Abstract: A mooring assembly for a vessel includes a turret with a lower receptacle cone receiving a buoy, mooring lines attached to the buoy, and risers. The buoy includes a plurality of pivot legs positioned on a lower part of the buoy, wherein the legs are pivotably connected to the buoy through a horizontally extending pivot axis to pivot in a radial plane with respect to the buoy between a first position with the buoy in the cone of the turret, in which the legs extend mainly vertically downwards and engage an inner surface of the cone, and a second position with the buoy outside of the cone, in which the legs extend mainly horizontally outwards. The lines are attached to the legs and each leg has such a length that in the first position its end is located at a level below the lowermost end of the cone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (2), having: a buoyant buoy (4), and a floating hose (6) which has a plurality of buoyant hose segments (8) which are coupled in series. The buoy (4) has a liquid outlet connection (12) which is connected to the floating hose (6), so that the floating hose (6) is arranged in a geometrical arrangement with respect to the buoy (4). A plurality of node units (18) are fastened in a distributed manner to the floating hose (6) and the buoy (4). Each node unit (18) is designed to establish, by means of an associated radio unit, a respective radio link (22, 24, 26, 28) to each of at least two of the further radio units of the respective node units (18, 42, 44, 46, 48), so that a radio network (30) is created. Each node unit (18) is designed to determine a relative distance (32, 34, 36, 38) from each further node unit (18) on the basis of the respective radio link.

Abstract: An offshore production and storage system includes a spread moored buoy assembly including a riser buoy coupled to a mooring buoy, the riser buoy configured to receive and couple to risers, wherein the spread moored buoy assembly is configured to be pre-installed offshore with the risers coupled thereto, and wherein the spread moored buoy assembly is configured to couple to a floating vessel such that the risers fluidicly couple to the floating vessel via the riser buoy.

Abstract: A method of maintaining positioning between vessels includes monitoring a relative position between a storage tank vessel and a shuttle tanker with a control system in operative communication with the vessels. Also included is inputting physical property data relating to the storage tank vessel and the shuttle tanker to the control system. Further included is processing environmental condition data with the control system. Yet further included is controlling at least one positioning action to be taken by the storage tank vessel and the shuttle tanker with the control system in response to positioning calculations conducted by the control system based on the physical property data and the environmental condition data. Also included is maintaining an angular differential within a predetermined limit with the at least one positioning action.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon loading hose (4) for connection between a GBS (1) and a shuttle hydrocarbon transport vessel (2), arranged in water (W) and at a distance apart, comprises buoyancy means (5) in its mid region and at least one buoyancy element (7a, b) in a free end region.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for supporting a riser are disclosed. The apparatus includes an anchoring element (420) for anchoring a riser to a fixed structure, and a supporting portion (412) configured to support a section of flexible pipe (406), the supporting portion having a bearing surface for the section of flexible pipe to bear against to thereby restrain the flexible pipe from upward movement.

Abstract: A fluid transfer assembly for transferring a fluid between an onshore or offshore installation and a tanker, includes a floating device provided with positioning means for maintaining a predetermined position, a first fluid transfer line for releasably connecting said onshore or offshore installation to said floating device, and a second fluid transfer line for releasably connecting said floating device to the tanker. The floating device is provided with a connecting device for establishing a fluid connection between the first and second fluid transfer lines, which connecting device and floating device are separate parts that can be joined and separated by cooperating couplers provided on the connecting device and floating device, respectively, without compromising the original function of the floating device.

Abstract: A mooring system, and connector assembly, which in a preferred embodiment is a vessel mooring and fluid transfer system. The connector assembly has a first portion (2A) configured to be coupled to one or more mooring lines (1), and a second portion (2B) configured to be coupled to a vessel. The first and second portions are rotatable with respect to one another to permit a vessel coupling on the second portion to swivel about the mooring coupling on the first portion. In a preferred embodiment, the connector assembly comprises a guide (2E) for a conduit, which may be a fluid transfer conduit such as flexible riser (6). The invention also provides methods of use of the mooring systems described.

