Patent ID: 8240264

Claim:
A method of lifting a package in a marine environment, comprising the steps of: a) providing spaced apart first and second vessels having a space therebetween each vessel being a self-propelled vessel with a bow and a stern, the bows of each vessel being pointed generally in the same direction; b) spanning a first frame between the vessels; c) spanning a second frame between the vessels; d) spacing the frames apart and connecting the frames to the vessels in a configuration that maintains said spacing of the vessels apart; e) connecting the first frame to the first vessel with a universal joint and to the second vessel with a hinged connection; f) connecting the second frame to the second vessel with a universal joint, and to the first vessel with a hinged connection; g) wherein the universal joint and the hinged connection on the first vessel are spaced apart; h) wherein the universal joint and the hinged connection on the second vessel are spaced apart; and i) extending each frame upwardly to provide a space under the frame and in between the vessels, enabling a package that is to be lifted to be positioned in between the vessels and under the frames.