WO2015088333A1

WO2015088333A1 - Vessel comprising a moveable crane and method for lifting a load aboard a vessel by using such a crane

Info

Publication number: WO2015088333A1
Application number: PCT/NL2014/050838
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Kahn
Original assignee: Jumbo Maritime B.V.
Priority date: 2013-12-09
Filing date: 2014-12-08
Publication date: 2015-06-18
Also published as: NL2011915C2

Abstract

The invention relates to a vessel (1), comprising a hull (2), with a deck (3) arranged on the hull (2), a longitudinal axis (X) extending in a length direction of the vessel (1), the longitudinal axis (X) defining a longitudinal direction (L), two vessel sides (6, 7) substantially arranged on opposite sides (SI, S2) of the longitudinal axis (X), a first crane (8) having a substantially vertical base section (9) with a substantially vertical axis (Zl), the base section (9) being arranged on the hull (2) or the deck (3) at one of the vessel sides (SI), and a rotatable section (10), rotatably arranged on the base section (9) as to be rotatable around the vertical axis (Zl) thereof and comprising a crane boom (11) configured for being equipped with a lifting device (12), a second crane (13) having a substantially vertical base section (14) with a substantially vertical axis (Z2), the base section (14) being arranged on the hull (2) or the deck (3) at the one vessel side (SI) at a longitudinal distance (Dl) from the first crane (8), and a rotatable section (15), rotatably arranged on the base section (14) as to be rotatable around the vertical axis (Z2) thereof and comprising a crane boom (16) configured for being equipped with a lifting device (17), wherein the base section (14) of the second crane (13) is moveably arranged on the hull (2) or the deck (3) for allowing movement of the base section (14) of the second crane (13) in the longitudinal direction (L) of the vessel (1), along the one side (SI) of the vessel, wherein the longitudinal distance (Dl) between the base section (9) of the first crane (8) and the base section (14) of the second crane (13) is adjustable.

Description

VESSEL COMPRISING A MOVEABLE CRANE AND METHOD FOR LIFTING A LOAD ABOARD A VESSEL BY USING SUCH A CRANE

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a vessel, in particular an offshore vessel, comprising:

a hull, with a deck arranged on the hull,

a longitudinal axis extending in a length direction of the vessel between a stern and a bow, the longitudinal axis defining a longitudinal direction,

two vessel sides, such as a starboard and a port side, substantially arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis,

a first crane having a substantially vertical base section with a substantially vertical axis, the base section being arranged on the hull or the deck at one of the vessel sides, wherein the width of the base section is at most 50% of the width of the vessel, and a rotatable section, rotatably arranged on the base section as to be rotatable around the vertical axis thereof and comprising a crane boom configured for being equipped with a lifting device, and

a second crane having a substantially vertical base section with a substantially vertical axis, the base section being arranged on the hull or the deck at the one vessel side at a longitudinal distance from the first crane, wherein the width of the base section is at most 50% of the width of the vessel, and a rotatable section, rotatably arranged on the base section as to be rotatable around the vertical axis thereof and comprising a crane boom configured for being equipped with a lifting device.

Background of the invention

[0002] Such a vessel is known from, for example, US 6.932.326. This patent publication describes a vessel having two cranes arranged on one side of the vessel at a fixed distance from each other, wherein the two cranes are arranged to lift loads aboard the vessel from the 'crane side' of the vessel as well as the opposite side of the vessel. [0003] Another such vessel is known from public prior use: the K-class vessel, as currently in operation with Jumbo of The Netherlands, is also equipped with two cranes placed at a fixed distance from each other at one side of the vessel. [0004] A disadvantage of the known vessels, however, is that the known configuration with two, fixed cranes leaves a lot to be desired in terms of flexibility with respect to lifting loads. In case a relatively long load needs to be lifted aboard the vessel, it is often found that the cranes are too close together to lift the load from an external location at the same side of the vessel (i.e. at a position close to the side of the vessel where the cranes are located), through the space available between the cranes, to a loading position aboard the vessel. In such a case, the load has to be lifted from an external location at the opposite side of the vessel. This, however, requires careful and extensive balancing of the involved cranes. Furthermore, due to the cranes having to reach out to a location relatively far away from their point of connection to the vessel's hull or deck, bending moments on the cranes' structure will dramatically increase and therefore the cranes themselves will have to be designed to withstand such loads. This usually results in even heavier crane structures.

