Abstract: A method for operating a winch system, and an arrangement including at least two electric drives each configured to operate a respective winch including a winch drum to spool a spoolable medium, and an electric motor to rotate the winch drum, each of the winches having an active state, in which the winch drum is driven according to a predetermined tension set point value, and a passive state, in which the winch drum is prevented from rotating, wherein, during a mooring of a vessel, the arrangement is configured to operate the at least two winches such that, over a period of time, each of the at least two winches is operated in its active state for a portion of the period, and each of the at least two winches is operated in its passive state for a portion of the period.

Abstract: A fluid cargo handling system includes a marine manifold tower system and a floating marine platform on which is carried a liquid manifold assembly which is coupled to a cryogenic liquid transfer hose extending from the floating marine platform to the marine manifold tower system. The cryogenic liquid transfer hose is also connected to a cryogenic hose manifold assembly mounted on the marine manifold tower system. The marine manifold tower system includes an elongated tower having a first end secured to the seabed and a second end supporting the cryogenic hose manifold assembly, elevating the cryogenic hose manifold assembly above the water surface. The floating marine platform moves between a first position adjacent the marine manifold tower system and a second position, spaced apart from the marine manifold tower system, where the floating marine platform is in fluid communication with a fluid cargo transport vessel.

Abstract: A deflector for a mooring buoy of the type having a raised shackle includes a mounting plate that has a top side, a bottom side, and at least one peripheral edge. A shackle aperture traverses a center portion of the mounting plate and is adapted for receiving the shackle therethrough. A cage projects upwardly from the at least one peripheral edge of the mounting plate and terminates at an upper rim. The cage has a plurality of apertures therethrough and two or more tie apertures adjacent the shackle aperture. In use, the shackle of the buoy is inserted into the shackle aperture and the cage is rotated 90-degrees to secure the deflector to the buoy. Ties are then fastened through the tie apertures and the through the shackle to further secure the deflector to the mooring buoy.

Abstract: Described herein are mooring systems for floating structures and methods for manufacturing and installing such mooring systems. The mooring system may comprise a line having a first end operatively connected to the floating structure and a second end operatively connected to an anchor underwater or to a seabed, wherein the line comprises at least two substantially rigid links joined together; and a watertight sheath surrounding the line and extending at least along a length of the line from a position below the waterline to a position above the waterline.

Abstract: A process for drilling a well into the seafloor at an offshore drilling location, in particular in arctic regions, the process comprising: drilling a top hole part of the well during a winter season where the water at the drilling location is at least partly covered by ice; and initiating drilling a lower part of the well extending into a hydrocarbon-bearing formation during a subsequent off-winter season where the water is less ice infested than during the winter season.

Abstract: In a mooring assembly for a vessel, comprising a moonpool defined in the vessel, a turret is rotatably mounted within the moonpool with an upper main bearing for transmitting horizontal and vertical loads between the vessel and turret and with a lower secondary bearing for substantially transmitting horizontal loads between the vessel and the turret. Mooring lines are attached to the lower region of the turret that comprises a number of circumferentially spaced torsion box like torsion members each extending substantially vertically. The torsion members resist bending in a circumferential direction that is greater than in a radial direction. The lower secondary bearing is defined by outwardly facing bearing members attached to said torsion members and an inwardly facing bearing ring attached to the moonpool. In a situation in which a torsion member is not loaded horizontally by a respective mooring line its bearing member does not engage the ring.

Abstract: Disclosed is a turret device. The turret device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an upper turret installed in a vertical opening which penetrates a hull; and a lower turret which is coupled to the bottom of the upper turret and has a lower bearing assembly which supports the hull to allow rotation, wherein a lower bearing is arranged on the outer surface of the lower turret; and an independent sliding pad is coupled to the inner surface of the hull forming the vertical opening, and slidably contacts the lower bearing in the shape of a plate.

Abstract: A drilling vessel or drilling platform comprising: a hull with a moonpool; and a hydraulic riser tensioner system configured to apply a tension force from the drilling vessel or drilling platform upon a riser string, the riser tensioner system comprising: a riser ring, wherein the riser tensioner system is fastened to the riser string via the riser ring; a set of sheaves provided at each lateral side of the moonpool; a plurality of cables configured to extend between the drilling vessel or drilling platform to the riser ring via the sheaves; and a set of hydraulic cylinders actuating upon the sheaves and thereby applying the tension force to the cables, wherein the hydraulic cylinders are arranged substantially horizontally at the lateral sides of the moonpool.

