An automated cargo transfer system is used, in conjunction with a crane, to load cargo onto, and unload cargo from, the deck of a watercraft. An example automated cargo transfer system comprises: a dynamic positioning system installed on the watercraft; a crane hook system installed on the crane; a crane automation system configured to automate the operation of the crane; and a load plan comprising: data that identifies all cargo being transported by the watercraft, data used by the dynamic positioning system to actively position and orient the watercraft during loading and unloading of the watercraft, and data used by the crane hook system to actively position and orient it's hook mechanism during loading and unloading of the watercraft. The automated cargo transfer system is configured to actively track the location of the watercraft, the hook mechanism of the crane hook system, and cargo. The automated cargo transfer system is also configured to actively position and orient the watercraft and the hook mechanism of the crane hook system based on the location and weight of cargo being loaded onto, and unloaded from, the watercraft.
Automated cargo transfer system
2021-06-01
Patent
Electronic Resource
English
Cargo distribution system, distribution method, cargo transfer mechanism and cargo transfer method
European Patent Office | 2021
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