[0005] The same applies to the lifting of relatively compact, though heavy loads. In this case, the cranes are often positioned at a relatively large distance from each other. Although the distance between the cranes allows the load to be lifted from an external position at the same side of the vessel and through the space between the cranes to the desired loading area aboard the vessel, also in this case the cranes have to reach out to a location relatively far from their point of connection to the vessel's hull or deck. Analogous to the situation as described in paragraph [0004], this results in relatively high bending loads on the cranes' structures. Again, a relatively heavy crane construction and proper crane balancing is required.

[0006] Another disadvantage concerning the known vessels is that when lifting a relatively long load from an external position at the opposite side of the vessel, there is a risk of the load colliding with objects or structures present on the deck of the vessel. This causes the 'useful deck space' of such a vessel to be relatively low. Usually, such objects or structures are moved to another location aboard the vessel, or alternatively, the deck space of the vessel has to be designed in such a way already during the design phase of the vessel, that such a drawback is properly dealt with. Preferably, such a situation is avoided altogether by lifting the load exclusively from the 'crane side' of the vessel.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a vessel having two cranes, wherein the flexibility regarding the lifting of a wide variety of loads from an external location to an onboard location by the cranes is increased, while keeping the weight of the cranes relatively low and the amount of crane balancing to a minimum.

[0008] It is a further object of the invention to provide a vessel, wherein the load to be lifted by the two cranes can virtually at all times can be lifted from the crane side of the vessel. Summary of the invention

[0009] Hereto the vessel according to the invention is characterized in that the base section of the second crane is moveably arranged on the hull or the deck for allowing movement of the base section of the second crane in the longitudinal direction of the vessel, along the one side of the vessel, wherein the longitudinal distance between the base section of the first crane and the base section of the second crane is adjustable.

[0010] By moveably arranging at least the second crane on the hull or the deck for allowing movement of the base section of the second crane in the longitudinal direction of the vessel, along the one side of the vessel, the longitudinal distance between the base section of the first crane and the base section of the second crane is adjustable. This substantially increases the range of loads that can be lifted aboard the vessel: in case of relatively long loads the base sections of the cranes can be spaced apart at a greater distance from each other and in case of relatively short, compact loads the base sections can be moved closer together. In the meantime, the point of engagement on the load can be kept as close to the base sections of the cranes as possible, thereby reducing bending loads on the cranes' structure and therefore allowing the constructional weight of the cranes to be relatively low. Furthermore, at the same time the amount of required crane balancing can be kept to a minimum.

[0011] Additionally, due to the spacing between the base sections of the cranes being adaptable, virtually all types of loads to be lifted by the two cranes can be lifted from the crane side of the vessel. Consequently, the amount of useful deck space can be increased significantly.

[0012] Moreover, if required, the first and second cranes can still be used to lift a load situated at an external position at the opposite side of the vessel (provided the cranes are designed with sufficient range). Therein, a fly deck can be used, attached to the opposite side of the vessel. The fly deck may have a length equal to the length of the opposite side of the vessel. [0013] A further advantage of the abovementioned vessel is that, if desired, the two cranes can be positioned closer together to increase the effective lifting height of the cranes. This holds in particular for typical cranes having a crane boom that is hingeably connected to the rotatable section as to be hingeable around a substantially horizontal axis. By positioning the base sections relatively close together, the effective lifting height of both cranes can be increased.