Abstract: A system and method for offshore loading of large cargo vessels, or motherships. The system includes a plurality of mooring stations, which may be mooring buoys, positioned in an offshore mooring field proximal an onshore cargo loading facility. A mothership is positioned within the mooring field and moored via bow and stern lines to two or more different mooring stations. Environmental data, including wind, wave, and current data, as well data regarding the physical characteristics of the mothership and movement (roll/pitch/heave) of the mothership are collected by remote transmitting and sensing devices. This data is processed by numerical analysis in a digital processor, namely a computer, to determine optimum mooring line length and tension, and mooring station locations, in order to minimize mother ship movement and create an optimum “lee” loading area adjacent the mothership. Cargo is transferred to the mothership by a trans-shipper moored to the mothership.

Abstract: A mooring retrieval device for retrieving a mooring rope in water, the device comprising a buoyant member adapted to be tethered to the end of the mooring rope. An elongate retrieval member having an end adapted to engage with the buoyant member whereby, in use, the end of a mooring rope tethered to the buoyant member can be more easily retrieved. Advantageously the end of the retrieval member engages with the buoyant member by magnetic attraction.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for limiting structural damage to an affected offshore platform and preventing damage spread from the affected offshore platform to another platform during an accident or an emergency condition. An offshore platform arrangement includes a mobile offshore production unit (MOPU), a mobile storage platform and a mobile offloading platform which are disposed at a clearance distance from one another. The platforms are fluidly connected by pipes to allow hydrocarbon fluid transfer therebetween. The pipes are adapted to cease fluid communication of hydrocarbon fluid between platforms for preventing damage spread therebetween. Also disclosed is an offloading system for hydrocarbon fluid transfer which includes a lifting system having an extendable lifting arm and a spreader frame platform rotatably coupled to the lifting arm. The spreader frame platform is operable to support a transfer skid and allow angular adjustment of the transfer skid in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A buoy includes a turret coupled to a buoyant body using a bearing assembly; a deckhouse disposed on the buoyant body; and a bearing retainer configured to retain the bearing assembly and to releasably attach to the turret. The buoy may also include a locking mechanism having an inner opening in the turret, an outer opening in the buoyant body, and a locking member configured for insertion through the inner and outer openings. In one embodiment, the inner opening is out of alignment with the outer opening during operation of the buoy. The buoy may further include a detachable cover on the deckhouse, wherein the cover is configured to attach to the bearing retainer.

Abstract: A vessel has a hull, a contact area at the hull near keel level for attaching to a structure, a lifting device and a lifting cable attached thereto and extending along a heave compensating member. The lifting cable extends along a substantially vertical lifting trajectory to a connect position below keel level. The heave compensating member includes a guide element for guiding the lifting cable and which is connected to a displacement device. The heave compensating member includes a compensator arm with a pivot end pivotally connected to a pivot point on the vessel at a predetermined transverse distance from the lifting trajectory, the cable guide element being attached to a free end of the compensator arm at or near the lifting trajectory, guiding the lifting cable in the direction of the pivot point, the arm being at or near the free end connected to the displacement device.

Abstract: A method of installing a production buoy at a subsea anchoring location is disclosed. The method includes floating a production buoy over a subsea anchoring location. Then, hanging at least a tether off the production buoy such that the or each tether extends from the production buoy towards the subsea anchoring location occurs. The method includes submerging the production buoy to a depth which allows connection of the or each tether to the subsea anchoring location. An apparatus suitable for use with this method is also provided.

Abstract: A mooring buoy for use in water having a lower portion with a substantially cylindrical outer surface and a bottom surface with a female stacking indent and an upper portion having a radiused outer surface and a male stacking ridge so two such mooring buoys can be stacked and sit atop each other when the mooring buoys rest on a planar surface. Handles can be formed in the lower portion.

Abstract: An offshore floating production, storage, and off-loading vessel has a hull of generally cylindrical or polygonal configuration surrounding a central double tapered conical moon pool and contains water ballast and oil and/or liquefied gas storage compartments. An adjustable water ballast system induces heave, roll, pitch and surge motions of the vessel to dynamically position and maneuver the vessel. The moon pool shape and other devices on the vessel provide added virtual mass for increasing the natural period of the roll and heave modes, reducing dynamic amplification and resonance due to waves and vessel motion, and facilitate maneuvering the vessel. A disconnectable turret buoy at the bottom of the moon pool connects risers and mooring lines.

