Patent ID: 7096811

Claim:
A maritime cargo system comprising plural autonomous containers, each autonomous container comprising: a transporter for moving a watertight commercial container through a body of water when at least partially submerged in water, comprising: a propulsion system, comprising: a connector apparatus for coupling the transporter to the commercial container; a propulsion apparatus; and a control apparatus operable for navigating the transporter; a ballast apparatus operable for coupling to an opposite end of the container from the propulsion system and providing buoyancy to the commercial container with at least partially submerged in water, the ballast apparatus comprising: a buoyancy unit, a capture unit, connectors operable for coupling the ballast apparatus to the container, a roller and a retrieval bracing coupled to the capture unit, wherein the buoyancy unit comprises one of an inflatable unit, a foam core, a fiberglass, and other fixed-shape unit, and the capture unit comprises one of a fixed or extendable ring, adapter unit, probe, and ball and socket member; and a retrieval apparatus comprising connectors operable for coupling to at least one of the container, and the propulsion system and ballast apparatus.