[0014] In the context of this patent application a 'vessel' is to be understood as a structure capable of floating on water, such as a barge, a motorized ship, et cetera. Furthermore, 'external' should be read as 'external to the vessel', such as a port facility. 'Vertical' should also be understood as 'vertically extending' or extending in a vertical direction, such as along the gravity vector, wherein a certain degree of deviation from the gravity vector is allowed.

[0015] Furthermore, preferably the width of the base section is at most 50%, more preferably 40%, most preferably 25% of the width of the vessel, i.e. the relevant base section is primarily to be situated and, where applicable, moved along the one side of the vessel. Thereby, movement of the respective base section along the other, opposite side of the vessel is to be excluded. Preferably, the base section thus remains within a lateral distance of at most 50%, more preferably 40%, most preferably 25% of the width of the vessel from the respective vessel side during movement of the base section. [0016] In an embodiment of the aforementioned vessel the base section of the first crane is moveably arranged on the hull or the deck for allowing movement of the base section of the first crane in the longitudinal direction of the vessel, along the one side of the vessel, wherein the longitudinal distance between the base section of the first crane and the base section of the second crane is adjustable. By allowing the base sections of both the first and the second crane to be moveable, flexibility with respect to lifting loads is further optimized. Furthermore, this allows for increased flexibility regarding the selection of the longitudinal loading position on the vessel, and, of course, the external longitudinal position of the load to be lifted. [0017] Another embodiment relates to an aforementioned vessel comprising a third crane, wherein the base section of the third crane is moveably arranged on the hull or the deck for allowing movement of the base section of the third crane in the longitudinal direction of the vessel, along the one side of the vessel, wherein the width of the base section is at most 50% of the width of the vessel, wherein the longitudinal distance between the base section of the third crane and the base section of the first crane or the second crane is adjustable. The third crane can be positioned in between the first and second cranes, or at another longitudinal position at the one side of the vessel. Therein, it is conceivable that one of the cranes is a relatively heavy-duty crane, i.e. designed for lifting relatively heavy loads, whereas the other cranes are designed for lifting relatively lighter loads when compared to the one crane. The latter cranes can therefore also have a relatively lighter construction. In this way, relatively maximal flexibility is achieved, while keeping the combined crane weight to a minimum.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the vessel a skid track is arranged at the one side of the vessel, extending in the longitudinal direction, wherein the base sections of the first and/or second and/or third cranes are moveably arranged on the skid track. Such a skid track allows the moveable cranes to be pulled or pushed along the longitudinal side of the vessel with relative ease. At the same time, such a skid track is capable of absorbing relatively large loads exerted thereon by the one or more moveable cranes. Alternatively, guide tracks, such a rails, can be provided, wherein the one or more moveable base sections are provided with rolling means, such as wheels. [0019] Therein, it is advantageous that the skid track extends up to the stern of the vessel, such that near the stern a deck with increased rigidity is created.

[0020] In an alternative embodiment of the vessel, the first crane is a fixed crane, wherein the base section of the first crane is fixedly attached to the deck or hull of the vessel. Preferably though, the base section of the first, fixed crane is removably attached to the deck or hull, such that it can be removed for maintenance or to create more deck space.

[0021] Advantageously, the base section of the first crane is positioned at a longitudinal end of the one side of the vessel, near or at the stern of the vessel. This enables loads to be lifted over the stern of the vessel.

[0022] Preferably, the one side is the port side of the vessel. [0023] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for lifting a load aboard an aforementioned vessel, comprising the steps of:

measuring or estimating a length of the load to be lifted,

if required, moving the base section of the second crane with respect to the base section of the first crane, such that a longitudinal distance between the base section of the first crane and the base section of the second crane is created being at least equal to the length of the load to be lifted,

attaching a lifting device of the first crane to a first part of the load,

attaching a lifting device of the second crane to a second part of the load, operating the first and second cranes as to lift the load to a loading area aboard the vessel, the loading area being situated between the base sections of the first and second cranes on the one side of the vessel and the opposite vessel side, wherein the load passes through the space between the base sections of the first and second cranes. [0024] The abovementioned method steps result in the vessel to be able to lift a wide variety of load sizes (or load weights) aboard the vessel from an external loading position at the same vessel side as the longitudinal vessel side where the cranes are located. Alternatively, the distance Dl can be adjusted during lifting. This is in particular true for loads needing a change of orientation (when seen in top view).

