Docking device for facilitating a transfer between a vessel and an offshore structure

Abstract

A docking device for facilitating a transfer between a vessel and an offshore structure is provided. The docking device includes a first docking component mounted on the vessel and a second docking component mounted on the offshore structure. The first and second docking components are connectable such that an elevation of a bow or stern of the vessel is facilitated in the connected state.

1 . A docking device for facilitating a transfer between a vessel and an offshore structure, the docking device comprising:
 a first docking component mounted on said vessel and a second docking component mounted on said offshore structure,   wherein the first and second docking components are connectable such that an elevation of a bow or stern of the vessel is facilitated in the connected state.   
     
     
         2 . The docking device according to  claim 1 , wherein the offshore structure comprises multiple second docking components disposed in circumferential direction. 
     
     
         3 . The docking device according to  claim 1 , wherein the first docking component is formed as a toothed wheel or a pinion and the second docking component is formed as a rack, wherein the first and second docking components act as a rack and pinion arrangement in the connected state. 
     
     
         4 . The docking device according to  claim 3 , wherein the toothed wheel or the pinion can be actuated in order to elevate the vessel. 
     
     
         5 . The docking device according to  claim 1 , wherein the first docking component comprises a retractable hook and the second docking component is formed as a railing, wherein the hook locks to the railing in the connected state. 
     
     
         6 . The docking device according to  claim 5 , wherein the first docking component further comprises a wire which can be fixed at the railing in the connected state. 
     
     
         7 . The docking device according to  claim 5 , wherein the hook comprises a hydraulic lock. 
     
     
         8 . A method for facilitating a transfer between a vessel and an offshore structure using a docking device comprising a first docking component and a second docking component, the method comprising:
 mounting the first docking component on said vessel,   mounting the second docking component on said offshore structure,   wherein the first and second docking components are connected and bow or stern of the vessel are elevated in the connected state.   
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein the first docking component is formed as a toothed wheel or a pinion and the second docking component is formed as a rack, wherein the method comprises using the first and second docking component as a rack and pinion arrangement in the connected state. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein the first docking component comprises a retractable hook and the second docking component is formed as a railing, wherein the hook locks to the railing in the connected state.