Active Motion-Compensation Technology for Roll-On/Roll-Off Cargo Vessel Discharge to Floating Platforms Navy SBIR FY2011.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2011.2 Topic No.: N112-137 Topic Title: Active Motion-Compensation Technology for Roll-On/Roll-Off Cargo Vessel Discharge to Floating Platforms Proposal No.: N112-137-0322 Firm: Advanced Technology & Research Corp. 6650 Eli Whitney Drive, Suite 400 Columbia, Maryland 21046-1701 Contact: Tom Zhao Phone: (443) 766-7978 Web Site: www.atrcorp.com Abstract: ATR has proposed an interface system concept, Compensated Ramp Interface System (CRIS), comprised of a landing platform and a transfer platform. The landing platform provides continuous support to the ramp, and the transfer platform provides a transition interface for a vehicle to cross from the landing platform onto the floating platform deck. A monitoring and situation awareness system will be used to monitor wave environment and assure operating loads are within allowable limits. The CRIS concept eliminates undesired sliding between the ramp foot and floating platform as currently happens during a Roll-on/Roll-off vehicle transfer between vessels in stream. This proposed approach takes advantage of recent developments in robotics, mechanism design, and sensing and control technology. The system will be designed with open architecture principles to maximize adaptability and flexibility of use. Benefits: Existing stern ramps of commercial Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro/Ro) ships are restricted to be used in calm water conditions, no greater than sea state 3. The proposed Compensated Ramp Interface System (CRIS) will provide an actively motion compensated interface which will isolate the ramp from the environment. As a result, a sea state 3 capable ramp can be safely deployed for Ro/Ro vehicle transfer operations in up to sea state 5 conditions. The system will not require any modifications to the ramp structure. It is equipped with advanced sensing technologies for wave and current environment, ramp and ship motions, and ramp dynamical loads. The interface will be enhanced with a monitoring and situation awareness system for safe operations. Such an interface technology will enable the US Navy and TRANSCOM to safely use the existing commercial Ro/Ro ship stern ramps for vehicle transfer in up to sea state 5. The technology also has a good potential to be adopted by commercial sectors around the world. Return