Abstract: A towed vessel suitable for containing and transporting various liquids is disclosed. The vessel further comprises various features useful in the transportation, navigation, and storage of the towable vessel, both when in use for transporting fluids and when transported in an emptied state. Such features include navigational and positioning devices and methods, power supply devices and methods, and means for filling, inflating, emptying, and deflating a non-rigid, towed vessel. Aspects of embodiments of the present invention further include features useful for purifying or preserving the purity of the fluid to be transported.

Abstract: A fueling system including a ship or air deployable automated fueling station and one or more sea surface water vessels. The fueling station including a ballast arrangement to maintain an optimal freeboard for fueling the one or more water vessels, the fueling station and the one or more water vessels including a communication arrangement for communications between the fueling station and the one or more water vessels. The fueling station including a plurality of nozzles for simultaneously fueling a plurality of water vessels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for loading/unloading cryogenic fluids between a ship and storage tanks The system comprises a shaft extended upwards to above the sea level, a transfer pipeline extended from the storage tanks to the shaft with a free end free to expand/contract axially inside the shaft, a header fluidly connected to the free end, at least one downward pipe branch from the header, at least one hose coupler attached to the shaft, at least one internal hose freely hung inside the shaft between the downward pipe branch and the hose coupler, and at least one loading arm fluidly connected to the hose coupler and having an end flange for connection with ship manifolds for fluid transfer. The system further comprises at least one vertical support to support the header in the vertical direction, wherein the header is free to move along with the free end of the transfer pipeline.

Abstract: System for mooring a large vessel for production of hydrocarbons, such vessel for example being a FPSO vessel, the mooring system including at least two floating bodies of the hang-off type, moored by means of differentiated compliance spread anchoring system to the sea bed, allowing partly weathervaning of the large vessel; a riser system extending from the sea bed to each the floating bodies, and means for transfer of fluids from the two floating bodies to the large vessel, the floating bodies and the large vessel being provided with locking means, locking floating bodies to the large vessel at the bow and the stern of the vessel in a mechanically rigid manner, thus providing a integrated, rigidly fixed unit comprising the large vessel and the floating bodies.

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 process and system for directly exporting liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from an offshore location is disclosed. The process comprises (a) obtaining a mixture comprising oil and natural gas from a subsea well; (b) separating LPG from the mixture comprising oil and natural gas at a floating or fixed offshore processing facility; (c) offloading the LPG directly from the floating or fixed offshore processing facility via subsea offloading risers and at least one subsea offloading flowline connecting the processing facility to a floating or fixed offshore transfer station; and (d) transferring the LPG to an export tanker at the transfer station. The system comprises a floating or fixed offshore processing facility, a floating or fixed offshore transfer station, and a set of subsea offloading transfer lines connecting the processing facility and the transfer station.

Abstract: A portable towed vessel suitable for containing and transporting various liquids is disclosed. The vessel further comprises various features useful in navigation and storage of the device, both when in use for transporting fluids and when transported in an emptied state. Such features include navigational and positioning devices and methods, and means for emptying and deflating a towed vessel. Aspects of the present invention further include the ability to quickly fill and evacuate a towed vessel and features useful for purifying or preserving the purity of fluid to be transported.

Abstract: A seabed-to-surface riser system is disclosed. The seabed-to-surface riser system has a group of subsea riser supports that each support riser pipes extending from the seabed to mid-water. Jumper pipes extend from there to a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) offset horizontally from the riser support in a flow direction. The group of riser supports is disposed to one side of the surface installation. Laterally-extending lines are attached to at least the outermost riser supports of the group. Those lines apply mutually-opposed stabilizing forces to those outermost riser supports in directions transverse to the flow direction.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon transfer arrangement for transfer of fluids between an offshore unit and a carrier which are placed in an offloading configuration, includes at least one transfer hose and a gas return hose, wherein the end of the at least one transfer hose is connected to a floating multi-function unit allowing for the transport of the transfer hose between the offshore unit and the carrier, wherein the floating multi-function unit can be lifted out of the water and can be held in a fixed position above water-level and is provided with connection elements for making a fluid connection between the transfer hose end and a manifold of the carrier and with emergency disconnect elements for the at least one transfer hose, placed at a distance from the connection elements.

