Trailing suction hopper dredge with stationary tug holding block

Abstract

A tug holding block for coupling a tug and a dredge includes a tug receiving portion configured to attach to the tug, ensuring a secure and stable connection. The tug holding block includes a pivotable coupling that facilitates attachment to the dredge, allowing for flexible movement and alignment between the tug and dredge during operation. The dredge may include a trailing suction hopper dredge having a split hull hopper scow configured to split relative to the stationary tug holding block. This configuration enhances the operational efficiency and maneuverability of the tug and dredge system, providing a reliable and adaptable solution for maritime applications. A dredging system including the tug holding block, a dredge, and a tug is provided along with a method of dredging using the dredging system.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A tug holding block for coupling a tug and a dredge, comprising:
 a tug receiving portion configured to couple to the tug; and   a pivotable coupling configured to couple to the dredge.   
     
     
         2 . The tug holding block of  claim 1 , wherein the tug receiving portion is configured to receive a bow of the tug. 
     
     
         3 . The tug holding block of  claim 2 , wherein the tug receiving portion includes a recess configured to cooperate with and complement the bow of the tug received in the recess. 
     
     
         4 . The tug holding block of  claim 3 , wherein the recess includes a cross-section having a substantially curved shape. 
     
     
         5 . The tug holding block of  claim 4 , wherein the recess includes a fastening means for coupling the tug to the tug holding block. 
     
     
         6 . The tug holding block of  claim 1 , wherein the tug holding block includes a first wing and a second wing, each of the first wing and the second wing projecting laterally outward from a body of the tug holding block. 
     
     
         7 . The tug holding block of  claim 6 , wherein each of the first wing and the second wing is configured to be proximate a portion of the dredge when the tug holding block is coupled to the dredge. 
     
     
         8 . The tug holding block of  claim 1 , wherein the tug holding block includes a sidewall having a first height and a second height. 
     
     
         9 . The tug holding block of  claim 8 , wherein the first height is less than the second height. 
     
     
         10 . The tug holding block of  claim 1 , wherein the pivotable coupling includes a coupling means for pivotally coupling the tug to the tug holding block. 
     
     
         11 . The tug holding block of  claim 10 , wherein the coupling means includes a first pair of hinges and a second pair of hinges. 
     
     
         12 . The tug holding block of  claim 11 , wherein each of the first pair of hinges and the second pair of hinges pivotally couples the dredge to the tug holding block, the first pair of hinges and the second pair of hinges operable to allow a hull of the dredge to pivot relative to the tug holding block. 
     
     
         13 . The tug holding block of  claim 1 , wherein the tug holding block includes a dredge receiving portion configured to be received by a portion of the dredge. 
     
     
         14 . The tug holding block of  claim 13 , wherein the dredge receiving portion is disposed opposite the tug receiving portion. 
     
     
         15 . The tug holding block of  claim 1 , wherein the tug holding block includes a bottom wall having a substantially curved edge. 
     
     
         16 . The tug holding block of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the tug receiving portion is configured to receive a bow of the tug;   the tug receiving portion includes a recess configured to cooperate with and complement the bow of the tug received in the recess;   the recess includes a cross-section having a substantially curved shape;   the recess includes a fastening means for coupling the tug to the tug holding block;   the tug holding block includes a first wing and a second wing, each of the first wing and the second wing projecting laterally outward from a body of the tug holding block;   each of the first wing and the second wing is configured to be proximate a portion of the dredge when the tug holding block is coupled to the dredge;   the tug holding block includes a sidewall having a first height and a second height;   the first height is less than the second height;   the pivotable coupling includes a coupling means for pivotally coupling the tug to the tug holding block;   the coupling means includes a first pair of hinges and a second pair of hinges;   each of the first pair of hinges and the second pair of hinges pivotally couples the dredge to the tug holding block, the first pair of hinges and the second pair of hinges operable to allow a hull of the dredge to pivot relative to the tug holding block;   the tug holding block includes a dredge receiving portion configured to be received by a portion of the dredge;   the dredge receiving portion is disposed opposite the tug receiving portion;   the tug holding block includes a bottom wall having a substantially curved edge;   the tug holding block includes a substantial polygonal shape;   the recess centrally disposed therethrough the tug holding block; and   the tug holding block is disposed therebetween each of the tug and the dredge.   
     
     
         17 . A dredging system, comprising:
 a tug holding block of  claim 1 ; and   a dredge including a trailing suction hopper dredge configured to dredge up material in a body of water, the trailing suction hopper dredge including:
 a split hull hopper scow having a side, a bow, a hull, and a stern, the hull of the split hull hopper scow configured to store dredged material and configured to pivot between a split configuration and a joint configuration, 
 a loading arm attached to the side of the split hull hopper scow and configured to suction material using a pump, the pump mounted in the split hull hopper scow, the loading arm configured to discharge the material into the split hull hopper scow; 
   wherein the tug holding block is configured to be coupled to the dredge via the pivotable coupling, and   wherein the hull is configured to pivot between the split configuration and the joint configuration relative to the tug holding block.   
     
     
         18 . A dredging system, comprising:
 a tug holding block of  claim 1 ; and   a tug including a bow;   wherein the tug receiving portion of the tug holding block is configured to receive the bow of the tug; and   wherein the tug holding block is configured to be coupled to the bow of the tug via a fastening means.   
     
     
         19 . A dredging system, comprising:
 a tug holding block of  claim 1 ;   a dredge including a trailing suction hopper dredge configured to dredge up material in a body of water, the trailing suction hopper dredge including:
 a split hull hopper scow having a side, a bow, a hull, and a stern, the hull of the split hull hopper scow configured to store dredged material and configured to pivot between a split configuration and a joint configuration, 
 a loading arm attached to the side of the split hull hopper scow and configured to suction material using a pump, the pump mounted in the split hull hopper scow, the loading arm configured to discharge the material into the split hull hopper scow; and 
   a tug including a bow;   wherein the tug holding block is configured to be disposed therebetween each of the dredge and the tug.   
     
     
         20 . A method of dredging, comprising:
 pivotally coupling a tug holding block of  claim 1  to a dredge;   coupling a tug to the tug holding block; and   pivoting a hull of the dredge relative to the tug holding block.