Abstract: Offloading cargo from a cargo vessel and delivering the cargo to a cargo recipient, or loading cargo onto the cargo vessel from a cargo supplier, may be performed using a cargo vessel which is spread moored at sea to a plurality of mooring points for mooring the cargo vessel in a desired orientation. Alternatively, the cargo vessel may be rotatably moored. Tubing may be provided and configured to be connected to the vessel for fluid communication between the vessel and the cargo recipient or the cargo supplier, and may comprise a first portion configured to be connected to the cargo vessel and a second portion configured to be connected to the cargo recipient or the cargo supplier. A semi-submersible unit may be operable to travel across the sea and carry part of the tubing from a stand-by location to a position adjacent to the cargo vessel, so as to allow an end of the first portion of the tubing to be connected the cargo vessel for offloading or loading the cargo.

Abstract: Offloading cargo from a cargo vessel and delivering the cargo to a cargo recipient, or loading cargo onto the cargo vessel from a cargo supplier, may be performed using a cargo vessel which is spread moored at sea to a plurality of mooring points for mooring the cargo vessel in a desired orientation. Alternatively, the cargo vessel may be rotatably moored. Tubing may be provided and configured to be connected to the vessel for fluid communication between the vessel and the cargo recipient or the cargo supplier, and may comprise a first portion configured to be connected to the cargo vessel and a second portion configured to be connected to the cargo recipient or the cargo supplier. A semi-submersible unit may be operable to travel across the sea and carry part of the tubing from a stand-by location to a position adjacent to the cargo vessel, so as to allow an end of the first portion of the tubing to be connected the cargo vessel for offloading or loading the cargo.