Patent ID: 8490566
Filing Date: 2013-07-23
Classification: B63B,B63H,F17C

Abstract:
1. A method for offloading a liquefied natural gas from a floating liquefaction vessel to a transport vessel for storage and transport to another location, the method comprising: a. using a connecting device connected to the floating liquefaction vessel to attach the transport vessel to the floating liquefaction vessel by: b. transferring the liquefied natural gas from the floating liquefaction vessel to the transport vessel using an offload flexible conduit on the floating liquefaction vessel in fluid communication with a walkway offload flexible conduit on the telescoping walkway; c. transferring personnel and equipment within an enclosed walkway formed in the telescoping walkway between the floating liquefaction vessel and the transport vessel; d. returning hydrocarbon vapor from the transport vessel to the floating liquefaction vessel using a walkway vapor return flexible conduit connected to the telescoping walkway and in communication with a vapor return flexible conduit on the floating liquefaction vessel, wherein the hydrocarbon vapor is formed during offloading of the liquefied natural gas from the floating liquefaction vessel to the transport vessel; e. using a transport vessel controller of the transport vessel to continuously monitor a member of the group consisting of: receipt of the liquefied natural gas, storage of the liquefied natural gas in the storage tanks, offloading of the liquefied natural gas from the storage tanks, and combination thereof; and f. dynamically positioning the transport vessel in proximity to the floating liquefaction vessel using computer instructions in the transport vessel controller and a member of the group consisting of: