Abstract: A system and method for transferring fluid from a vessel to a shore-based facility, the system including at least one vessel and at least one coupling structure which is established at an unloading location. The vessels travel in continuous shuttle traffic between a loading station and the coupling structure and are organised such that at least one of the vessels is periodically connected to one of the coupling structures so that the fluid is conveyed from each vessel through the coupling structure and directly ashore via a pipeline system for further distribution of the fluid. Vessels are provided with storage tanks for storing natural gas in its liquid state, a vaporizer for regasifying the liquefied natural gas on arrival at the unloading point and equipment for connection to the coupling structure for transferring natural gas from the vessel to a submerged pipeline system.