[0025] In a further embodiment of the abovementioned method, in length direction the load has a longitudinal load axis and the base sections of the first and the second cranes are intersected by an intersection axis, wherein during the lifting of the load to the loading area aboard the vessel, the orientation of the longitudinal load axis with respect to the intersection axis remains substantially the same, when seen in top view. In this way, loads requiring relatively careful handling remain in the same orientation when being lifted towards the onboard loading area. Advantageously, the longitudinal load axis remains substantially parallel to the intersection axis.

[0026] WO 2011/010207 Al describes a multipurpose deepwater vessel equipped with a floating structure having a bow, a stern, a weather deck, a first board, and a second board, a J-lay tower hinged to the floating structure along the second board, and movable about a first axis into a number of work positions to join pipe assemblies into an underwater pipeline, and to lay an underwater pipeline. The vessel comprises a heavy-duty crane connected at the bow to the floating structure to rotate about a second axis, and having a boom defining an operating range within which the J- lay tower is located in any one of its work positions, and a preassembly line, below the weather deck, for joining pipes into pipe assemblies for supply to the J-lay tower. The vessel disclosed in WO 2011/010207 Al appears geared toward operations on the deck itself only, and does not address issues arising when lifting a large and/or long load aboard the vessel from a location external to the vessel.

[0027] US 2 480 318 A discloses a ship having a cargo hold and a weatherdeck containing a hatchway with a coaming along an edge thereof and a runway adjacent to said coaming, rails extending along said runway and forming a plurality of races, the rails forming one of said races being mounted on said coaming above said deck, a carriage having wheels engaged in said races and held thereby against tilting in either direction, and a loading mechanism mounted on said carriage. This publication also does not address the difficulties arising when lifting heavy and/or long loads aboard a vessel. [0028] FR 2 140 279 Al discloses a general pair of cranes moveable with respect to each other. The cranes are however not disclosed in combination with a vessel, in particular an offshore vessel.

[0029] US 742 101 A discloses a vessel with a plurality of cranes arranged at one of its sides. These cranes, however, are configured for individual operation only.

Brief description of the drawings

[0030] Embodiments of a method and a vessel according to the invention will by way of non-limiting example be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0031] Figure 1 shows a top view of a first embodiment according to the invention, wherein the first crane is either fixed or moveable and the second crane is moveably arranged on the vessel;

[0032] Figure 2 shows a top view of a second embodiment according to the invention, wherein the first crane is fixedly arranged at the stern of the vessel and the second crane is moveably arranged on the vessel;

[0033] Figure 3 shows a top view of a third embodiment according to the invention, wherein the first crane is fixedly arranged at the stern of the vessel, the second crane is moveably arranged on the vessel and a third crane is moveably arranged in between the first and second cranes; and

[0034] Figure 4 shows a front view of the vessel applying to the first, second and third embodiments according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0035] Figure 1 shows a top view of a vessel 1 in a first embodiment according to the invention, wherein the first crane is either fixed or moveable and at least the second crane is moveably arranged on the vessel 1.

[0036] More specifically, a vessel 1 is shown, comprising a hull 2 and a deck 3 arranged thereon. The vessel 1 has a central, longitudinal axis X extending in a length direction of the vessel 1 between a stern 4 and a bow 5. Therein, the longitudinal axis X defines a longitudinal direction L. The vessel 1 furthermore has two vessel sides 6, 7, such as a starboard side 6 and a port side 7. These sides 6, 7 are substantially arranged on opposite sides SI, S2 of the longitudinal axis X.

