Abstract: A buoy for mooring and supplying services to pleasure craft includes: a body; a lower ring having a chain joined thereto, said chain terminating in an upper ring of a mooring post that rests on the seabed; an upper retractable mooring ring; and a removable satellite element, by means of which the craft is provided with drinking water hoses and electrical ducts that are joined to a branch duct of a distribution network, which extends from a connection cabinet located on land to the buoy. The ascending branch is joined by means of clamps to the mooring chain of same. The above-mentioned hoses and ducts and a steel safety cable can be wound around/unwound from a rotary drum housed inside the buoy. The buoy can be used at marinas, coves or similar locations to increase the number of mooring places available.

Abstract: A device for transferring fluid between two floating supports anchored to the sea bottom, having a rigid central undersea pipe installed below the surface with its ends each being connected to respective ones of two supports via a flexible hose. The main portion of the rigid central pipe includes or co-operates with buoyancy elements such that the central pipe adopts, in a quasi-static rest state, a configuration of an arch, preferably following a curve such that the angles between the half-lines of the axes of the rigid pipe and the horizontal half-lines at each of its ends extending towards the other end present absolute values of less than 20° and the flexible hoses present lengths and curvatures such that variations in the curvatures of the flexible hoses are suitable for compensating the movements of the floating supports.

Abstract: Method of supplying oil from a first floating structure to an offloading structure, includes providing a flexible duct extending between the two structures at a water depth of between 50 m and 500 m, the duct including a flexible elastomeric material and having an internal diameter of at least 600 mm and a length of between 1500 and 3000 m, providing at least one pump at the first structure and pumping the oil through the duct at a pressure between 5 bar and at a flow rate between 1000 and 50,000 m3/hr, providing a single flexible duct, and providing a wall thickness of the duct such that at water temperatures between 2° C. and 20° C., the oil has at the first structure an inlet temperature Tin and at the second structure an outlet temperature T0 that Tin-T0 is smaller that or equal to 15° C., preferably smaller than 5° C.

Abstract: A cable connection device (7) for operatively connecting two sections of cable (3) (see FIG. 1) comprises: first and second parts (9, 10) for respective connection to the first and second cable sections, said first and second parts (9, 10) having mutually engageable components (15, 16) for releasably locking the two parts together; and a release mechanism (17, 19, 31) which when activated permits the first and second parts to separate, said mechanism comprising means (31) for forcibly separating the first and second parts.

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 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 system and a process are provided for transferring a cryogenic fluid such as liquefied natural gas between a floating transport vessel and a storage vessel. The fluid is transferred through at least one submerged/subsea/subsurface catenary flexible conduit, the conduits being configured to avoid damage from waves and abrasion or contact with the other conduits, the vessels, or other objects. A conduit transfer vessel is provided for storing the conduit in the water, delivering the conduit to each transport vessel, but standing off from the transport vessel during cryogenic fluid transfer, and then retrieving the conduit from the transport vessel, which greatly improves the safety of the cryogenic fluid transfer operations.

Abstract: A combined riser, offloading and mooring system is provided for the offloading of hydrocarbons from a floating production vessel (FPV), onto a tanker. The system preferably includes an offloading buoy tethered to the mudline by at least one mooring line. The offloading buoy and the mooring line can be part of an offloading buoy system for supporting a production riser and fluid jumper lines. Additionally, the offloading buoy system can support an offloading jumper line from the FPV to a fluid connector on the offloading buoy system through which hydrocarbon fluid is loaded via an offloading hose onto a tanker. The combined riser, offloading and mooring system also preferably includes at least one set of FPV mooring lines for securing the floating production vessel to the offloading buoy system. The system further preferably includes a hawser line for connecting the tanker to the offloading buoy system. In this manner, the number of mooring lines for the floating production vessel may be reduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for unloading natural gas (NG), including gasifying liquid and/or compressed NG using the latent heat of water and propane, and/or storing liquid or compressed NG gas in a storage cavern system that utilizes a buffer layer to prevent hydrating the NG gas, the storage cavern system being configured such that the NG may be forced out of a first storage chamber by increasing the amount of brine in a second chamber to displace a buffer fluid located therein such that the displace buffer fluid enters the first storage chamber and displaces the NG, as well as the processes for compressing, chilling and/or liquefying quantities of LNG and transporting those volumes to markets for redelivery.

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.

