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EP-4741277-A1 - UNISHIP: UNIVERSAL DUAL-ENDED RO-RO SHIP WITH AUTOMATED HANDLING OF CONTAINERS AND VEHICLES

EP4741277A1EP 4741277 A1EP4741277 A1EP 4741277A1EP-4741277-A1

Abstract

UniShip combines container and Ro-Ro functionalities in a novel design, enabling efficient, dual-ended automated loading and unloading and adaptable automated securing of containers. In addition to double-stacked containers, including vehicles in open containers, UniShip is capable of transporting drive-in trucks and heavy machines in multiple cargo holds. Also, oversized freight on the upper deck. Its autonomous Ro-Ro system allows simultaneous, bidirectional container loading and unloading, reducing port times and labour needs. Automated lift platforms, automated container drive wheels, automated container securing, and autonomous shore-based gantry cranes streamline container handling, enhancing throughput and cutting costs. UniShip's enclosed, automated design reduces turnaround time, operational expenses, and environmental impact, offering a versatile, sustainable solution for modern cargo transport.

Inventors

  • SHEHATA, Magdy Hassan

Assignees

  • Shehata, Magdy Hassan

Dates

Publication Date
20260513
Application Date
20241108

Claims (13)

  1. Claim 2: The vessel of claim 1, wherein vehicles are lashed in open platform containers, and loaded, secured, and unloaded the same way as other containers within the Ro-Ro holds.
  2. Claim 3: The vessel of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a dual-ended design that allows for bi-directional docking and loading/unloading operations.
  3. Claim 4: The vessel of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the lift platforms span the full breadth of the vessel, enable loading and unloading on multiple cargo decks, and are designed to accommodate large groups of containers, optimizing the loading and unloading sequence.
  4. Claim 5: The vessel of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the loading/unloading hatches are positioned on both sides of the vessel to facilitate versatile dockside operations and provide redundancy.
  5. Claim 6: The vessel of any one of claims 1-5, further comprising an integrated control system that automates the alignment, positioning, and transfer of cargo between the shore and the vessel.
  6. Claim 7: The vessel of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the loading/unloading sequence is fully automated and synchronized with shore-side AGVs and gantry cranes for efficient transfer of containers.
  7. Claim 8: The vessel of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the lift platform is capable of moving cargo vertically between all cargo decks and is configured to ensure stability during movement through automated load balancing.
  8. Claim 9: The vessel of any one of claims 1-8, wherein each cargo deck includes safety barriers and anti-slip mechanisms to secure containers and vehicles during transit.
  9. Claim 10: The vessel of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the system includes real-time sensors for monitoring cargo alignment, weight distribution, and deck occupancy.
  10. Claim 11: The vessel of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the vessel is fitted with tracks for guiding and supporting the extension boom of shore gantry cranes while extended into the vessel for loading and unloading, assuming that motion compensation is provided to mitigate the relative motion between the stationary gantry crane ashore and the moving ship due to wind, tide, and waves.
  11. Claim 12: The vessel of any one of claims 1-11, further comprising a software module that can communicate with port infrastructure to optimize the sequence of loading and unloading operations according to vessel stability and cargo type.
  12. Claim 13: The vessel of any one of claims 1-12, further comprising gantry cranes capable of moving oversized cargo to a designated area on the upper deck.
  13. Claim 14: The vessel of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the shore gantry cranes include adjustable spreaders to accommodate various sizes and configurations of containers.

