

The brake system may constitute one or more brake discs 23. In the embodiment according to figure 1 , the discs 23 forms part of the drums 2, mean- ing that the brake shoes or pads 20 engage one side only of the discs. The brake system may equally comprise one or more double sided discs, forming part of a sidewall of a drum 2 or not. The particular configuration of discs may to a great extend depend on the particular application of the winch and brake system. It may be preferred, in systems wherein large loads are to be low- ered from relatively large heights, to select a system with multiple discs, as multiple discs provides enhanced cooling over one disc only. Further, it may be beneficial to select ventilated discs.

The winch may be provided with one or more gears, shown in figure 4 under pos no. 40, between the drums 2 and the brake system, in order to increase or reduce the rotational speed of the one or more drums as well as the brake means in relation to the rotational speed of the drums 2. A relatively high rotational speed of the braking means, compared with the rotational speed of the drums, may prove beneficial where relatively low rotational speed of the drums is required e.g. as slow turning brake system tends operate irregularly and/or wobble etc.

The winch may be provided with an emergency brake system (not shown) adapted to, in case of malfunction of the primary brake system, deliver or imply the required brake force to the drums. The emergency brake system may or may not constitute a parallel system. The rotational speed of at least one drum may be read by at least one transducer 11. The transducer may constitute a magnetic speed transducer, e.g. arranged in the vicinity of a gear tooth ring 10. The rotational speed may be read by means of any other suitable means for registration of rotational speed such as hall transducers and the like. Further, the transducer 11 does not need to be positioned according to figure 1. The transducer may equally be arranged in an alternative position, e.g. between two drums 2 or even be arranged within on or more drums 2, i.e. protected from the environment.

The drums 2, or the sides of the drums incl. the discs 23, may in certain embodiments either constitute or accommodate means unveiling the rotational speeds of the one or more drums 2 to a transducer, i.e. eliminating the above-mentioned gear tooth ring 10.

Although not explicitly illustrated in figure 1 , the two illustrated drums 2 may be interconnected with each other, e.g. on a common shaft, which is why only one transducer may be required to obtain a reading of the rotational speed of the drums. The present invention is not in anyway limited to a par- ticular embodiments of selected winches or drums, and the system may work equally well with a winch having multiple drums being able to rotate independently of each other.

The measured rotational speed of the drums 2 are interpreted by a controller 15 connected one or more transducers 11. The controller 15, which comprise electronic circuits, may on basis of one or more pre-programmed set points or equivalent, be able to control the actuator 25 in such a way that one or more desired rotational speeds of the one or more drums 2 is achieved.

During rotation of a drum 2, the controller 15, by means of signals stemming from the transducer 11 , continuously or semi continuously observes the speed of the at least one drum 2. The controller 15 is adapted to, directly or indirectly, e.g. via intermediate components, impose the actuator to either increase or decrease the force applied to the brake shoes or pads 20 whereby the controller 15 is in control of both the rotational speed of the drums 2 and the applied brake force.

As the system according to the above embodiment regulate the rotational speed of the drums 2 only, the outlet or inlet speed of the falls 3 may to an extent relate to the number of windings of wire or rope present on the drum 2. Outlet of wire or rope reduces the circumference of the drum lowering the rate of the descent of the lifesaving equipment. The reduction of speed may be beneficial in some applications; however it will be possible to provide the winch with means for detecting the quantity of rope or wire present on the drum, and feed the information to the controller 15.

The controller 15 may be provided with a method of regulation wherein the rotational speed of one or more drums may depend on a value relating to an outer periphery of either a drum or the outer periphery of wire or rope wound on the drum. Consequently, the controller's "set-point" relates to the quantity of fall wound up on the drum 2.

As an alternative to the above proposals, the winch may be provided with means being able to read the actual outlet speed of the wires or ropes. Such means could constitute one or more transducers being adapted to measure the speed of a wire or rope passing through its area of measurement. Such system may however require the ropes or wires to encompass certain properties, e.g. comprise means being able to alter magnetic fields, visible or invisible markings and the like.

The launching system is typically operated either by the crew accommodated in the lifeboat or by crew onboard the ship or structure from where the life- boat is launched. The lifeboat may be provided with a control station from where the launching system incl. the winch and brakes etc. are operated. The control station may communicate with the launching system by means of wired communication or, as an equal alternative, by means of any suitable wireless communication system. Further, the launching system incl. winch and brake system may be operated manually by means of a cantilever or equivalent, whereby it will be possible to launch the boat even if the launching system for some reason is rendered without electrical power.