Abstract: This installation comprises a transport conduit which is at least partially submerged in a body of water, a device for conveying fluid between the vessel and the conduit, and a floating platform for securing the vessel. The platform comprises a carrier structure which is partially submerged in the body of water. The carrier structure comprises an open-work trellis which delimits internal spaces which are for circulation of water and which open in the body of water. The floating platform further comprises flexible lines for anchoring the carrier structure to the bottom of the body of water. The ratio of the volume of the internal spaces to the total of the volume of the open-work trellis and the volume of the internal spaces is greater than 0.9.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a loading system for transferring at least one medium between a first installation and a floating vessel, comprising an anchoring device which can be fixed relative to a seabed, at least one elongated first transfer element, which is normally vertically oriented in an installed state, at least one flexible second transfer element arranged in the extension of the first transfer element by a swivel arrangement which is mounted between the first and second transfer element. The swivel arrangement is rotatable at least about a longitudinal axis of the first transfer element. A free end of the second transfer element, in an installed state when the system is not being used, is located freely suspended in the body of water. The invention also relates to a retrieval system and method.

Abstract: A method for offloading a liquefied natural gas from a floating liquefaction vessel to a transport vessel for storage and transport, wherein the method can include using a connecting device to attach and hold the transport vessel to the floating liquefaction vessel, and using a ram to move a telescoping walkway of the connecting device from a transport position to a deployed position. The method can include connecting the telescoping walkway to a variety of bow configurations of transport vessels by securing an inner walkway to the transport vessel. The inner walkway can extend and retract from an outer walkway to accommodate for motions. The method can include transferring the liquefied natural gas to the transport vessel. The method can include monitoring receipt, storage, and offloading of the liquefied natural gas and dynamically positioning the transport vessel in proximity to the floating liquefaction vessel.

Abstract: A floating liquefaction vessel and transport system for receiving, storing, and transporting a liquefied natural gas, wherein the system can include a transport vessel for monitoring, receiving, storing, and transporting the liquefied natural gas. A transport vessel controller can dynamically position the transport vessel in proximity to a floating liquefaction vessel using motion sensors, fan beams, and dynamic global positioning systems. The floating liquefaction vessel can include receive a dry gas, and cool the dry gas to form liquefied natural gas for transfer to the transport vessel across a connecting device. The connecting device can connect the transport vessel to the floating liquefaction vessel, and can include: an inner walkway telescopically contained within an outer walkway. The inner walkway can extend and retract from the outer walkway in response to motions.

Abstract: A method for receiving and processing dry gas into liquefied natural gas, offloading the liquefied natural gas, and transporting the liquefied natural gas to another location, wherein the method can include using a connecting device to: attach and hold a transport vessel to a floating liquefaction vessel. The connecting device can have an inner walkway configured to extend and retract from an outer walkway to accommodate for motions. The method can include receiving and cooling dry gas to form liquefied natural gas, and transferring the liquefied natural gas to the transport vessel. The method can include dynamically positioning the transport vessel in proximity to the floating liquefaction vessel using motions measured by motion sensors and the like. The method can include storing the liquefied natural gas on the floating transport vessel, releasing the transport vessel from the connecting device, and transporting the liquefied natural gas to another location.

Abstract: A floating liquefaction vessel and connecting device system for receiving a dry gas, forming a liquefied natural gas, and offloading the liquefied natural gas, wherein the system can include a floating liquefaction vessel for receiving the dry gas, cooling the dry gas to form liquefied natural gas, flowing the liquefied natural to a transport vessel, and receiving a hydrocarbon vapor from the transport vessel. A floating liquefaction vessel controller can monitor offloading of the liquefied natural gas. A connecting device can connect the transport vessel to the floating liquefaction vessel. The connecting device can include an inner walkway telescopically contained within an outer walkway and configured to extend and retract from the outer walkway in response to motions.

Abstract: A method for processing a dry gas into a liquefied natural gas and offloading the liquefied natural gas, wherein the method can include using a connecting device to: attach and hold the transport vessel to the floating liquefaction vessel, and enabling an inner walkway to extend and retract from an outer walkway of the connecting device to accommodate for motions. The method can include receiving and cooling dry gas to form liquefied natural gas for transfer to the transport vessel. The method can include transferring personnel and equipment within walkway on the connecting device. The method can include using a transport vessel controller to continuously monitor receipt, storage, and offloading of the liquefied natural gas. The method can include dynamically positioning the transport vessel in proximity to the floating liquefaction vessel using computer instructions and motions measured by sensors or the like.