[0037] A first crane 8 is arranged on the hull 2 or the deck 3 of the vessel 1. The first crane 8 comprises a substantially vertical base section 9 with a substantially vertical axis Zl . The base section 9 is arranged on the hull 2 or the deck 3 at one of the vessel sides indicated by SI . The first crane 8 has a rotatable section 10, rotatably arranged on the base section 9 as to be rotatable around the vertical axis Zl thereof. The rotatable section 10 comprises a crane boom 11 configured for being equipped with a lifting device 12, such as a hook connected to a lifting cable. The width of the base section 9 is at most 50% of the width of the vessel 1.

[0038] Furthermore, a second crane 13 is arranged on the hull 2 or the deck 3 of the vessel 1, having a substantially vertical base section 14 with a substantially vertical axis Z2. The base section 14 is arranged at the one vessel side SI, i.e. the same side as the first crane 8, at a longitudinal distance Dl from the first crane 8. The second crane 13 also has a rotatable section 15, rotatably arranged on the base section 14 as to be rotatable around the vertical axis Z2 thereof. The rotatable section 15 also comprises a crane boom 16 configured for being equipped with a lifting device 17. The width of the base section 14 is also at most 50% of the width of the vessel 1.

[0039] According to the invention, the base section 14 of the second crane 13 is moveably arranged on the hull 2 or the deck 3 for allowing movement of the base section 14 of the second crane 13 in the longitudinal direction L of the vessel, along the one side SI of the vessel. The one side SI of the vessel 1 as shown in figure 1 is the port side 7 of the vessel 1. Therein, the longitudinal distance Dl between the base section 9 of the first crane 8 and the base section 14 of the second crane 13 is adjustable such that basically any load size can be lifted over the one side SI of the vessel 1. The adjustable longitudinal distance Dl between the first and second cranes 8, 13 should be at least equal to the total horizontal length of the rotatable sections 10, 15 of the first crane and second crane 8, 13 when aligned in the longitudinal direction L of the vessel. This allows the first and second cranes 8, 13 to rotate simultaneously, i.e. without interfering or contacting each other when the rotatable sections 10, 15 are operated tot rotate in a symmetrical fashion (for instance via control means, such as automated control means). Symmetrical operation is depicted in figures 2 and 3, with a Active vertical plane of symmetry (not shown) being positioned in between the first and second cranes 8, 13 and extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L.

[0040] Preferably though, the first and second cranes 8, 13 are operated to allow rotation in an asymmetrical fashion (preferably the vessel comprises control means, such as automated control means, to do so). This means that e.g. the rotatable section 10 of the first crane 8 first rotates towards the loading area LA, and the rotatable section 15 of the second crane 13 follows (in this case it is sufficient that Dl is at least equal to the length of the horizontal projection of the longest rotatable section 10, 15 when this longest rotatable section 10, 15 extends in longitudinal direction L). This also advantageously allows the orientation of the load to be lifted to be changed during lifting if desired. For instance, the load may extend in the longitudinal direction L when lying in the port facility, whereas the above asymmetrical operation of the first and second cranes 8, 13 allows the load to be positioned as to extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L in the loading area LA (i.e. the load is rotated over 90° during lifting, when seen in top view). This is all made possible by the distance Dl being adjustable according to the invention, prior to the lifting operation, but also during the lifting operation itself.

[0041] The base section 9 of the first crane 8 can also be moveably arranged on the hull 2 or the deck 3 for allowing movement of the base section 9 of the first crane 8 in the longitudinal direction L of the vessel, along the one side of the vessel SI, wherein the longitudinal distance Dl between the base section 14 of the first crane 8 and the base section 14 of the second crane 13 is adjustable. Otherwise, the first crane 8 can also be a fixed crane, wherein the base section 9 of the first crane 8 is fixedly attached to the deck 3 or hull 2 of the vessel 1.