As can be seen in figure 2, the winch 1 may, according to the present invention, be arranged within a structure 50. The structure may constitute a substantially flat and rectangular modular structure having a length and a width substantially corresponding the length and width of a standard container such as a FEU (forty foot container unit) or a TEU (twenty foot container unit), however the structure may of course also be produced under various other dimensions such as to fit wide body or custom containers and the like.

Further as shown in figure 2 and 3, the winch 1 may be arranged in one end of the structure 50, and opposite the winch 1 , a pulley 51 may be arranged such that the outlet of one fall 3 (figure 3) is arranged in one end of the structure 50, while the outlet of another fall 3 is arranged in the opposite end of the structure 50, such that the distance between the two vertical falls 3 substantially corresponds the distance between the lifting hooks or systems on a lifeboat. As an alternative, and according to a not shown embodiment, the structure may be furnished with two winches, one provided in each end of the structure.

As can be seen in figure 2, the structure 50 may, in accordance with the present invention, be provided with means 55 for coupling the structure to an interior upper part of a not shown encasement. The means for coupling the structure to the encasement may constitute not shown twist locks, click locks, latch or pawl assemblies, threaded or welded assemblies and the like.

Further, and not shown in the figures, the structure may be provided with an arrangement allowing a part of the structure to move or slide at least partially outside the confines of the encasement, whereby the means for lifesaving may be lowered to, or retrieved from, the surface of the sea from a position outside the encasement. Such applications may be found suitable in arrangements where the encasement accommodating the lifeboat is stowed in positions onboard a ship or rig wherein launch through the bottom of the encasement is not possible or desired. Embodiments wherein the structure, prior to launch of the lifesaving equipment, moves at least partially outside the confines of the encasement allows for alternative stowage positions and/or orientations of the encasement accommodating the lifesaving equip- ment, e.g., the encasement may be arranged normal to the sailing direction of the ship.

In embodiments wherein the structure is able to slide or displace as per the above, the structure may be made up from a stationary portion being remov- able connected to an interior upper portion of the encasement, and a dis- placeable portion connected to the stationary portion by means of a sliding arrangement or by means of rollers etc. The means for hoisting or lowering the lifesaving equipment may be accommodated with the stationary portion or the displaceable portion. The displaceable portion may be displaceable, either longitudinally or transverse, with respect to the stationary portion, and finally, the stationary portion may at convenience be configured as a telescopic structure.

Figure 4 is a top view of one embodiment of a winch comprised in a launch- ing system according to the present invention. As can be seen, the winch 1 is provided with a motor 30 and brake means 23, 25, a gear 40, and drums 2 for holding not shown falls 3.

According to the above, a system comprising a winch providing controlled outlet speeds, or rotational speeds of one more drums is set forth, however the system may of course also control the inlet speed or the wind up speed. In embodiments wherein the wind up speed is controlled, the controller 15 may also be adapted to control the motor 30; however the speed of up winding may be controlled by means of the brake system exclusively, i.e. the brake system works against the applied up winding torque applied by the motor 30.

As can be seen in figure 5, the structure 50 is, in an installed state, arranged in an upper interior portion of an encasement 100, above a lifeboat 70.

Further as can be seen in figure 5, the structure 50 may accommodate a hydraulic power pack 82, a control unit 81 and a pulley 51.

As can be seen in figure 6, the drum 2 of the winch is disposed substantially in a central plane of the lifeboat 70 such that the fall 3 is discharged substantially above the connection point or hook 83 connecting the lifeboat 70 to the fall 3. The concurrent drum 2' accommodates a not shown fall connected a connection point or hook provided in an opposite end of the lifeboat via the pulley 51 as shown in figure 5.

Claims

C l a i m s

1. A launch or retrieval device for handling means for lifesaving where said means for lifesaving are to be lowered to, or retrieved from, the surface of the sea and to or from an inside of an encasement (100) configured for accommodating said means for lifesaving, said launch or retrieval device inter alia constitute a structure (50) accommodating means (1 ) configured for discharge and retrieval of rope or wire (3) connectable said means for lifesaving characterized in that said launch or retrieval device comprise coupling means adapted to provide a releasable connection between said launch or retrieval device and said encasement (100) configured for accommodating said means for lifesaving.

