Never ship empty - a system for interchanging superstructures and hulls for ocean going vessels in which the superstructure is removable and interchangeable with compatible hulls

Abstract

A system for interchanging superstructures and hulls for ocean going vessels in which the superstructure of a vessel is removable and interchangeable with compatible hulls. A removable superstructure of a vessel is removed from its inbound hull upon arrival into port by a crane apparatus and placed on top of a specifically designed deck of an awaiting outbound hull. The superstructure is coupled to the outbound hull by secure fasteners which ensure safe and secure voyage but can be easily unfastened at the port. The superstructure having all necessary electronics for navigation and the hull having all necessary propulsion. A system that maximizes the overall efficiency of the industry, directly increasing the volume of goods or commodity across large bodies of water. Faster turn-around time will result in significantly reduced overhead costs, lower cost of goods and commodity for the international markets, and higher profit margins for the shipping industry. In addition, U.S. Homeland Security initiatives will benefit from this system.

1 ) A system which allows specially designed vessel superstructures to be interchangeable with specially designed vessel hulls.  
   
   
       2 ) A system that minimizes the turn-around time for ocean going vessels to include cargo and liquid container ships.  
   
   
       3 ) A system which will maximize the efficiency of U.S. Homeland Security efforts and U.S. Customs inspections.  
   
   
       4 ) A standardized design of vessel superstructure which incorporates: 
 a) A specially designed lower end portion which fastens on a specially designed vessel hull    b) All necessary equipment and electronic components for safe navigation    c) All necessary crew support areas (helm, cabins, galley, head)    
   
   
       5 ) A standardized design of ship hull which incorporates: 
 a) A specially designed hull which allows the specially designed superstructure to be fastened    b) All necessary components to propel and maneuver the vessel once mated with the superstructure (engine, rudder, and sonar dome)