Abstract

A device, a method, and a system for reducing the draft of large vessels to allow the successful navigation of shallow waterways which could not otherwise be traversed due to the depth of the draft of the vessel. The implementation of this system will eliminate unnecessary dredging and facilitate full utilization of the ships' cargo capacity. The system is comprised of several buoyancy modules, control tender vessels, base point grids, appropriate computers, air compressors, and all other necessary equipment. Each buoyancy module of the system consist of two inflatable/deflatable pneumatic lift cells contained by sleeves positioned one at each end, with a base webbing connecting the two ends and forming the middle supportive portion of each module. The base webbing is positioned beneath the vessel oriented so as to position one pneumatic lift cell on each side of the vessel. The base webbing supports the bottom of the ship and after inflation of the pneumatic lift cells, will raise the hull of the ship to reduce its draft. The system utilizes base point grids for properly positioning the vessel in the system and for removal of the vessel from the system. The present invention improves the state of the art by utilizing a plurality of air compressors, pneumatic lift cells, and electronic level indicators in conjunction with one or more computers in an integrated fashion so as to continuously monitor and regulate the vessel's draft, hog, sag, trim and list, by continuously inflating and deflating the lift cells to regulate these conditions.