[0042] Preferably, a schematically indicated skid track 21 is arranged at the one side of the vessel SI, extending in the longitudinal direction L thereof. The base sections 9, 14 of the first 8 and/or second 13 cranes are moveably arranged on the skid track 21. The skid track 21 preferably extends up to a longitudinal end LE at the stern 4 of the vessel 1 to create a stiffer deck 3 in that area.

[0043] The method for lifting a load aboard a vessel 1 will be elucidated with reference to figures 2 and 3.

[0044] Figure 2 shows a top view of a vessel 1 in a second embodiment according to the invention, wherein the first crane 8 is fixedly arranged at the stern 4 of the vessel 1 and the second crane 13 is moveably arranged on the vessel 1. [0045] The fixed base section 9 of the first crane 8 is positioned at a longitudinal end LE of the one side of the vessel SI, near or at the stern 4 of the vessel 1.

[0046] According to the invention, a method for lifting a load 22 aboard a vessel 1 is provided, wherein a length LL of the load 22 to be lifted is measured or estimated. In figure 2 a relatively long load 22 is depicted, such as a pile. If Dl is significantly smaller than LL or if LL is much smaller than Dl, the base section 14 of the second crane 13 is to be moved with respect to the base section 9 of the first crane 8, such that a longitudinal distance Dl between the base section 9 of the first crane 8 and the base section 14 of the second crane 13 is created. The distance Dl should be at least equal to the length LL of the load 22 to be lifted. Then, a lifting device 12 of the first crane 9 can be attached to a first part 24 of the load 22. Analogously, a lifting device 17 of the second crane 13 is attached to a second part 25 of the load. Thereafter, the first 8 and second 13 cranes can be operated as to lift the load 22 to the loading area LA aboard the vessel 1, wherein the loading area LA is situated between the base sections 9, 14 of the first 8 and second 13 cranes on the one side of the vessel SI and the opposite vessel side S2. The loading area LA can be a cargo space within the hull 2 or a designated space on the deck 3 of the vessel 1. During lifting, the load 22 passes through a space S between the base sections 9, 14 of the first 8 and second 13 cranes.

[0047] As shown in figure 2, in length direction LLD the load 22 has a longitudinal load axis LX and the base sections 9, 14 of the first 8 and the second 13 cranes are intersected by an intersection axis IX. During the lifting of the load 22 to the loading area LA aboard the vessel 1, the orientation of the longitudinal load axis LX with respect to the intersection axis IX preferably remains substantially the same, when seen in top view. More preferably, the longitudinal load axis LX remains substantially parallel to the intersection axis IX. However, as explained before, the first 8 and second cranes 13 can be so configured to change the horizontal orientation of the load 22 during lifting, i.e. when they are operated to rotate in an asymmetrical fashion. This is particularly useful when lifting relatively shorter loads 22. As mentioned before, the longitudinal load axis LX may extend in the longitudinal direction L when lying in the port facility, whereas the above asymmetrical operation of the first and second cranes 8, 13 allows the load 22 to be positioned as to let the longitudinal load axis LX extend for instance perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L in the loading area LA (or vice versa). Asymmetrical operation of the rotatable sections 10, 15 is in particular useful for loads 22 having a load length LL smaller than the width of the loading area LA.

[0048] Figure 3 shows a top view of a vessel 1 in a third embodiment according to the invention, wherein the first crane 8 is fixedly arranged at the stern 4 of the vessel 1. The second crane 13 is moveably arranged on the vessel 1, whereas a third crane 19 is moveably arranged in between the first 8 and second 13 cranes.

