Abstract: An arrangement for effecting open sea transfer of articles to and from a vessel subject to movement in the pitch, roll, yaw, heave and sway senses includes a gantry having one end carried by the vessel, and a free end having a carrying device adapted for carrying an article, the gantry being articulated such that the carrying device can be substantially stabilized in space whereby it maintains a generally constant position or course in space irrespective of the motion of the vessel.

Abstract: The equipment for the transfer of fluids such as oil or gas from a drilling rig or platform mounted on the seabed to a ship pitching, heaving and yawing in relation thereto includes an interconnection through which fluid flow can take place. The interconnection has two parts, namely a probe 5 and a probe-receiver 4. The two parts are capable of engagement or disengagement on relative fore-and-aft movement. The equipment also includes a hose 6 to pass fluid to and from the interconnection, one part of the interconnection being mounted upon the platform 1 and the other part being carried by an at least partially spaced stabilized gantry 9 mounted upon the receiver vessel 8. One part of the interconnection 4 is mounted by a releasable anchor and has its hose 6 extendable when the anchor is released. The arrangement is such that the receiver vessel can be temporarily placed in an engagement position adjacent to the platform 1 and the parts 4 and 5 of the interconnection so aligned that engagement can be effected.