Abstract: Releasable mooring systems and methods for drilling vessels that may be implemented with dockable and releasable mooring buoys to provide for both a quick disconnect of the mooring system from a drilling vessel and for re-connection of the drilling vessel when the vessel returns to the well site.

Abstract: A protective cover for a mooring buoy utilizes a plurality of interconnected buoyant chambers, connected in series and separated by flexible spacers. A plurality of ballast filled chambers are located adjacent to and extend beneath the buoyant chambers. The ends of the cover are configured to be connected by snaps or equivalent attachment devices, to form a circular enclosure. A guide ring is connected to one of the buoyant chambers to allow the cover to be slid from the moored vessel, along mooring lines, and then over the buoy, such that the buoyant chambers remain at the waterline. The deployed cover thus provides protection from impact with the hull of the vessel by the buoy. A retrieval line is provided to withdraw the cover from the buoy and return it to the vessel when the vessel is departing the mooring. Included as well is the method of deploying the protective cover from a moored vessel onto a buoy.

Abstract: An anchoring enclosure embodying the invention includes a chamber whose buoyancy can be controlled by pumping a gas (e.g., air) or a liquid (e.g., sea water) into the chamber. The anchoring enclosure includes a bottom extension for embedding the anchoring enclosure into the seabed and an anti-scouring skirt extending about the perimeter of the lower portion of the structure and outward from the anchoring enclosure for resting along the seabed and preventing water movement from disturbing the embedded bottom extension. The anchoring enclosure may be rendered sufficiently buoyant to be easily towed to a selected site of a body of water without the need for large and expensive equipment and to then be rendered less buoyant so as to sink, in a controlled manner, to the seabed.

Abstract: Assembly of turret and disconnectable buoy, in which the turret at its lower end and the buoy at its upper end are provided with mating coupling provisions. The coupling provisions comprise an annular projection protruding from one of the turret and buoy towards the other of the turret and buoy and a correspondingly shaped annular recess on the other of the turret and buoy for receiving the annular projection. The annular projection has a base which is wider than a top thereof, whereas the annular recess has a top which is wider than a base thereof.

Abstract: A mooring retrieval device for retrieving a mooring rope in water, the device comprising a buoyant member adapted to be tethered to the end of the mooring rope. An elongate retrieval member having an end adapted to engage with the buoyant member whereby, in use, the end of a mooring rope tethered to the buoyant member can be more easily retrieved. Advantageously the end of the retrieval member engages with the buoyant member by magnetic attraction.

Abstract: A mooring disconnect arrangement for a floating offshore structure and a mooring buoy. At least one high pressure water jet is positioned to direct water between the floating offshore structure and the mooring buoy. The floating offshore structure and mooring buoy are also provided with specially shaped complementary surfaces to assist in disconnection and separation. One or more mechanical restraining devices may be used to retain the floating offshore structure and mooring buoy connected together during normal drilling or production operations.

Abstract: A mooring system may comprise a station keeping apparatus having a turntable rotatably mounted thereon. The station keeping apparatus is operable to movably couple to a first vessel and to a second vessel in a side-by-side configuration. The turntable is operable to freely rotate both the first and the second vessel about the station keeping apparatus. The station keeping apparatus is securable to the second vessel using a head mooring line having a length which is adjustable for aligning a heading of both the first and the second vessel with a prevailing weather direction. Further, the mooring system may comprise a rigid yoke or a soft yoke movably coupling the turntable to the first vessel for angular adjustment between the station keeping apparatus and a longitudinal center line of the first vessel.

Abstract: A submersible mooring buoy for a floating vessel comprises a compartmented hull; a plurality of non-buoyant, catenary anchor lines each connected to the hull and a spring buoy such that the hull may be submerged without sinking to the seafloor by flooding selected compartments; and, a plurality of mooring legs anchoring each spring buoy to the seafloor.

Abstract: A mooring system comprising a structure in a body of water; a vessel in the body of water; a first anchor in the body of water; a second anchor in the body of water; a first line connecting the first anchor and the vessel; a second line connecting the second anchor and the vessel; and a third line connecting the structure and the vessel.

