(19)

(11)

EP 0 977 685 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 09.02.2000 Bulletin 2000/06 (21) Application number: 98919296.8 (22) Date of filing: 30.04.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: B63B 21/26, B63B 21/38 (86) International application number: PCT/GB9801/089 (87) International publication number: WO 9849/048 (05.11.1998 Gazette 1998/44)

(84) Designated Contracting States: ES FR GB IE IT NL PT (30) Priority: 30.04.1997 GB 9708699 (71) Applicant: Brupat Limited DouglasIsle of Man IM 4 4QE (GB)	(72) Inventor: BRUCE, Peter DouglasIsle of Man IM1 4NX (GB) (74) Representative: Gray, John James  Fitzpatricks,4 West Regent Street Glasgow G2 1RS Glasgow G2 1RS (GB)