Description

2. Technical Field The present invention relates to a multi-purpose vessel designed to transport standard shipping containers, Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) vehicles, and mixed cargo types. The vessel incorporates a unique side-loading/unloading system, fully automated cargo handling, and energy-efficient features, aimed at increasing operational efficiency. As a result of optimized operations, energy savings, and emission reductions, UniShip, in addition, has reduced environmental impact. 3. Background of the Invention Conventional container and Ro-Ro ships face limitations in cargo handling flexibility, operational efficiency, and port turnaround times. Standard ships are often optimized for a single cargo type, limiting their utility on mixed cargo routes. Furthermore, extended port times for loading/unloading reduce profitability and add to congestion. In addition, the maritime industry has "limited interoperability of mixed cargo types" and "the need for increased flexibility in modern congested ports". The present invention addresses these issues by combining container and Ro-Ro capabilities in one vessel, equipped with a high-efficiency dual-ended loading/unloading system and fully automated cargo securing and management. 4. Description 4.1 Key Features 4.1.1 Dual-Ended Loading/Unloading The vessel is equipped for simultaneous, bidirectional loading and unloading from both bow and stern, reducing port stay times. 4.1.2 Automated Cargo Handling System The system includes AGVs and onboard lift platforms that manage containers and Ro-Ro vehicles autonomously, reducing manual handling requirements. 4.1.3 Side-Loading Gantry Crane System: A high-capacity gantry crane extends through side hatches, allowing containers to be loaded directly onto the lift platform with a minimized port-side footprint. 4.1.4 Multi-Deck Cargo Holds The ship's 7-9 cargo decks are optimized for a variety of cargo types, in double-stacked containers, including Ro-Ro vehicles and bulk goods, with efficient handling and space utilization. 4.1.5 Automatic Container Securing The ship includes a combination of U-guides, guiding pillars, and securing twist locks and latches to stabilize containers with their Ro-Ro vehicles and mixed cargo types during transit. 4.1.6 Fully Enclosed Strucure A fully enclosed design protects the ship from piracy and adverse weather, securing containers and reducing environmental exposure. 4.1.7 Energy-Efficient Superstructure Renewable energy sources, including solar panels and wind wings/sails, reduce fuel dependency. 4.1.8 Energy-Efficient Superstructure 4.1.8.1 Double-stacked container handling as a single unit.4.1.8.2 Bidirectional loading/unloading.4.1.8.3 Parallel multi-deck operations.4.1.8.4 Simultaneous loading/unloading across decks and directions.4.1.8.5 Optimal utilization of lift platform.4.1.8.6 Seamless integration with port handling systems. 4.2 Automated Loading and Unloading Process 1. Before the ship's docking, containers are double-stacked and secured with twist locks (38) and lowered onto the transporters/AVGs (26).2. Upon docking, the shore loading/unloading gantry cranes (27) are to be aligned with the ship's open side cargo hatches (13).3. The AGVs proceed under the shore gantry loading cranes at a speed of 100 m/min.4. The partial transverse bulkheads (15) open for loading/unloading deck pairs.5. The shore gantry crane extension booms (27) transfer the containers through side hatches (13) to the ship's lift platforms (11), onto the secured drive wheels (35), aligned in U-guides (36).6. The extension booms retract with the waiting containers on the other half of the platform for unloading. See Figure 3.3.7. The lift platforms (11), transport the containers vertically to the designated cargo decks (17), where they are positioned by caster wheels (35) and guided by U-guides (36).8. Containers are moved from the platforms (11) by their self-powered/battery caster wheels (35) into the cargo holds, guided by the wheel U-guides (36), sensors, and the pillar guides (37).9. The platform is raised/lowered to unload containers from the pairing deck, Figure 7.9, before lowering to loading/unloading level/Deck 3, with the containers to be unloaded.10. When loaded containers are in their final positions in the holds, controlled by sensors, the caster wheels (35) are secured with brakes and stoppers, and the automated top and side latches (39 & 40) secure each stack.11. After completing loading/unloading and securing containers in their final positions on each pair of decks, their partial transverse bulkheads (15) are to be closed.12. The process repeats for the other deck pairs until all containers are loaded/unloaded.13. Oversize cargo is to be secured/lashed after being placed in position on the upper deck (9) by the ship's gantry cranes (14).14. The hatch covers (12) for the lift rooms (5) are to be closed.15. The ship's cargo hatches (13) are to be closed.16. The ship undocks and sails. The above