2. A launch or retrieval device according to claim 1 , wherein said releasable connection between said launch or retrieval device and said encasement

(100) is configured such that said launch or retrieval device, when connected to said encasement (100), is accommodated within an interior part of said encasement (100).

3. A launch or retrieval device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said launch or retrieval device further comprise guide means (51 ) adapted to guide said rope or wire (3) such that said rope or wire (3) is discharged and retrieved in a direction substantially normal to a plane defined by said structure (50).

4. A launch or retrieval device according to claim 3, wherein said guide means (51 ) constitutes one or more pulleys (51 ).

5. A launch or retrieval device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said means (1 ) configured for discharge and retrieval of rope or wire (3) constitute a winch (1 ) comprising at least one drum (2) adapted to accommodate said rope or wire (3).

6. A launch or retrieval device according claim 3, 4 and 5, wherein said structure (50) is configured such that said at least one drum (2), via said at least one pulley (51 ), discharge one or more ropes or wires (3) from said launch and retrieval device in a direction substantially normal to a plane defined by said structure (50).

7. A launch or retrieval device according to any of the claims 5, wherein said winch (1 ) further comprises drive means (30) for winding said ropes or wires (3) onto said one or more drums (2).

8. A launch or retrieval device according to any of the claims 5 - 7, wherein said winch (1 ) is arranged in a first end of said structure (50) and comprising one or more drums (2) where said at least one pulley (51 ) is arranged in a second end of said structure (50) opposite said first end of said structure (50), and where said drum (2) has a first outlet of said ropes or wires (3) for winding and unwinding said ropes or wires (3) substantially below said drum (2), and where said drum (2) has a second outlet of said ropes or wires (3) for winding and unwinding said ropes or wires (3) in a direction substantially perpendicular to said unwinding of said ropes or wires (3) from said first outlet.

9. A launch or retrieval device according to claim 8, wherein said second outlet of said rope or wire (3) is by said pulley (51 ) guided such that said rope or wire (3) from said second outlet, upon being angled by said pulley (51 ), is oriented substantially parallel to said rope or wire (3) discharged from said first outlet.

10. A launch or retrieval device according to claim 9, wherein said winch (1 ) and said pulley (51 ) is spaced apart with a distance substantially equivalent to the distance between the coupling points of a lifeboat.

11. A launch or retrieval device according to claim 10, wherein said structure (50) constitutes a relatively flat structure with an overall length substantially corresponding an internal length a standard container such as a 20 foot or 40 foot container, and where said pulley (51 ) and said winch (1 ) ensure that said ropes or wires (3) are winded or un winded to or from said winch (1 ) in a direction, towards or away from said structure (50), substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by said structure (50), while also being disposed substantially in a central plane of said structure (50).

12. A launch or retrieval device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said means for lifesaving is a lifeboat.

13. A launch or retrieval device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said encasement is adapted to accommodate a lifeboat.

14. A launch or retrieval device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said structure (50) is substantially rectangular.

15. A launch or retrieval device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said launch or retrieval device form part of a modular system comprising a number of auxiliary launch or retrieval devices where at least one launch or retrieval device is arranged on board a ship or a rig, and where at least one launch or retrieval device is arranged ashore.

16. A launch or retrieval device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said launch or retrieval device is adapted for lowering a lifeboat out underneath an encasement (100).

17. A launching system comprising a launch or retrieval device according to any of the preceding claims and an encasement, where said encasement constitutes an open or closed box having substantially parallel sides and further comprising a closed or substantially closed top.

18. A launch or retrieval device according to any of the preceding claims, where said launch and retrieval device is configured for launch as well as retrieval of said means for lifesaving.

19. A method of maintaining a launch or retrieval device according to any of the preceding claims, said method comprises the steps of:

A) Retrieving said launch or retrieval device from an inside of an encasement (100),

B) Performing any required steps of maintenance or repair to said launch or retrieval device, and

C) Connecting said launch or retrieval device to said inside of an encasement (100)

20. A method of maintaining a launch or retrieval device according to claim 19, wherein said step of performing any required steps of maintenance or repair is replaced by a step of replacing said launch or retrieval device.