Abstract: Provided is a composite tower structure and a method of designing and assembling the same, the composite tower structure including: a tower body, a foundation to which a bottom end of the tower body is fixed, a plurality of vertical supports disposed around a perimeter of the tower body, and a support structure connecting a top end of each of the plurality of vertical supports to the tower body. The composite tower structure may further include one or more intermediate guide structure(s) connected to the tower body and supporting a middle portion of the plurality of vertical supports.

Abstract: Provided is a composite tower structure and a method of designing and assembling the same, the composite tower structure including: a tower body, a foundation to which a bottom end of the tower body is fixed, a plurality of vertical supports disposed around a perimeter of the tower body, and a support structure connecting a top end of each of the plurality of vertical supports to the tower body. The composite tower structure may further include one or more intermediate guide structure(s) connected to the tower body and supporting a middle portion of the plurality of vertical supports.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fluid transfer between a first vessel and a second vessel that are separated by a body of water. The systems and methods may include extending a deployed portion of a fluid conduit assembly between the first vessel and the second vessel. The fluid conduit assembly includes a fluid conduit and also may include a fluid conduit support; and, in the deployed portion, the fluid conduit may be suspended from and supported by the fluid conduit support. The systems and methods also may include the use of a conformation control assembly to automatically and/or dynamically adjust the length of the deployed portion to regulate a conformation of the deployed portion.

Abstract: A method and system for transporting fluid is described. The method includes coupling a transit vessel to a terminal vessel associated with at least one terminal. The transit vessel and the terminal vessel are coupled at an open sea or lightering location, which may be selected based upon operational conditions. Then, cryogenic fluid is transferred between the transit vessel and the terminal vessel, while the transit vessel and terminal vessel are moving in substantially the same direction. Once the transfer is complete, the terminal vessel decouples from the transit vessel and moves a terminal to provide the cryogenic fluid to the terminal. The cryogenic fluid may include liquefied natural gas (LNG) and/or liquefied carbon dioxide (CO2).

Abstract: The described invention relates to an integrated LNG re-gasification apparatus suitable for broad use and effective utilization of LNG containers comprising: a) modular storage tank holding structures adapted for storing and accessing LNG containerized in one or more storage tanks; b) a heat exchange re-gasification chamber adapted for converting said LNG to natural gas using a working fluid of higher temperature than the LNG; c) fluid transfer means for transporting the LNG from said storage tanks to the at least one heat exchange re-gasification chamber; d) at least one working fluid holding tank; e) fluid transfer means for transporting the working fluid from said holding tank to the at least one heat exchange re-gasification chamber; f) fluid transfer means for transporting a cooled working fluid, to one or more ancillary refrigeration or air conditioning units.

Abstract: A method and system for transporting fluid is described. The method includes coupling a transit vessel to a terminal vessel associated with at least one terminal. The transit vessel and the terminal vessel are coupled at an open sea or lightering location, which may be selected based upon operational conditions. Then, cryogenic fluid is transferred between the transit vessel and the terminal vessel, while the transit vessel and terminal vessel are moving in substantially the same direction. Once the transfer is complete, the terminal vessel decouples from the transit vessel and moves a terminal to provide the cryogenic fluid to the terminal. The cryogenic fluid may include liquefied natural gas (LNG) and/or liquefied carbon dioxide (CO2).

Abstract: Methods and systems for receiving liquefied natural gas (LNG) and delivering vaporized natural gas to a pipeline in fluid communication with onshore equipment and methods for importing LNG. In one embodiment, an open-sea berth import terminal includes a platform, which is fixed to the sea floor and includes two or more sets of berthing structures. LNG carriers berth at the open-sea berth import terminal to transfer LNG to a storage vessel moored at one of the berthing structures. LNG vaporization facilities, either on the storage vessel or the platform, vaporize the LNG prior to delivery to the pipeline. The storage vessel may include a barge or another LNG carrier. In other embodiments, the open-sea berth import terminal may have no storage facilities, but two LNG carriers may berth at the berthing structures to concurrently perform offloading operations, with one transferring LNG and the other performing other offloading operations to enhance operations.

Abstract: A complaint offshore platform in which the primary restoring force to lateral displacement is established by flex piles driven into the seafloor and fixedly secured to the platform legs a preselected distance above the seafloor. The platform includes a substantially rigid space-frame structure extending from the ocean bottom to a position above the ocean surface. A drilling and production deck is secured atop the space-frame structure. Shear piles extend through the base of the space-frame structure to prevent lateral displacement of the base while permitting the space-frame structure to pivot about its base. As the platform sways about its base in response to environmental forces, the flex piles establish a vertical couple at the location at which they are attached to the space frame structure. This couple resists movement of the platform away from a vertical orientation. In the preferred embodiment, the flex piles are secured to the platform at or near one-half the total height of the space-frame structure.