Patent ID: 6805598
Filing Date: 2004-10-19
Classification: B63B,B65D

Abstract:
A semi-submersible floating transfer station suitable for transferring liquid natural gas (LNG) to or from an oceangoing vessel, comprising at least one semi-submersible pontoon, said at least one pontoon includinga port section and a starboard section each having at least one outboard ballast tank below a decked, watertight compartment housing at least one LNG tank, LNG transfer means comprising a first pump and associated piping for transferring LNG to and from said vessel, said LNG tanks and shore-transfer piping, a depressed central section attached to and separating said port and starboard sections at their bottoms, said central section including at least two inboard ballast tanks, said port, starboard and central sections forming a U-shaped channel into which said vessel may be placed for loading or unloading, and a ballast-deballast system capable of adjusting the submergence in the water of said central section to conform to the draft of said vessel during loading or unloading and maintaining said pontoon in a horizontal attitude, and anchoring means for mooring said floating transfer station at a desired location.