Abstract: A system is provided for transferring fluids such as liquefied natural gas between a floating transport vessel and a floating storage vessel utilizing a transfer vessel to deploy, operate and return a fluid conduit to the storage vessel. The fluid is transferred through at least one submerged-subsea catenary flexible conduit, at least one floating flexible conduit, or any combination thereof. A transfer vessel, including a releasable mooring system, is provided for deploying the conduit from the storage vessel to the transport vessel, mooring with a transport vessel, maintaining a unified connection during fluid transfer, releasing the mooring once fluid transfer is completed, returning to and parking on the storage vessel, and storing the conduit between fluid transfers. The transfer vessel and releasable mooring system allows safe, controlled operation and fluid transfer in open sea conditions.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for mooring a floating vessel in open sea, using a semi submersible floating dock. The apparatus is particularly suitable for tankers carrying liquid natural gas in cryogenic form which can be a dangerous substance to handle and hence offshore terminals are preferred. The apparatus comprises a semi-submersible floating dock (1) for receiving a vessel (10) and a single point mooring system (5), with a rigid arm (3) between the two. The dock (1) is pivotally connected to the arm (3). The single point mooring system (5) comprises a mooring buoy (17) secured to the seabed by a compliant anchoring system such as a number of catenary anchor legs (15). This allows vertical movement of the mooring buoy (17) but constrains the movement to a relatively small column of water.

Abstract: A method for loading LNG on a floating vessel through a conduit having the inlet, an outlet and an intermediate port located between the inlet and the outlet. The method includes the step of pumping a reduced flow of LNG into the inlet and the step of pumping a reduced flow of LNG into the intermediate port so that different sections of the conduit can be cooled simultaneously. When the conduit has cooled to a temperature suitable for transferring LNG, the method further includes pumping an increased flow of the LNG into the inlet of the conduit. The LNG can then be directed from the outlet to a storage tank onboard a floating vessel.

Abstract: A marine riser system for transferring fluid between a well on the seafloor and a vessel floating on the surface of the sea. The riser system has a turret buoy capable of connecting to a floating vessel; two or more hybrid risers, each of the hybrid risers having a vertical riser, a riser buoy attached to the upper portion of the vertical riser and a flexible jumper connecting the riser buoy to the turret buoy, and wherein the hybrid risers are secured to the seafloor. A flowline may connect a lower portion of each of the vertical risers to a subsea manifold, which interconnects the flowline and a subsea well. The subsea manifold is capable of controlling the flow to or from a subsea well. The hybrid risers are positioned about the turret buoy so that the turret buoy is horizontally balanced while disconnected from a vessel. In another embodiment, the marine riser system is capable of directing a fluid from the floating vessel to a subsea export flowline.

Abstract: A spar-type platform includes a hull defining a centerwell extending downward to a keel. The hull includes a reduced diameter neck portion for diverting ice flow. Adjustable ballast tanks allow the hull to be moved between a ballasted down position defining an upper water line, and a ballasted up position defined by a lower water line. A riser a support buoy is disposed in the keel. Risers extend through the centerwell, each having an upper portion extending upward from the support buoy and a lower portion supported in the support buoy. A disconnect system detachably connects the support buoy to the hull and the upper portion of each riser to the lower portion thereof, whereby the hull and the upper portion of each riser are selectively detachable from the buoy and the lower portion of each riser for movement to avoid a collision with a floating object.

Abstract: A turret mooring system for a vessel comprises a turret which is rotatably connected to the vessel and comprises a lower end, a buoy which is anchored to the sea floor and is releasably connectable to the lower end, and a bearing assembly which is positioned between the buoy and the vessel when the buoy is connected to the turret. In this manner, horizontal mooring loads acting on the buoy are transmitted through the bearing assembly to the vessel.

