Design features of semi-submersible vessels
Object and purpose of research. The paper deals with specialized transport vessels used for the delivery of any type of heavy, oversized cargo, the so-called heavy-lift ships (HLS). The purpose is to create a physical model of their operation and design recommendations for determining the properties and characteristics of the vessel and its subsystems, as well as a concept analysis of the existing regulatory support for their design and operation. Materials and methods. Generalization and analysis of research materials of Russian and foreign scientists, as well as relevant guidance documents, were carried out. Main results. The characteristics of the hull shape, concept, structure and layout of semi-submersible vessels (SSV) were summarized. SSV was presented as a design object. Recommendations were given for selecting equipment and performing various operations for efficient and safe operation of vessels of this type. Conclusion. SSV are very popular in the world in transport operations with super-heavy and super-large, mostly non-self-propelled or emergency floating objects for their safe operation over long distances to the area of deployment or to repair facilities. The study allows to create a list of characteristics of the transport object and the requirements of classification societies and other Supervisory authorities that determine the dimensions, concept and component equipment of SSV, as well as to establish in the first approximation its main design characteristics, properties, transport capabilities and operating conditions.