[0049] Analogous to the second crane 13, the base section 20 of the third crane 19 is moveably arranged on the hull 2 or the deck 3 for allowing movement of the base section 20 of the third crane 19 in the longitudinal direction L of the vessel 1, along the one side of the vessel SI . Thus, the longitudinal distance D2 between the base section 20 of the third crane 19 and the base section 9 of the first crane 8 or the second crane 13, D3, is adjustable. Furthermore, the third crane 19 can be used, for instance, to lift a relatively short and/or heavy load in cooperation with the first crane 8 (the crane boom 26 of the third crane 19 being shown in a position I), or the third crane 19 can alternatively be used to lift a relatively long load in cooperation with the second crane 13 (the crane boom 26 of the third crane 19 being shown in a position II).

[0050] Figure 4 shows a front view of vessel 1, corresponding to the first, second and third embodiments according to the invention. Therein, the vertical axes Zl, Z2, Z3 around which the rotatable sections 10, 15, 23 are better discernable. Furthermore, a typical crane boom 11, 16, 26 is shown, hingeably connected to the rotatable section 10, 15, 23 as to be hingeable around a substantially horizontal axis. As mentioned before, by positioning the base sections 9, 14, 20 relatively close together, the effective lifting height of the cranes 8, 13, 19 can be increased. Therein, the respective crane booms 1 1, 16, 26 can be rotated to be parallel to the vertical axes Zl, Z2, Z3 as much as possible as to achieve a maximum height.

[0051] Thus, the invention has been described by reference to the embodiments discussed above. It will be recognized that these embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms well known to those of skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In this respect, it should be mentioned that even more cranes can be arranged on the vessel, either moveably or in a fixed manner. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the individual cranes are designed for different lifting capacities. [0052] Accordingly, although specific embodiments have been described, the above described embodiments are examples only and are not limiting upon the scope of the invention. Reference numerals

1. Vessel

2. Hull

3. Deck

4. Stern

5. Bow

6. Starboard side

7. Port side

8. First crane

9. Base section of first crane

10. Rotatable section of first crane

11. Crane boom of first crane

12. Lifting device of crane boom of first crane

13. Second crane

14. Base section of second crane

15. Rotatable section of second crane

16. Crane boom of second crane

17. Lifting device of crane boom of second crane

18. Fly-deck

19. Third crane

20. Base section of third crane

21. Skid track

22. Load

23. Rotatable section of third crane

24. First load part

25. Second load part

26. Crane boom of third crane

27. Lifting device of crane boom of third crane

X = longitudinal axis of vessel

L = longitudinal direction of vessel

Zl = vertical axis of first crane Z2 = vertical axis of second crane

Z3 = vertical axis of third crane

SI = vessel side for arranging cranes

S2 = vessel side opposite to SI

LE = longitudinal end

LL = load length

LLD = load length direction

LX = longitudinal load axis

LA = loading area

IX = intersection axis

Dl = adjustable longitudinal distance between first and second crane

D2 = adjustable longitudinal distance between first and third crane

D3 = adjustable longitudinal distance between second and third crane

S = space between first and second cranes

Claims

1. Vessel (1), comprising: - a hull (2), with a deck (3) arranged on the hull (2),

a longitudinal axis (X) extending in a length direction of the vessel (1) between a stern (4) and a bow (5), the longitudinal axis (X) defining a longitudinal direction (L), two vessel sides (6, 7), such as a starboard (6) and a port side (7), substantially arranged on opposite sides (SI, S2) of the longitudinal axis (X),

- a first crane (8) having a substantially vertical base section (9) with a substantially vertical axis (Zl), the base section (9) being arranged on the hull (2) or the deck (3) at one of the vessel sides (SI), wherein the width of the base section (9) is at most 50% of the width of the vessel (1), and a rotatable section (10), rotatably arranged on the base section (9) as to be rotatable around the vertical axis (Zl) thereof and comprising a crane boom (11) configured for being equipped with a lifting device (12), a second crane (13) having a substantially vertical base section (14) with a substantially vertical axis (Z2), the base section (14) being arranged on the hull (2) or the deck (3) at the one vessel side (SI) at a longitudinal distance (Dl) from the first crane (8), wherein the width of the base section (14) is at most 50% of the width of the vessel (1), and a rotatable section (15), rotatably arranged on the base section (14) as to be rotatable around the vertical axis (Z2) thereof and comprising a crane boom (16) configured for being equipped with a lifting device (17),