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: To ensure the possibility of offshore shipping of a liquid medium, primarily oil, from an onshore tank farm into sea-going tankers in the winter time in the ice conditions by ensuring both mooring to an offshore terminal and single-point mooring of a tanker at any time, without depending on the dominating wind and sea condition, in a direction most convenient for it with the possibility of its roundabout turning, with the subsequent servicing of it by transporting a liquid medium into such a tanker the following transformations have been made: a known ice breaker (1) is provided with: a diving station (5) installed on its deck (3), the diving station being provided with a diving trunk (6) made in the hull (2) of the ice-breaker (1), a device for the protection of a flexible hose (8) of an underwater pipeline against ice action, the device being made, according to the first embodiment, in the form of a cylinder (7) provided with guides (13) for moving in a guiding trunk (10) made in the stern side of the hu

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring fluid between first and second floating vessels is described, comprising a submerged rigid transfer arm defining a fluid conduit for receiving fluid from a first vessel, a first end of the arm attached to the first floating vessel so as to allow the arm to pivot about at least two axes, and loading apparatus located at the second end of the arm and attachable to the second floating vessel for transferring fluid from the fluid conduit to the floating vessel. The apparatus is provided with draught regulating means operable to increase and decrease the draught of at least a part of the apparatus, and a support structure, such as an outrigger arm with a fender system projecting from the rigid arm and adapted to brace the apparatus against the second floating vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring cryogenic fluid from a first vessel (5) to a second vessel in an offshore environment. The apparatus includes a semi-submersible floating dock with variable buoyancy structure (14, 15) operable to alter the draught of the dock, enabling it to be lowered in the water and raised again to engage the dock with the second vessel. A single point mooring system (3) is attached to the dock. At least one rigid cryogenic pipeline is attached between the first vessel and the dock via flexible connections. A structure (12) for transferring cryogenic fluid from the dock to the second vessel.

Abstract: The invention concerns a liquefied gas transfer installation, in particular for liquefied natural gas, adapted to transfer liquefied gas between two surface tanks and distally spaced apart. The installation comprises a transfer line. The transfer line is immersed in water. The invention is applicable to installations for loading ships with natural gas.

Abstract: The invention can be used for a off-shore discharge of a liquid load, mainly oil from a land storage plant to ocean-going tankers during winter time and initial ice formation when the thickness of a stable fast ice is equal to or less than 1.5 m. In the first variant, the inventive system for transferring a liquid load to a tanker comprises an ice breaker (6) moored to a mooring berth, a tanker (1) moored by the fore (8) thereof directly or at a distance to the icebreaker's stem (7), a service ship (9) disposed on the side of the stern of said tanker, a device for protecting the flexible hose (5) of a pipeline (3) against ice and a handling gear for transferring said flexible hose (5) from the icebreaker (6) to the tanker (1) which are arranged in the afterdeck of the icebreaker (6), a diving well (22) arranged in the hull of said icebreaker and provided with a diving station (21) and a service well (12) which is arranged in the afterdeck of the icebreaker (6).

Abstract: A hydrocarbon mooring and transfer system (2) includes a tower (3) resting on the seabed (4), a vessel (1) containing hydrocarbons, anchoring elements including at least four spaced-apart anchoring members (12, 13, 14, 15) connected via a respective anchor line (21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27) to the vessel (1), a hydrocarbon transfer duct (6) extending between a coupling position (7), located between the bow (20) and stern (24) of the vessel (1) and the tower (3). The system including at least six anchoring members (12, 13 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19), at least four of which are connected to the vessel (1), the vessel being attachable to at least two different groups (12, 13, 14, 15; 14, 16, 17, 18; 15, 16, 18, 19; 12, 13, 17, 19) consisting of four anchoring members in at least two orientations.

Abstract: The liquid cargo mooring and fluid transfer system of the present invention includes a first column affixed to the ocean floor. The first column supports one end of an extended length space frame. At the opposite end of the space frame is a buoyant support. The buoyant support includes a flat tank and a buoyant column. Fluid transfer equipment is attached to the column portion of the buoyant support on the second end of the space frame.

Abstract: Anchoring system to hold a vessel anchored during loading or unloading, which vessel can be connected to or from the anchoring system in a similar way under all operating conditions without adjustments in the anchoring system, which anchoring system is comprising one or more anchors, from each anchor an anchor line is arranged extending upwards through the sea to a subsea buoy with swivel, which buoy has connected thereto and suspended the anchor lines and at least one pipeline for loading or unloading up through the sea, from which subsea buoy at least one line is arranged to a surface buoy, and further, at least one anchoring line and at least one pipeline for loading or unloading, arranged to the vessel either directly from the subsea buoy or via the surface buoy to the vessel, distinguished in that in each anchor line slack is arranged, and on one or more anchor-lines one or more clump weights are arranged, and the buoyancy of the subsea buoy and the buoyancy of the surface buoy is adapted such that by da