Abstract: A device for dynamically positioning a ship, assisting in offload of a processed hydrocarbon fluid, and assisting in return of hydrocarbon vapors is disclosed herein. The device can be a soft yoke that is pivotable and collapsible with at least two telescoping mooring arms having a boom and jib in a nested arrangement to safely hold floating stations to transport vessels. The boom and the jib can form a gangway to move personal and loads.

Abstract: A device which anchors a small boat to a tree stump is herein disclosed, comprising a section of resilient and inert material with an interior opening and is provided with a multitude of attaching apertures through its cross-section. These attaching apertures are connected to a plurality of three hundred (300) pound test nylon cords in a conical type fashion. The various sections of cord are also secured intermediately along its length thus producing a net structure not unlike that of a basketball net. The upper end of each cord is secured to a central point and is anchored with a section of five hundred (500) pound test nylon cord which is used to connect the device to a small boat. To use the device, the user slips the device over a tree stump or similar support structure protruding up through or just below the water surface. The net structure of the device provides a secure grip about the support structure no matter the direction of the boat in relation to the support structure.

Abstract: A sea vessel exploration and production system is provided, wherein the system includes a drilling station formed from at least one section of a first sea vessel hull; and a docking station, which is also formed from at least one section of a second sea vessel hull. A mooring system suitable for connecting the drilling station to the docking station is also provided. Means for anchoring the vessels to the seafloor, and for attaching them to turret buoys, are also considered. Various exploration and production packages, as well as equipment required to deploy and control a self-standing riser system in either deep or shallow waters, are also described.

Abstract: A system for mooring a floating plant for the production of energy from currents in a body of water, comprising a plant (10) floating in the body of water and having at least one generator (7) for energy production, and at least one elongate first mooring element (24) which at a first end is connected to one end of the plant (10). The first mooring element (24) at its second end is attached to one buoyant element (50) floating in the body of water and anchored to a bottom (B) below the body of water, and the second end of the first mooring element (24) is connected to the buoyant element (50) at a level (d) in the body of water that corresponds to the level in the body of water at which the first end of the first mooring element (24) is connected to the floating plant (10), whereby the first mooring element (24) runs horizontally or almost horizontally in the body of water.

Abstract: A method of dynamic positioning of a vessel (16, 32), wherein a positioning system controls at least one positioning machinery (18), and where two or more buoys (1), each comprising at least one positioning machinery (18), are coupled to the vessel (16, 32).

Abstract: A mooring arrangement for a semi-submersible offshore structure having an outer hull with a lower (2) and an upper (1) water line, comprises a mooring line (4) extending from a fixed point on the seabed to an attachment on the off-shore structure, at least a portion of the mooring line closest to the attachment being a chain. The attachment comprises a hawse (10) and a chain stopper (22) located below the lower water line. The chain stopper (22) is located in a dry space inside the outer hull and is sealingly attached at one end to the hawse and at the opposite end to a chain pipe (9) which extends inside the hull to above the upper water line. The hawse extends outwards from the chain stopper and is sealed to an opening in the outer hull.

Abstract: A submersible mooring buoy for a floating vessel comprises a compartmented hull; a plurality of non-buoyant, catenary anchor lines each connected to the hull and a spring buoy such that the hull may be submerged without sinking to the seafloor by flooding selected compartments; and, a plurality of mooring legs anchoring each spring buoy to the seafloor.

Abstract: A mooring buoy includes a buoyant shell that defines a chamber and has a channel extending from the chamber through the outer surface of the shell. The channel accommodates a pendant line therethrough. Within the chamber is a rotating takeup/payout that rotates about a drive axle and a drive mechanism coupled to the takeup/payout device that can drive the rotating takeup/payout device to rotate in a first direction to take up pendant line slack. The drive mechanism permits the takeup/payout device to rotate opposite the first direction in order to pay out pendant line under tension. Suitable takeup/payout devices include pulleys and spools. Suitable drive mechanisms include gravity-driven mechanisms, spring-driven mechanisms, and pendulum-driven mechanisms.

Abstract: A submersible mooring buoy for a floating vessel comprises a compartmented hull; a plurality of non-buoyant, catenary anchor lines each connected to the hull and a spring buoy such that the hull may be submerged without sinking to the seafloor by flooding selected compartments; and, a plurality of mooring legs anchoring each spring buoy to the seafloor.

