Mobile marine barrier system

Abstract

A mobile marine barrier system comprises a raisable barrier member held between two supporting pump rigs and is adapted to be movable within a body of water. Each pump rig is operated by an onboard crew to enable an efficient, reliable and safe barrier that provides protection towards fragile coastlines. Several barriers can be connected together, with pump rigs being positioned between each barrier, so as to extend the length of coastline to be protected. Each barrier may be adapted to suit different requirements, according to the localised threat. Each pump rig comprises a shaped protective hood, to protect against impacts. To aid the barrier system to remain in position, wind towers are provided to channel air downwards towards a directional propulsion system which enables mobility. Flexible legs and feet are provided in the base of each pump rig to also assist in securing them to the seabed.

1 . A mobile marine barrier system the barrier system, comprising:
 at least one barrier connected to at least one pump rig;   wherein the pump rig provides a means for raising and lowering the barrier.   
     
     
         2 . A mobile marine barrier system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the system comprise a pump rig located at opposite ends of the one or more barriers. 
     
     
         3 . A mobile marine barrier system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the system is adapted for movement within a body of water. 
     
     
         4 . A mobile marine barrier system as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the system comprises propulsion apparatus that provide a means for maneuvering the barrier system within a body of water. 
     
     
         5 . A mobile marine barrier system as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the propulsion apparatus comprises a plurality of propulsion propellers located on a bottom surface of the barrier system and arranged to provide lift to the barrier system. 
     
     
         6 . A mobile marine barrier system as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the propulsion apparatus comprises a plurality of directional propellers located on a bottom surface of the barrier system and arranged to facilitate movement of the barrier system across the body of water. 
     
     
         7 . A mobile marine barrier system as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the propulsion apparatus comprises stabilizing propellers located on a bottom surface of the barrier system and arranged to facilitate alignment of the at least one barrier and the at least one pump rig during connection. 
     
     
         8 . A mobile marine barrier system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein:
 the at least one barrier comprises a barrier connection rod; and   the at least one pump rig comprises a pump rig connection rod;   wherein the barrier connection rod and pump rig connection rod are adapted to form a system connection rod so as to connect the at least one barrier to the at least one pump rig.   
     
     
         9 . A mobile marine barrier system as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein a vacuum seal is provided between the barrier connection rod and the pump rig connection rod when the pump rig is connected the barrier. 
     
     
         10 . A mobile marine barrier system as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein a gearing mechanism housed within the pump rig connection rod provides a means for controlling the operation of the barrier. 
     
     
         11 . A mobile marine barrier system as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the pump rig is adapted to pump a fluid through the connection rod into an internal volume of the barrier so as to assist the raising of the barrier. 
     
     
         12 . A mobile marine barrier system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the barrier also comprises a lung system adapted to assist the raising and lowering of the barrier. 
     
     
         13 . A mobile marine barrier system as claimed  claim 1 , wherein the barrier further comprises one or more slats that enable fluid to enter or drain from an internal volume of the barrier. 
     
     
         14 . A mobile marine barrier system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one pump rig comprises a dome shaped housing. 
     
     
         15 . A mobile marine barrier system as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein the domed housing comprises one or more decks selected from the group comprising a working deck, an accommodation deck and a control deck. 
     
     
         16 . A mobile marine barrier system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one pump rig comprises a hood arranged to provide further protection to the pump rig. 
     
     
         17 . A mobile marine barrier system as claimed  claim 1 , wherein the pump rigs further comprise support legs adapted to move between a contracted and extended position. 
     
     
         18 . A mobile marine barrier system as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein the support legs are adapted to provide wind protection to the pump rig when in their extended position. 
     
     
         19 . A mobile marine barrier system as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein the support legs are adapted to function as a wind tower thus providing a means for generating electricity. 
     
     
         20 . A mobile marine barrier system as claimed in  claim 19 , wherein the support legs comprise one or more channels within which are housed one or more wind turbines. 
     
     
         21 . A mobile marine barrier system as claimed in  claim 19 , wherein the support legs comprise one or more channels having one or more compressors located within the one or more channels. 
     
     
         22 . A mobile marine barrier system as claimed in  claim 21 , wherein the one or more compressors are adapted to provide an air cushion below the pump rig so as to assist in maneuvering the pump rig. 
     
     
         23 . A mobile marine barrier system as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein the support legs further comprise one or more vortex inducing apparatus within the one or more channels. 
     
     
         24 . A mobile marine barrier system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one pump rigs further comprise one or more flexible feet mechanisms located on a bottom surface of the pump rig. 
     
     
         25 . A mobile marine barrier system as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein the one or more flexible feet mechanisms comprise one or more extendable feet wherein when the feet are extended they act to anchor the pump rig. 
     
     
         26 . A mobile marine barrier system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one pump rig is provided with an access shaft. 
     
     
         27 . A mobile marine barrier system as claimed in  claim 26 , wherein entrance to the access shaft is via an access hatch located on the bottom surface of the pump rig. 
     
     
         28 . A mobile marine barrier system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one pump rig further comprises a desalination plant that provides a means for converting a body of water to a fresh water supply. 
     
     
         29 . A mobile marine barrier system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the barrier system further comprises at least one pollution pod arranged to be in fluid communication with the at least one pump rig. 
     
     
         30 . A mobile marine barrier system as claimed in  claim 29 , wherein the at least one pollution pod comprises one or more hollow volumes adapted to be filled with a gas. 
     
     
         31 . A mobile marine barrier system as claimed in  claim 29 , wherein a filter is located between the pump rig and the at least one pollution pod so as to provide a means for filtering liquid pollution from a body of water. 
     
     
         32 . A mobile marine barrier system as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the pump rig comprises one or more water holding tanks.