Abstract: The invention relates to a mooring buoy (6), comprising a submerged part (13) and a part extending above water level (11). The part above water level comprising a fluid outlet duct (24) for attaching to a vessel (7), the buoy being anchored to the seabed via substantially taut anchor legs (27, 28). A substantially horizontally oriented fluid transfer duct (15) being attached to a connector (17) of the buoy in a non-rigid manner. The buoy comprises a substantially vertical fluid duct (21) between the connector (17) and the outlet duct (24) and a mooring connector (9) for attaching to a mooring line (8) of the vessel, wherein the length (L) of the buoy is between 20 m and 70 m and the ratio of the diameter (D) of the lower part (13) of the buoy and the length (L) being below 0.3, preferably below 0.2.

Abstract: A system for offloading LNG (liquified natural gas) from a tanker (26) in shallow waters, for regasing, or heating the offloaded LNG to produce gaseous hydrocarbons, or gas, for pressurizing the gas, and for flowing the gas to an onshore station (56), includes a structure that is fixed to the sea floor and projects above the sea surface and aids in mooring the tanker. In one system, the structure that is fixed to the sea floor is a largely cylindrical tower (12) with a mooring yoke (20) rotatably mounted on its upper end. A floating structure (14) such as a barge that weathervanes, has a bow end pivotally connected to a distal end of the yoke, so the barge is held close to the tower but can drift around the tower with changing winds, waves and currents. The tanker is moored to the barge so the barge and tanker form a combination that weathervanes as a combination.

Abstract: A system for transferring oil from an offshore tanker to a platform. The system comprises at least one flexible hose (4) which is adapted to direct transfer of oil from a supply means (7-10) on a deck (2) on the platform (1) to the tanker (58) in question, and a number of hose handling stations (3) which are distributed around the circumference of the platform deck (2). Each station (3) is provided with a coupling unit (15) which communicates with the supply means (7-10) and is arranged for connection or disconnection of an end (11) of the hose (4), and a handling means (18-22, 24, 25) for lowering or hoisting of the house end (11) to/from the surface (5) of the water around the platform (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrocarbon transfer system (1) in which a floating construction (2) such as a FPSO is connected to an offloading buoy (3) via a submerged offloading pipeline (10). The motions of the buoy are de-coupled form the pipeline (10) via connection of the pipeline by a support member (7) and connecting member (8) while the pipeline (10) is extendable in a length direction to compensate for drift phenomena.

Abstract: A disconnectable mooring system for connecting an LNG carrier vessel to a permanently moored LNG liquefaction process vessel in combination with an LNG offloading system. One end of a mooring yoke is suspended from a frame at the stern of the LNG process vessel. A male coupler is mounted to an opposite end of the mooring yoke via a universal joint. A female coupler is mounted on the LNG carrier vessel, with pull-in arrangements for pulling the LNG carrier vessel into position and the male coupler into selective coupling with the female coupler.

Abstract: A steel catenary riser (SCR) system includes a tensioning mechanism on a floating facility that controllably applies a substantially constant tension to an SCR that is fluidly coupled to the facility by a flexible jumper conduit. More specifically, the system includes a tensioning device located on the floating facility; and an SCR having an upper portion, which, in the preferred embodiment, extends above the surface of the body of water. The upper portion of the SCR is connected to the tensioning device by a connection element, such as a cable, chain, rope, or wire, whereby tension is controllably applied from the tensioning device to the SCR. A flexible jumper conduit is fluidly connected between the upper portion of the SCR and the floating facility for conducting fluid from the SCR to the floating facility.

Abstract: A system for transferring a load from ship-based production and storage units (10) to dynamically positioned tankers (3), comprising a loading hose (14) which, during a loading operation, extends between an end (11) of the ship-based unit (10) and a bow manifold (6) on the tanker (3), and which is stored on the ship-based unit (10) when not in use. The ship-based unit at said end is provided with two manifold and connecting means (12 resp. 13) located on either side of the fore-and aft axis (X—X) of the unit (10), and the ends of the loading hose (14) are arranged for connection to a respective one of the connecting means (12, 13), so that the hose, in connected condition, can hang like a catenary between the connecting means (12, 13) transversely to the ship-based unit (10), and an optional end of the hose (14) can be released from the connecting means in question, to be connected to the bow manifold (6) on the relevant tanker (3).