Abstract: A mooring system comprising a submerged buoy releasably connected to a vessel adjacent its keel by a structural connector. The structural connector consists of a cylindrical sleeve coaxially movable with respect to a cylindrical housing by circumferential actuators. The lower ends of the connector sleeve and connector housing capture a number of collet segments circumpositioned therebetween that radially pivot in and out as the connector sleeve is moved axially within the connector housing. The lower ends of the collet segments extend downward to a connector hub on the buoy and releasably engage a groove therein, dogging the bearing hub against the vessel. A combined bearing assembly that supports both axial and radial loading revolvably connects the buoy to a moored chain table.

Abstract: An offshore floating production, storage, and off-loading vessel has a hull of generally cylindrical or polygonal configuration surrounding a central double tapered conical moon pool and contains water ballast and oil and/or liquefied gas storage compartments. The exterior side walls of the polygonal hull have flat surfaces and sharp corners to cut ice sheets, resist and break ice, and move ice pressure ridges away from the structure. An adjustable water ballast system induces heave, roll, pitch and surge motions of the vessel to dynamically position and maneuver the vessel to accomplish ice cutting, breaking and moving operations. The moon pool shape and other devices on the vessel provide added virtual mass for increasing the natural period of the roll and heave modes, reducing dynamic amplification and resonance due to waves and vessel motion, and facilitate maneuvering the vessel. A disconnectable turret buoy at the bottom of the moon pool connects risers and mooring lines.

Abstract: Vessel comprising a hull having near a bottom a cavity for receiving a mooring buoy, a lifting device being placed on the hull comprising a cable that extends through the cavity to a weight that is situated below the bottom of the vessel, the mooring buoy being attached to the cable, the mooring buoy carrying mooring lines that are connected to a sea bed and being receivable in the cavity for coupling with the turret, the mooring buoy comprising a central shaft through which the cable passes, the buoy being movable relative to the cable in a length direction of the cable, wherein the weight is located on the cable at or below the buoy, a stopper being provided on the cable for engaging with the buoy and for blocking relative movement of the buoy and the cable, the stopper being fixed to the cable near an upper or a lower end of the buoy.

Abstract: A disconnectable mooring assembly for a vessel comprises a mooring buoy and a swivel positioned above the mooring buoy. The mooring buoy is provided with a central member for being anchored to the seabed and comprises a number of passages each adapted for receiving a riser. The mooring buoy further comprises an outer member surrounding the central member and capable of a rotation relative thereto. Said outer member is adapted to be housed in and locked to a corresponding receiving opening of the vessel. The swivel is located above the mooring buoy in such a manner that an interspace is defined between the mooring buoy and the swivel.

Abstract: A system for mooring a vessel at an offshore site comprises at least one floating mooring element with two opposite mooring bodies for receiving therebetween and engaging the hull of the vessel. Each mooring element is movable between an upper position for engaging the hull of the vessel and a lower position in which at least one of its mooring bodies is lowered below the upper position for disengaging the hull of the vessel. Further means are provided for maintaining a substantially stationary position of the mooring element relative to the seabed. Preferably the system comprises at least two mooring elements spaced in the longitudinal direction of the vessel.

Abstract: A spar-type offshore platform includes a buoyant upper hull structure having a lower end to which is detachably connected a buoyant lower module. A plurality of mooring line assemblies is connected to the lower module, the total weight of the mooring line assemblies being sufficient to sink the lower module. A method of separating the upper hull structure from the lower module includes disconnecting the lower module from the lower end of the upper hull structure, and then allowing the weight of the mooring line assemblies to sink the lower module.

Abstract: The present invention relates to overpressure protection systems and methods for use on a production system for transferring hydrocarbons from a well on the seafloor to a vessel floating on the surface of the sea. The production system includes a subsea well in fluid communication with a turret buoy through a production flowline and riser system. The turret buoy is capable of connecting to a swivel located on a floating vessel. The overpressure protection device is positioned upstream of the swivel, to prevent overpressure of the production swivel and downstream components located on the floating vessel. The device may include one or more shut down valves, one or more sensors, an actuator assembly, and a control processor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to overpressure protection systems and methods for use on a production system for transferring hydrocarbons from a well on the seafloor to a vessel floating on the surface of the sea. The production system includes a subsea well in fluid communication with a turret buoy through a production flowline and riser system. The turret buoy is capable of connecting to a swivel located on a floating vessel. The overpressure protection device is positioned upstream of the swivel, to prevent overpressure of the production swivel and downstream components located on the floating vessel. The device may include one or more shut down valves, one or more sensors, an actuator assembly, and a control processor. Each shut down valve and sensor is coupled to a production flowline. Each of the sensors is capable of generating a signal based upon a pressure sensed within the production flowline. The actuator assembly is connected to each of the shut down valves for operating the shut down valves.

