Abstract: According to some aspects, a tug and barge arrangement is provided that is configured with an articulated conduit system for transferring a fuel gas (e.g., natural gas) between the tug and barge. In some embodiments, an articulated conduit system is provided that comprises a plurality of conduits fluidically interconnected by rotatable joints configured to permit positional alterations of the fluid conduits that result from differential movement between a tug and barge, such as relative vertical displacement between the tug and barge and/or relative rotation between the tug and barge about a forward-aft axis of the tug.

Abstract: A transfer system includes a conduit, a support, and a conveyor. The conduit has a first end and a second end and is configured to transfer dry material from the first end to the second end. The support is in contact with at least a portion of the conduit and is configured to maintain the second end of the conduit in a desired position relative to the first end of the conduit during transfer of the dry material from the first end to the second end. The conveyor is adjacent to the conduit and is configured to deliver the dry material to the first end of the conduit from a floating vessel configured to transport the dry material.

Abstract: A system for connecting a connector end fitting of a mobile flexible liquid supply pipe, for liquified natural gas, for example, to a fixed tubing located on a support with a different system, such as the manifold of a liquid transporter ship. The system comprises a guide device for guiding the fitting in the fixed tubing, for establishment of a connection, and including a cone mounted on the pipe for engagement with a trumpet on the fixed tubing during connection, with a tractive effort applied by a cable fixed to the cone. The guide device is fixed to the fitting on the flexible pipe and is coaxial to the flexible pipe. The invention is applicable to the connection of a hose to the manifold of a ship.

Abstract: A cargo transfer system for transferring cargo between two decks which may be subject to relative movements between each other is disclosed. The cargo transfer system includes a transverse member movably coupled to an elevated portion of a first deck (or a tower member on the first deck), and a side member movably coupled to the transverse member. In a deployment position, the side member is releasably coupled with a receiving base on the second deck. The cargo transfer system is actuatable by a relative movement between the first deck and the second deck to self-adjust for accommodating or countering the relative movement.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon transfer system includes a first structure having a substantially vertical first arm hingingly connected to the first structure via a first articulation around a substantially horizontal axis and a second arm attached to the first arm in an articulation joint, the second arm having a connecting arm part carrying a releasable connector for connecting to a floating second structure and a restoring arm part carrying a counterweight for exerting a restoring force on the second structure that is connected to the second arm upon relative movement of the first and second structures, characterized in that damping elements are provided above water level, acting on the second arm for damping movement of the second arm around the articulation joint upon transition of the second arm from an operative position to an inoperative position after disconnecting the releasable connector from the second structure.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a active-over-passive coordinated motion winch designed to be used in combination with a class of existing offshore lifting systems such as A-Frames, booms or cranes to minimize the relative movement between a payload position and a destination position occurring commonly in offshore operations. The configuration of this system allows a remote operated vehicle (ROV) or any other launched load to be firmly captured until it is delivered to the desired destination. The configuration of the system also permits towed loads, such as sonar devices, to closely maintain level tow paths along the sea floor.

Abstract: An apparatus for use on a vessel and for gaining access to a fixed structure such as a marine platform. As shown a supply vessel (1) has located on the deck (2) a mounting (3) which is connected by a gimbal arrangement (30) to a support arm (4) carrying a boom assembly (5) with a capsule (6) for personnel. The arm (4), boom (5) and capsule (6) are controlled in position by hydraulic means (9, 31, 33, 36, 40, 41, 52) to be manoeuvred into a required position to transfer personnel to the platform or decking (7) for example. In order to stabilise the position of the capsule (6) relative to the platform (7) the hydraulic means (9, 31, 33, 36, 40, 41, 52) is dynamically controlled to compensate for movement of the vessel (1) such that the capsule (6) will remain substantially in the selected spatial position relative to the platform (7). The capsule (6) may include a control system which enables an operator to statically position the capsule (6) through control of the overall systems.

Abstract: The active deployment system (10, 10′) comprises a passive cylinder system (410) coupled with an active cylinder system (400). The passive cylinder system (410) including a pre-charged accumulator (440), provides load balance for the equipment or other mass/load being deployed. Pressure provided to the blind end of the passive cylinder supports the load (60), such that the passive cylinder is balanced mid-stroke with the load hanging from a cable (30). A sheave arrangement (120, 130), placed at opposite ends of the passive cylinder-active cylinder combination, is used to introduce a line travel multiplier for cylinder displacement. The active cylinder is controlled hydraulically to add or remove load to/from the passive cylinder system in order to provide a compensating balance. The method comprises the steps of measuring a heave movement (velocity and direction), and adjusting the tension force applied to the cable (30) upon determining that the heave velocity exceeds a pre-selected critical velocity.