Patent ID: 6637479
Filing Date: 2003-10-28
Classification: B63B,F16L

Abstract:
A system for offshore cryogenic loading, especially for transfer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) between two vessels (1, 2), comprising a coupling head (7; 70) mounted at one end of a flexible pipe means (4) of which the other end is connected to a carrying means (6) on a first vessel (1) and is arranged to be pulled over to the second vessel (2) by a wire means (22), and a connection unit (8) mounted on the second vessel (2) and comprising a means (50; 80) for guided pull-in of the coupling head (7; 70) to a position in which the pipe means (4) can be connected to transfer pipes (56) on the second vessel (2), characterised in that the connection unit (8) comprises a pull-in funnel (50; 80) arranged for receiving and guiding of the coupling head (7; 70) to a locking position in cooperation with a guide means (40, 41; 75, 71) on the coupling head (7; 70), the coupling head (7; 70) being connected to at least one pull-in wire (42) for pulling-in of the coupling head (7; 70) into the connection unit (8) by a winch means (66) on the second vessel (2), and the flexible pipe means (4) and the transfer pipes (56) on the second vessel (2) in a connecting position of the coupling head (7; 70) being interconnected via respective valve means (31; 72) arranged in the coupling head (7; 70) or in the connection unit (8).