Device and method for lifting an object from a deck of a vessel subject to movements

Method for lifting an object from a deck of a vessel subject to movements in a heave direction, the method comprising:

• positioning the object to be lifted on a support surface for the object provided at a first height in the heave direction relative to the deck;
• taking up the object with a lifting crane from the support surface at a lifting point thereof at a lifting speed;
• and
• activating an actuator system to lower the support surface relative to the deck
• at an instant in time at which the object is lifted from the support surface to a second height in the heave direction at a lowering speed, the method further comprising:
• determining the instant in time at which the object is lifted from the surface by a detector, wherein the detector comprises a force sensor located in the support surface,
• wherein the actuator system comprises a distance-varying means provided between the support surface and a base surface,
• wherein the distance-varying means is configured to vary a distance in the heave direction between the support surface and the base surface, and
• wherein the distance-varying means each have a longitudinal axis and the longitudinal axis of some distance-varying means extend in the heave direction, whereas the longitudinal axis of other distance-varying means extend at a non-zero acute angle with the heave direction.

Device for lifting an object from a deck of a vessel subject to movements in a heave direction, the device comprising:

• a support surface for the object provided at a first height in the heave direction relative to the deck;
• a lifting crane configured to take up the object from the support surface at a lifting point thereof at a lifting speed;
• a detector configured to determine the instant in time at which the object is lifted from the surface;
• an actuator system configured to lower the support surface relative to the deck at the instant in time the object is lifted from the surface to a second height in the heave direction at a lowering speed,
• wherein the actuator system comprises distance-varying means provided between the support surface and a base surface,
• wherein the distance-varying means is configured to vary the distance in the heave direction between the support surface and the base surface,
• wherein the base surface is provided by a base platform structure configured to be moved across the deck of the vessel in at least one of the surge and sway directions, and
• wherein the deck supports a plurality of support surfaces and the base platform structure is configured to be moved across the deck of the vessel to a position underneath each support surface, the base platform structure optionally being provided with wheels to be moved across the deck on rails provided on the deck.