characterized in that

the base section (14) of the second crane (13) is moveably arranged on the hull (2) or the deck (3) for allowing movement of the base section (14) of the second crane (13) in the longitudinal direction (L) of the vessel (1), along the one side (SI) of the vessel, wherein the longitudinal distance (Dl) between the base section (9) of the first crane (8) and the base section (14) of the second crane (13) is adjustable.

2. Vessel (1) according to claim 1, wherein the base section (9) of the first crane (8) is moveably arranged on the hull (2) or the deck (3) for allowing movement of the base section (9) of the first crane (8) in the longitudinal direction (L) of the vessel, along the one side of the vessel (SI), wherein the longitudinal distance (Dl) between the base section (14) of the first crane (8) and the base section (14) of the second crane (13) is adjustable.

3. Vessel (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a third crane (19), wherein the base section (20) of the third crane (19) is moveably arranged on the hull (2) or the deck (3) for allowing movement of the base section (20) of the third crane (19) in the longitudinal direction (L) of the vessel (1), along the one side of the vessel (SI), wherein the width of the base section (20) is at most 50% of the width of the vessel (1), wherein the longitudinal distance (D2) between the base section (20) of the third crane (19) and the base section (9) of the first crane (8) or the second crane (13) (D3) is adjustable.

4. Vessel (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a skid track (21) is arranged at the one side of the vessel (SI), extending in the longitudinal direction (L), wherein the base sections (9, 14, 20) of the first (8) and/or second (13) and/or third (19) cranes are moveably arranged on the skid track (21).

5. Vessel (1) according to claim 4, wherein the skid track (21) extends up to the stern (4) of the vessel (1).

6. Vessel (1) according to claim 1, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the first crane (8) is a fixed crane, wherein the base section (9) of the first crane (8) is fixedly attached to the deck (3) or hull (2) of the vessel (1).

7. Vessel (1) according to claim 6, wherein the base section (9) of the first crane (8) is positioned at a longitudinal end (LE) of the one side of the vessel (SI), near or at the stern (4) of the vessel (1).

8. Vessel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the one side (SI) is the port side (7) of the vessel (1).

9. Method for lifting a load (22) aboard a vessel (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: measuring or estimating a length (LL) of the load (22) to be lifted,

if required, moving the base section (14) of the second crane (13) with respect to the base section (9) of the first crane (8), such that a longitudinal distance (Dl) between the base section (9) of the first crane (8) and the base section (14) of the second crane (13) is created being at least equal to the length (LL) of the load (22) to be lifted,

attaching a lifting device (12) of the first crane (8) to a first part (24) of the load

(22),

attaching a lifting device (17) of the second crane (13) to a second part (25) of the load,

operating the first (8) and second (13) cranes as to lift the load (22) to a loading area (LA) aboard the vessel (1), the loading area (LA) being situated between the base sections (9, 14) of the first (8) and second (13) cranes on the one side of the vessel (SI) and the opposite vessel side (S2), wherein the load (22) passes through the space (S) between the base sections (9, 14) of the first (8) and second (13) cranes.

10. Method according to claim 9, wherein in length direction (LLD) the load (22) has a longitudinal load axis (LX) and the base sections (9, 14) of the first (8) and the second (13) cranes are intersected by an intersection axis (IX), wherein during the lifting of the load (22) to the loading area (LA) aboard the vessel (1), the orientation of the longitudinal load axis (LX) with respect to the intersection axis (IX) remains substantially the same, when seen in top view.

11. Method according to claim 10, wherein the longitudinal load axis (LX) remains substantially parallel to the intersection axis (IX).