Patent ID: 8398445
Filing Date: 2013-03-19
Classification: B63B,B63H

Abstract:
1. A marine vessel, comprising: a hull, wherein the hull is operatively connected to a mooring turret whereby the hull is rotatable about the mooring turret; at least two matched pairs of azimuthing propulsion devices operatively engaging the hull, wherein the azimuthing propulsion devices in each matched pair substantially oppose each other and are independently operable; and a control system operatively connected to the at least two matched pairs of azimuthing propulsion devices whereby the marine vessel is controlled via the propulsion devices, wherein the control system via the propulsion devices performs at least one of ice-vaning the vessel and keeping the vessel at a station in a body of water containing pack ice, wherein the control system via the at least two matched pairs of azimuthing propulsion devices (a) generates a net moment to rotate the vessel about the mooring turret to align the vessel with an instantaneous ice drift direction, (b) concurrently clears the ice ahead of the vessel hull as it rotates, and (c) generates a net force opposing the ice drift.