Abstract: A semi-submersible floating transfer station for unloading liquid natural gas (LNG) from, or charging LNG to an oceangoing vessel. The station comprises at least one and preferably two or more pontoons that include outboard sections comprising LNG tanks and a depressed center section, said sections forming a U-shaped channel into which an oceangoing vessel may enter for discharging or loading. The station includes pumping and piping means for transferring LNG and ballast-deballast system for accommodating the depth of the center section to the draft of the vessel as it is unloaded or charged. Pontoon can be uncoupled for individual transport to a drydock.

Abstract: The present invention relates to equipment installed in an intermediary region between a floating production unit at the ocean surface and a wellhead of an oil reservoir on the ocean floor. The equipment, known as a subsurface buoy, is designed to support rigid and flexible production tubes used for the transport of reservoir fluids from the oil well and/or fluids used in support systems for the oil reservoir. Four cylindrical bodies 1, 2, 3, and 4, connected at their extremities, form the body of the subsurface buoy. In each of the vertices of the subsurface buoy, components of a tying and dynamically stabilizing system 13 are rigidly connected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to equipment installed in an intermediary region between a floating production unit at the ocean surface and a wellhead of an oil reservoir on the ocean floor. The equipment, known as a subsurface buoy, is designed to support rigid and flexible production tubes used for the transport of reservoir fluids from the oil well and/or fluids used in support systems for the oil reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for prevention of clashing between multiple conduits spaced closely together and to methods of installation of multiple conduits at the same time. Various aspects of the invention are provided involving separating the at least two transfer conduits, and allowing relative motion between the at least two transfer conduits.

Abstract: A system for transferring a load from ship-based production and storage units (10) to dynamically positioned tankers (3), comprising a loading hose (14) which, during a loading operation, extends between an end (11) of the ship-based unit (10) and a bow manifold (6) on the tanker (3), and which is stored on the ship-based unit (10) when not in use. The ship-based unit at said end is provided with two manifold and connecting means (12 resp. 13) located on either side of the fore-and aft axis (X-X) of the unit (10), and the ends of the loading hose (14) are arranged for connection to a respective one of the connecting means (12, 13), so that the hose, in connected condition, can hang like a catenary between the connecting means (12, 13) transversely to the ship-based unit (10), and an optional end of the hose (14) can be released from the connecting means in question, to be connected to the bow manifold (6) on the relevant tanker (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrocarbon transfer system (1) in which a floating construction (2) such as a FPSO is connected to an offloading buoy (3) via a submerged offloading pipeline (10). The motions of the buoy are de-coupled form the pipeline (10) via connection of the pipeline by a support member (7) and connecting member (8) while the pipeline (10) is extendable in a length direction to compensate for drift phenomena.

Abstract: An arrangement for suspending a Single Point Mooring Turret from its corresponding vessel, by transmitting a circumferentially uniform axial vertical load without moment through the interface of motion between the vessel and turret, by decoupling mooring system loads, inertial loads and hull deflection induced loads, from transmission across that interface. The arrangement supports the turret through a pendular suspension system which includes bogies, having one or more wheels or rollers per bogie, which roll around the circumference of the moonpool on a rail to allow the bogies to rotate in a horizontal plane which is perpendicular to the center line of the moonpool, and to decouple the bearing loads from radial hull deflection due to ovaling caused by rough seas. Radial flexure is achieved by suspending the turret from the bogie through rocker arms and chains, cables, rods or columns between the bogies and a riser support structure of the turret.

Abstract: The invention relates to floating mooring construction (1) comprising a vessel (2) having a hull (35) with a cavity (9) for receiving a mooring buoy (8) carrying at least one flowline (13), and a pulling device (22, 24) connected to the mooring buoy for pulling the buoy towards the vessel. A flexible element (27) is comprised between a wall of the recess (9) and the buoy. The invention is characterised in that the vessel comprises a turret (5) around which the vessel can weathervane, the recess (9) being provided in the lower part of the turret (5), wherein the buoy (8) comprises near its lower end an annular groove (26) in which the flexible element (27) is seated, the outer surface of the flexible element including a sharp angle (&agr;) with a center line (21) of the buoy. The buoy is attachable to the turret by the pulling device (22, 24) pulling the buoy into the cavity (9) and compressing the flexible element (27) against the wall of the cavity (9).