Abstract: A mooring buoy includes a buoyant shell that defines a chamber and has a channel extending from the chamber through the outer surface of the shell. The channel accommodates a pendant line therethrough. Within the chamber is a rotating takeup/payout that rotates about a drive axle and a drive mechanism coupled to the takeup/payout device that can drive the rotating takeup/payout device to rotate in a first direction to take up pendant line slack. The drive mechanism permits the takeup/payout device to rotate opposite the first direction in order to pay out pendant line under tension. Suitable takeup/payout devices include pulleys and spools. Suitable drive mechanisms include gravity-driven mechanisms, spring-driven mechanisms, and pendulum-driven mechanisms.

Abstract: A mooring system comprising a structure in a body of water; a vessel in the body of water; a first anchor in the body of water; a second anchor in the body of water; a first line connecting the first anchor and the vessel; a second line connecting the second anchor and the vessel; and a third line connecting the structure and the vessel.

Abstract: Assembly of turret and disconnectable buoy, in which the turret at its lower end and the buoy at its upper end are provided with mating coupling provisions. The coupling provisions comprise an annular projection protruding from one of the turret and buoy towards the other of the turret and buoy and a correspondingly shaped annular recess on the other of the turret and buoy for receiving the annular projection. The annular projection has a base which is wider than a top thereof, whereas the annular recess has a top which is wider than a base thereof.

Abstract: A mooring system comprising a submerged buoy releasably connectable to a vessel keel having a combined axial/radial bearing. A segmented ring, fastened to the buoy, forms the bearing outer ring. An inner bearing hub slidingly carried on the bearing outer ring is connectable to a vessel structural connector. In a first embodiment, the structural connector includes an inner cylindrical sleeve coaxially movable within an outer cylindrical housing by circumferential actuators. The lower ends of the connector sleeve and connector housing capture plural collet segments circumpositioned therebetween that radially move in and out as the connector sleeve is moved axially within the connector housing. The lower ends of the collet segments extend downward into the bearing hub and releasably engage an interior groove therein, thereby dogging the bearing hub against the vessel. In a second embodiment, the bearing hub is simply bolted directly to a cylindrical connector member of the vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus for the connection and/or disconnection of a marine riser to a floating vessel comprising, in a main embodiment, a plurality of connecting lines. The, lower ends of these connecting lines are attached to the riser and are arranged to be moveable between a first helical configuration which allows connection, via a turret, between the riser and the floating vessel and a second helical configuration wherein said connecting line is disconnected and. retracted from said floating vessel. A method of installing said connecting lines is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mooring system for stabilizing a vessel for handling offshore structures includes at least one mooring unit, a connection mechanism for connecting the mooring unit to the vessel, and a tractive mechanism for stabilizing the vessel by establishing permanent tension in the connection mechanism. Furthermore, the tractive mechanism includes a mechanism for lowering the connected vessel's position in relation to the water level. A method of stabilizing a vessel, a vessel for handling offshore structures and use of a mooring system are also contemplated.

Abstract: A submersible mooring buoy for a floating vessel comprises a compartmented hull; a plurality of non-buoyant, catenary anchor lines each connected to the hull and a spring buoy such that the hull may be submerged without sinking to the seafloor by flooding selected compartments; and, a plurality of mooring legs anchoring each spring buoy to the seafloor.

Abstract: A floating terminal for offloading an LNG carrier vessel in the sea. The floating terminal of open frame construction is moored toward its front end with a rotatable mooring arrangement so that the terminal may weathervane in response to environmental forces. Marine thrusters are provided at the aft end of the terminal for swinging the terminal away from and back toward a line defined by the path toward the terminal of an approaching LNG carrier. Offloading equipment and heat exchangers are provided on a deck of the floating structure. When an LNG carrier vessel approaches the terminal, the thrusters swing the floating terminal away from the carrier vessel approach line while a hawser at the front end of the terminal pulls the vessel close to the terminal. The floating terminal swings back toward the carrier vessel in response to operating the marine thrusters in an opposite direction until the carrier vessel and floating terminal are side-by-side.