Abstract: An oil production floating support having a mooring device for mooring anchor lines anchoring to the bottom of the sea and bottom-to-surface connection pipes. The device has two mooring buoys having the anchor lines and the bottom-to-surface connection pipes moored respectively thereto. The said two mooring buoys being connectable and disconnectable to a turret under which they are fastened, independently of each other.

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: A steel pipeline (22) extends in a shallow catenary curve between two floating structures (12, 14). The pipeline is connected to each floating structure in a joint (60, 60B) that has a center lying on or very close to the pitch and roll axes (54, 56, 54B, 56B) of the corresponding structure hull. A first structure has a recess (52) extending upward from the bottom of the first structure hull to at least the pitch and roll axes of the hull. The shallow catenary curve pipeline extends at an incline (C) of many degrees to the vertical into the recess, and the pipeline end (30) connects to a pipe connector (70) lying on the pitch and roll axes. The pipe connector preferably allows free relative pivoting of a plurality of degrees about horizontal axes between itself and the first pipe end.

Abstract: A portable towed vessel suitable for containing and transporting various liquids is disclosed. The vessel further comprises various features useful in navigation and storage of the device, both when in use for transporting fluids and when transported in an emptied state. Such features include navigational and positioning devices and methods, and means for emptying and deflating a towed vessel. Aspects of the present invention further include the ability to quickly fill and evacuate a towed vessel and features useful for purifying or preserving the purity of fluid to be transported.

Abstract: An economical system provides gaseous hydrocarbon to numerous locations (16, 18) that are each in the vicinity of an ocean coast, such as islands in a developing country, so the coastal inhabitants have access to low cost, easily supplied by pipeline and clean-burning natural gas. The system includes a local supply station (24), or hub, that stores natural gas, as by receiving LNG (liquefied natural gas) that has been liquefied by cooling it to ?160° C., from a large tanker (20) having a storage capacity of over 50 million standard cubic feet of natural gas. Shuttle boats (40) that each has a much smaller LNG storage capacity than the tanker, load LNG from the local supply station, carry it to one of a plurality of local coastal stations (12, 14), heat the LNG to produce gaseous hydrocarbons, and transfer the gaseous hydrocarbons to an offshore receiving facility of the local coastal station.

Abstract: A method and associated vessel for transferring liquids from offshore tankers to an onshore storage facility. The system utilizes a flexible pipe that is heavier than the water it displaces, such that the flexible pipe sinks to the sea floor even when empty. The high weight and relatively small profile of the flexible pipe avoids the need for anchoring the pipe to the sea floor. The flexible pipe has a bending radius of no greater than five feet, such that it can be wound onto spools onboard the vessel, and can be rapidly deployed, retrieved, and reused in another location. The vessel containing the spools of flexible pipe is dynamic positioning capable, and contains the equipment required to establish a position onshore to receive the liquid being transferred; means to deploy, retrieve, and repair the flexible pipe; and means to receive liquid from a tanker vessel and pump that liquid through the flexible pipe to the onshore storage facility.

Abstract: A method for receiving dry natural gas, cryogenically cooling the gas, then forming liquefied natural gas is disclosed herein. The method can include flowing the liquefied natural gas to a moveable floating transport vessel. The method can include using mooring arms that maintain a nominal distance between the station and the vessel while simultaneously forming an enclosed gangway and monitoring offloading and return of hydrocarbon vapor. The method can include providing quick connect/disconnect engagements to the transport vessel and storing the liquefied natural gas on the transport vessel at a cryogenic temperature. The method can include recycling hydrocarbon vapor formed during offloading to the floating station and maintaining a cryogenic temperature using a flow rate substantially the same as the floating station uses fuel. The method can include releasing the transport vessel from the floating station to transport the liquefied natural gas to another location.

