System for towing equipment at sea

Abstract

A system for towing equipment at sea comprises a main vessel adapted to tow the equipment in a given direction of movement. At least one active deflector is disposed behind and on each side of the main vessel for pulling at least part of the towed equipment transversely in relation to the direction of movement of the main vessel. At least one support vessel is connected to each deflector for assisting the deflector in pulling at least part of the towed equipment transversely in relation to the direction of movement of the main vessel, and for assisting the main vessel by providing additional towing force to the towed equipment. The additional towing force provided by the support vessel is essentially parallel in direction to the force provided by the main vessel. A cable connects each support vessel to the associated active deflector for supplying one or more of power and control signals from the support vessel to the associated deflector. At least one wing is attached to each deflector. A rotatable cylinder is attached to the deflector adjacent the front edge of at least one wing. A drive unit is associated with the cylinder for rotating the cylinder for imparting to the deflector additional lift outward from the towing vessel.