Abstract: A control device for controlling the movement of a coupling located on the movable end of a fluid transfer line of a marine loading system includes at least three actuators which each control movement of the coupling in a corresponding degree of freedom, a device positioned on or adjacent the coupling and/or a target duct for providing information on the positioning of the coupling, and a calculating device for (a) calculating the positioning of the coupling relative to the target duct on the basis of the positioning information, (b) calculating control instructions for each of the actuators which will result in movement of the coupling toward the target duct, (c) applying the control instructions to the actuators to bring the coupling toward the target duct, and (d) repeating steps (a)-(c) as necessary until the coupling is located in a position for connection to the target duct.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for transfer of a fluid product and its use, comprising at least one tubular arrangement for conveying the product between two locations and having two segments (2a, 2b) articulated to each other by a first of their ends, the opposite end of a first of the two segments being rotatably suspended from a support arm (1) adapted to be installed at one of the two locations and the opposite end of the second segment being able to be connected to a coupling means adapted to be installed at the second location, first means (13, 15) for turning the first segment (2a) relative to the arm, for the purpose of lowering its first end from a storage position on the same side as the support arm and second means (33,11) for pulling up the end of the second segment (2b) which end is adapted to be linked to the coupling means for the purpose of connecting that end to the coupling means (6) from underneath.

Abstract: An offshore fluid transfer system comprising a boom (2100) and at least one movable fluid conveying pipe (3000) attached to the boom, said movable pipe (3000) comprising, starting from its anchorage point, a length for extension, then an outer valve (3210) for coupling to a third party loading pipe, a maneuvering cable called outer maneuvering cable (4100) maneuvered from the boom (2100) being furthermore linked to the free end of the movable pipe at a point referred to as cable anchorage point, characterized in that the anchorage point is rigidly connected to the outer valve (3210). The invention also relates to the corresponding method.

Abstract: A device for providing information on the positioning of a moveable coupling located on a movable end of a fluid transfer line, the other end of which is fixed to a base, includes a first GPS device which is positioned on or adjacent the coupling and provides information on the absolute positioning of the coupling in space, and a second apparatus which is adapted to cooperate directly with the first apparatus and provides information on the positioning of the base. The second apparatus is disposed on or adjacent the base and provides, on the basis of the information on the positioning of the base and the information on the positioning of the coupling, information on the relative positioning of the coupling directly relative to the base.

Abstract: A device (1) for providing information on positioning of at least one moveable coupling (26) of a marine loading system (2), the system comprising at least one fluid transfer line having a line end fixed to a base (21), and a moveable line end provided with a coupling (26) adapted for connection to a target duct, the coupling or a member immediately neighboring the coupling having at least one means for providing information on the positioning of the coupling (33) either adapted to cooperate directly with a means (34) for providing information on positioning of the base disposed on the base or on a member immediately neighboring the base to provide, on the basis of the information on positioning of the base, information on relative positioning of the coupling directly relative to the base, or adapted to provide information on absolute positioning of the coupling (26) in space, and, the base having a fixed position in space, the device has a calculating means making it possible to calculate on the basis of the

Abstract: A clamping assembly for a coupler comprises at least one clamping module which includes a clamping jaw (12) that is designed for connecting the coupler to a complementary means device and an actuating system that comprises a device of the screw/nut type which is driven by a motor. The actuating system is connected directly to the clamping jaw, and the clamping jaw is swivel-mounted to a support about a point that is fixed relative to the coupler.

Abstract: A coupler which is adapted to be connected to a complementary device for the transfer of a fluid between the coupler to the complementary device comprises a body through which the fluid is allowed to flow, at least one seal for providing a fluid-tight seal between the coupler and the complementary device, and a protecting device for the seal. The protecting device is movable between a first position before connection in which the protecting device projects beyond the seal in the direction of connection, and a second position after connection in which the protecting device no longer projects beyond the seal. The coupler also includes a damper for urging the protecting device towards its first position.

Abstract: The invention concerns an assembly comprising balanced loading and unloading arm (14) installed at a first location and having articulated pipeline arms (15, 16) mounted through one of its end on a base (18) and provided at the other of its ends with a system connecting (28) the articulated pipeline arms to coupling means (29) installed at the second location. It further comprises a cable (32) linked through one of its ends to the connecting system (28) and through the other of its ends to means (35–39) adapted to subject said cable to constant tension, and a connecting winch (42) whereon is wound a connection cable (41) for bringing the connecting system (28) in a position to be connected to the coupling means (29).

Abstract: The invention concerns an assembly for transferring fluid (13) between a first site and a second site, comprising: a winch (40) for the first site (10) whereon is wound a suspension cable (17) designed to be stretched between the two sites (10, 11) and which is adapted to subject the cable to constant tension; a support (14) for the first site and for storing in suspension rigid pipe sections (15) mutually articulated via articulating sections (16) with rotary bends and joints, so as to shift from a storage position wherein the pipe sections (15) are suspended accordion-like to the support (14) to a stretched position between the two sites (10, 11) by being suspended to the cable; and means for coupling (22) some of the articulating sections (16) to the support (14) or to cable (17) depending on the length of the cable stretched between the two sites (10, 11).