Abstract: A method for receiving dry gas and forming liquefied natural gas on a floating vessel, and offloading the liquefied natural gas using telescoping mooring arms to a floating transport vessel is disclosed herein. The method can include mooring the floating vessel to a seabed with a mooring spread, using a soft yoke to moor the transport vessel to the floating vessel, receiving a dry gas, cooling the dry gas forming a liquefied nature gas, transferring the liquefied natural gas to the transport vessel, transferring personnel and equipment over a gangway, returning hydrocarbon vapor to the floating vessel, cooling the hydrocarbon vapor, and using the hydrocarbon vapor as a fuel for the floating vessel.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for transferring fluids such as, for example, liquefied natural gas between a source structure such as a floating storage vessel and a receiving structure such as a floating transport vessel utilizing a controllable deployment system to deploy a fluid conduit. The fluid conduit end is supported by a mooring device which is positioned by the controllable deployment system. A transfer vessel is also provided which utilizes the controllable deployment system to position and support a fluid conduit for connection with a manifold on a receiving vessel. The deployment system operates in active mode during positioning and in passive mode during fluid transfer. The fluid transfer system disclosed allows safe, controlled operation and fluid transfer in open sea conditions.

Abstract: A support for a subsea riser decouples the function of the riser into two separate functions: the load transfer function which supports the hung weight of a subsea riser configuration to a supporting floater (such as the buoy of a disconnectable fluid transfer system) and the fluid transfer function which provides a continuous flow path for the fluid coming to or from the riser.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a loading system for transferring at least one medium between a first installation and a floating vessel, comprising an anchoring device which can be fixed relative to a seabed, at least one elongated first transfer element, which is normally vertically oriented in an installed state, at least one flexible second transfer element arranged in the extension of the first transfer element by a swivel arrangement which is mounted between the first and second transfer element. The swivel arrangement is rotatable at least about a longitudinal axis of the first transfer element. A free end of the second transfer element, in an installed state when the system is not being used, is located freely suspended in the body of water. The invention also relates to a retrieval system and method.

Abstract: An undersea installation for transporting hydrocarbons between a seabed and a surface and to a method for installing same. The installation includes a tubular undersea pipeline, a float and a coupling device. The undersea pipeline has a rising part, a connecting part and an intermediate portion. The coupling device includes a first longitudinal part and a second part connected in a coupling region of the first part. The coupling region of the first longitudinal part and the float being configured to be connected together. The first part is configured to pivot about the coupling region while bending the intermediate portion when the rising part is unwound and tilts towards the seabed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a loading system for transferring at least one medium between a first installation and a floating vessel, comprising an anchoring device which can be fixed relative to a seabed, at least one elongated first transfer element, which is normally vertically oriented in an installed state, at least one flexible second transfer element arranged in the extension of the first transfer element by a swivel arrangement which is mounted between the first and second transfer element. The swivel arrangement is rotatable at least about a longitudinal axis of the first transfer element. A free end of the second transfer element, in an installed state when the system is not being used, is located freely suspended in the body of water. The invention also relates to a retrieval system and method.

Abstract: Tanker loading assembly includes a first on-board hose arrangement with first coupling portion and a second submerged buoyant hose arrangement provided with second coupling portion for cooperation with the first coupling portion for obtaining a fluid-tight connection between the first and second hose arrangements. The first coupling portion is positioned in an internal vertical passage of the tanker, wherein a lifting device is provided for engaging the second coupling portion and lifting it towards the position for engaging the first coupling portion.

Abstract: A mooring and flowline system is disclosed for mooring a floating production and/or storage vessel (10) to the seabed (12) and one or more flowlines (22, 24) for connection to one or more producing wells or to a facility. The system comprises at least two anchors in the sea bed (12) and a respective anchor riser (14) extending from each of the anchors to a common mooring node member (18). A mooring pendant (20) extends from the common mooring node member (18), where the mooring pendant (20) has an upper end for connection, in use, to the vessel (10). Each flowline (22, 24) comprises a lower flowline (22) and a flowline riser (24) extending from the lower flowline (22) to the vessel (10). Each flowline riser (24) has part of its length secured to the mooring pendant (20) by one or more guide frames (32) to control sideways and rotational movement.

Abstract: A system for offloading a fluid from an offshore structure comprises an annular conduit support structure disposed about the offshore structure. The support structure is fixably coupled to the offshore structure. In addition, the system comprises an annular reel disposed about the offshore structure and rotatably coupled to the support structure. The reel includes a conduit fairlead configured to move relative to the support structure. Further, the system comprises a flexible conduit having a fluid inlet end and a fluid outlet end. The flexible conduit includes a first portion wrapped around the conduit support structure and a second portion extending from the conduit support structure through the fairlead.

Abstract: System for mooring a large vessel for production of hydrocarbons, such vessel for example being a FPSO vessel, the mooring system including at least two floating bodies of the hang-off type, moored by means of differentiated compliance spread anchoring system to the sea bed, allowing partly weathervaning of the large vessel; a riser system extending from the sea bed to each the floating bodies, and means for transfer of fluids from the two floating bodies to the large vessel, the floating bodies and the large vessel being provided with locking means, locking floating bodies to the large vessel at the bow and the stern of the vessel in a mechanically rigid manner, thus providing a integrated, rigidly fixed unit comprising the large vessel and the floating bodies.

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: System of a hydrocarbon transfer buoy and a vessel, the buoy having a length of at least 50 m and a length-to-width ratio of at least 10:1, and including a submerged buoyancy member having a length of at least 30 m and being situated at a depth of at least 10 m below water level, another support frame protecting above water level being connected to the top of the buoyancy member and carrying a support deck and a mooring buoy connector for attaching to a mooring arm connector of the vessel, which mooring arm connector is situated on an arm projecting outboard from the vessel's hull, the buoy being anchored to the sea bed via anchor lines which extend at an angle to a vertical direction, at least one hydrocarbon riser being attached to the buoy. The buoyancy member being connected to the sea bed via at least one substantially vertical taut tendon.

Abstract: A support for a subsea riser decouples the function of the riser into two separate functions: the load transfer function which supports the hung weight of a subsea riser configuration to a supporting floater (such as the buoy of a disconnectable fluid transfer system) and the fluid transfer function which provides a continuous flow path for the fluid coming to or from the riser.

Abstract: A fluid transfer assembly for transferring a fluid between an onshore or offshore installation and a tanker, includes a floating device provided with positioning means for maintaining a predetermined position, a first fluid transfer line for releasably connecting said onshore or offshore installation to said floating device, and a second fluid transfer line for releasably connecting said floating device to the tanker. The floating device is provided with a connecting device for establishing a fluid connection between the first and second fluid transfer lines, which connecting device and floating device are separate parts that can be joined and separated by cooperating couplers provided on the connecting device and floating device, respectively, without compromising the original function of the floating device.

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: An offshore system allows a vessel (12) to sail to a predetermined sea location (14), quickly set up a loading system and start the transfer of hydrocarbons to or from a pipeline (22), and then quickly disconnect and sail away. The vessel is a DP (dynamic positioning) vessel that does not require mooring or anchor lines, so the only apparatus to install is a conduit (30) that can be picked up by the vessel to extend between a stationary pipe end (24) that lies at the sea floor and the vessel. The conduit includes primarily a flexible hose (70) that extends in a sine wave with two loops (80, 82). The conduit includes a rigid reinforced hose section (34) that is pivotally connected to the sea floor. A chain (114) can be provided with a portion of the chain lying on the sea floor, to help the disconnected hose coupling (42D) remain at a stable position above the sea floor.

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 system includes a vessel with a lower-side cavity, a turret extending from deck level to the cavity, and a coupling mechanism releasably attaching a mooring buoy to the cavity, at least one buoy-supported riser. The riser end has a coupling member, the riser being slidable via a buoy opening, a riser connector member being attached to a movable transport member upwardly displaceable by a drive element, for: when the buoy and vessel are coupled, attaching the riser connector member to the transport member transporting the transport member upward while sliding the riser through the buoy and attaching the coupling member to a vessel transfer duct, and for lowering the riser while sliding the riser through the buoy until the connector member is supported by the buoy, prior to coupling member release, and release of the riser connector member from the transport member, followed by buoy lowering.