Abstract

Embodiments of the invention provide apparatus and method for seabed resources collection. The apparatus comprises a main module and a plurality of seabed resources collecting devices releasably attached to the main module, wherein the main module and the plurality of collecting devices are configured to be launched from a surface vessel towards a seabed; the main module includes a control module which is configured to determine a mining path for each of the collecting devices based on characteristics of the seabed, control each of the collecting devices to collect seabed resources along the determined mining path and control transfer of the seabed resources collected by the collecting devices, wherein each collecting device is configured to be released from the main module after the apparatus is launched, and to collect seabed resources along the mining path determined by the main module after being released.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21C 50/00 - Obtaining minerals from underwater, not otherwise provided for
• E02F 5/00 - Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes
• E02F 3/88 - DredgersSoil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with arrangements acting by a sucking or forcing effect, e.g. suction dredgers
• E02F 7/00 - Equipment for conveying or separating excavated material
• E02F 7/10 - Pipe-lines for conveying excavated materials

Abstract

This invention relates to a subsea Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) hub. In particular, the invention relates to a subsea ROV hub comprising a plurality of compartments for housing and deploying a plurality of ROVs.

IPC Classes  ?

• B63G 8/00 - Underwater vessels, e.g. submarines
• B63C 11/40 - Diving chambers with mechanical link, e.g. cable, to a base of closed type adapted to specific work
• B63B 27/16 - Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers of lifts or hoists