Abstract: System for transferring fluids between a floating installation (10) and a tanker (30), wherein the floating installation is permanently moored (31, 32) to the seabed (1), and comprising a buoy (20) being moored (21A, 21B) to the seabed and connected to the installation through a first mooring line (12A) and a first fluid transfer line (12B). Buoy (20) is adapted to be connected to the tanker (30) through a second mooring line (32A) and a second fluid transfer line (32B), and the buoy (20) is immersed in the sea in its normal operative position and is provided with a swivel for the second mooring line (32A) and the second fluid transfer line (32B).

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for prevention of clashing between multiple conduits spaced closely together and to methods of installation of multiple conduits at the same time. Various aspects of the invention are provided involving separating the at least two transfer conduits, and allowing relative motion between the at least two transfer conduits.

Abstract: The present invention provides a holding apparatus for a floating hose which holds the floating hose which is provided with a floating unit when the floating hose is not used. The holding apparatus for a floating hose comprises a hose lifting device which lifts up the floating hose on the floating unit; a hose dividing device which divides the floating hose into a plurality of hose segments; a hose transfer device which transfers the hose segments; and a hose rack which holds the hose segments which were transferred by the hose transfer device. Furthermore, the apparatus further comprises a flange holding device which holds the end of the floating hose when the floating unit is not required to be entirely lifted on the floating unit, and a connector which connects the end of the floating hose to the receptacle of the floating unit.

Abstract: An arrangement and pull-in method for fluidly coupling a steel riser to a flowline of a turret on a FSO/FPSO. The riser is pulled into a connector by a pull-in line inside the flowline. A pull-in head is releasable secured inside the upper end of the riser. The pull-in head is released from the riser after the riser is locked into the connector. A flex joint is placed above the connector to provide alignment of the connector to the riser during installation.

Abstract: A loading device for marine transfer of fluids, via a flexible loading hose, from a petroleum production platform to an ordinary tanker vessel has a main hull which includes a submerged hull and a structure resting on the submerged hull an rising above the waterline. A loading hose is arranged in a crane boom and is connected upstream to the flexible hose and arranged for transferring fluid to the tanker vessel. The loading device further includes fixed contact surfaces having upwards directed surfaces on the submerged hull. The submerged hull is arranged for being ballasted and deballa ted for docking towards the bottom of the tanker vessel's hull, using direct contact friction. A power device is arranged for moving the loading device into and out of a catching position with the tanker vessel, and is arranged for controlling the position of the tanker vessel during the operation of fluid transfer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ensuring against explosion of the gaseous atmosphere of a closed chamber, such as the QDCD room of an internal turret of an offshore production and offloading buoy wherein the closed chamber has production risers and conduit connectors that represent a potential source of flammable gas. The method comprises mixing and diluting the oxidant content of the air by introducing within the closed chamber a sufficient quantity of inert gas to render the mixture of the air and any flammable gas non-combustible regardless of the flammable gas content of the mixture. The method includes removal of the non-combustible mixture of air and any flammable gas from the closed chamber by purging thereof to the natural atmosphere, while introducing inert gas, thereby leaving a substantially inert atmosphere within the closed chamber.

Abstract: An offshore hydrocarbon production system includes a spar (34, 52, 214) that floats at the sea surface, a subsea buoy (26, 154, 200, 210) lying under the spar and hanging from it, and one or more risers (20, 174, 220) that extend up to the subsea buoy and are coupled therethrough to the spar. The subsea buoy is initially negatively buoyant to ballast of the spar and keep it upright, but the subsea buoy can be made positively buoyant so the spar can be moved away and a workover vessel (70) moved over the subsea buoy. The subsea buoy can be coupled to the spar by one or more chains (60, 60A) extending between them, and one or more flexible hoses (60) extending between them.

Abstract: A vessel includes a swivel assembly wherein each swivel is individually connected to a support structure with the swivels not being interconnected in a weight-bearing manner, and piping extending within a central space of the swivel assembly having individual pipe segments which can be disconnected for removal of one swivel in the radial direction.

Abstract: A two-part vessel for use in oil transport in waters where ice may occur, comprising a first part constituting a barge part having a bow portion and a stern portion and containing a number of loading tanks, the bow portion having a submerged receiving space for a mooring and loading buoy, and a second part constituting a propulsion part having a forward portion and a stern portion which is adapted for breaking ice, the forward portion having a forward end which is adapted for connection to the stern portion of the barge part.