Abstract:
Liquid fuels are routinely used to provide energy for many different uses. Transferring and distributing liquid fuels have many challenges including providing safe and reliable transfers and distributions. Liquid fuels, for example, Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) may be transferred from a vessel at a relatively low flow rate. This system allows for leaks to be captured and contained to an area of a water based transfer platform rather than allowing the spill to spread out on the surface of the water.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/061,615 filed on Oct. 8, 2014 which is incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Liquid based fuels are used as energy sources by various industries. Transferring and distributing these liquid based fuels can be dangerous. These liquid fuels are increasingly being used in locations that previously did not use the liquid fuels or used them in a smaller amount. Accordingly, there is a need for a system that allows for safe distribution and transfer of liquid fuels to increased locations in increased amounts. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0003]    The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items or features. 
           [0004]      FIG. 1  shows an illustrative water based system for transferring and distributing liquid fuels. 
           [0005]      FIG. 2  shows another illustrative water based system for transferring and distributing liquid fuels. 
           [0006]      FIG. 3  shows another illustrative water based system for transferring and distributing liquid fuels. 
           [0007]      FIG. 4  shows an illustrative water based system for transferring and distributing liquid fuels with multiple vessels. 
           [0008]      FIG. 5  shows another illustrative water based system for transferring and distributing liquid fuels with multiple vessels. 
           [0009]      FIG. 6  shows an illustrative water based system for transferring and distributing liquid fuels simulating a leak. 
           [0010]      FIG. 7  shows the illustrative water based system for transferring and distributing liquid fuels of  FIG. 6  simulating the leak at a later time. 
           [0011]      FIG. 8  shows an illustrative leak where an embodiment of a spill containment system was not used. 
           [0012]      FIGS. 9A-10  are flowcharts of illustrative processes for transferring liquid fuels and containing leaks. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 11-17  show additional illustrative water based systems for transferring and distributing liquid fuels with multiple vessels. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Illustrative Systems 
       [0014]      FIG. 1  shows an illustrative water based transfer system  100 . Various embodiments contemplate that the water based transfer system  100  may comprise a platform  102  with a spill containment system  104 . Various embodiments contemplate that the water based transfer system  100  may be comprise or be located on an offshore jack-up platform, for example a jack-up platform found in the oil and gas production industry. The spill containment system  104  may be configured to collect and in some embodiments hold and or neutralize a liquid spilled from a liquid transfer system  106 . Various embodiments contemplate that the spill containment system  104  may comprise collectors  108  and a holding area  110 . Various embodiments contemplate that the liquid transfer system  106  may comprise transfer couplings  112 . Various embodiments contemplate that liquid may be transferred through the transfer couplings  112  from a source (not pictured) to the liquid transfer system  106  in the direction indicated by arrow  114 . Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that the liquid may be transferred through transfer coupling  112  from a process management system. Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that the liquid may be transferred through transfer coupling  112  in the direction opposite to arrow  114 , in the direction of arrow  114 , or combinations thereof. 
         [0015]    Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that the water based transfer system  100  may comprise additional systems. For example, the water based transfer system  100  may include a process management system  116 . Various embodiments contemplate that the process management system  116  may comprise pumps, compressors and other equipment that may drive the movement of liquid or a gas, drive various process systems, including gasification systems, vaporization systems, cooling systems, refrigeration systems and/or condensation systems that may change the state of a liquid, or change the state of a gas, or may chemically separate molecules, among other systems. For example, various embodiments contemplate that liquid may be transferred from the water based transfer system  100  to an offsite location, through transfer ports  118  in the direction illustrated by arrow  120 . Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate transferring liquid through ports  118  in a direction opposite to arrow  120 , in the direction of arrow  120 , or combinations thereof. Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that flow through ports  118  may comprise a gas, a liquid, or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that water based transfer system  100  may comprise one or more liquid storage vessels (not pictured) located on the platform  102 , in the platform  102 , or combinations thereof. 
         [0016]    Various embodiments contemplate that transfer ports  118  may be permanent, semi-permanent, temporary, and/or combinations thereof. For example, various embodiments contemplate that transfer ports  118  may be connected to another location, for example, a distribution site for consumers, for example, at an onshore location. Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that transfer ports  118  may be connected to another water based transfer system similar to  100 , a storage system, various process systems including gasification systems, vaporization systems, cooling systems, refrigeration systems and/or condensation systems that may change the state of a liquid, or change the state of a gas, or may chemically separate molecules, or combinations thereof among others. Various embodiments contemplate that these connections may be permanent or semi-permanent. For example, various embodiments contemplate that a connection between the water based transfer system  100  and an onshore distribution system may be permanent in the respects that the connection would not be disassembled in the normal course of operation while the water based transfer system  100  is located in a first position. Various embodiments contemplate that the connection may be semi-permanent, for example, when the water based transfer system  100  is moved to a new location, the connection at transfer port  118  may be terminated while the water based transfer system  100  is moved. 
         [0017]    Additionally or alternatively, transfer port  118  may be located below the platform  102 . Additionally or alternatively, transfer port  118  may be connected to a transfer line that is below the surface of the water, above the surface of the water, at the surface of the water, or combinations thereof. 
         [0018]    Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that a flow through transfer port  118  may be continuous, intermittent, adjustable, or combinations thereof. For example, various embodiments contemplate that the flow through transfer port  118  may be substantially similar to a usage rate, a distribution rate, a storage rate, or combinations thereof. For example, various embodiments contemplate a demand for a liquid to be at a first rate, where the water based transfer system  100  may supply the liquid at a second rate where the first rate and second rate are within a threshold limit. For example, a demand for a liquid may be on average 200 cubic meters of liquid per hour where the liquid may be supplied at an average rate of 200 cubic meters of liquid plus or minus a threshold amount. This may be an example of supplying the liquid at a usage rate. In an example case where the liquid is liquid natural gas (LNG) the LNG may be gasified at approximately this rate and transferred to end users. Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that the liquid may be transferred at a distribution rate, where, for example, the liquid may be transferred off of the water based transfer system  100  to another transfer system that may be water based, land based, or combinations thereof and further distributed to users, storage, or transfer systems. The distribution rate may or may not be tied directly to a consumption rate. Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that the liquid may be transferred at a storage rate, where for example, the liquid may be transferred off of the water based transfer system  100  to a storage system that may be water based, land based, or combinations thereof. This rate may or may not be tied directly to a consumption rate or a distribution rate. 
         [0019]    Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that water based transfer system  100  may further comprise a distribution system  122 . Various embodiments contemplate that distribution system  122  may comprise transfer port  124 . Various embodiments contemplate that liquid may be transferred through the transfer port  124  from the liquid transfer system  106  to a storage system (not pictured) in the direction indicated by arrow  126 . Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that the liquid may be transferred through transfer port  124  in the direction opposite to arrow  126 , in the direction of arrow  126 , or combinations thereof. 
         [0020]    Various embodiments contemplate that platform  102  may comprise a structure that extends below the surface of the water. For example, various embodiments contemplate that platform  102  may comprise a floating platform, a fixed platform, where the platform has structure attaching it to the floor below the platform, a compliant tower that may allow lateral movement, a vertically moored tension leg and/or mini-tension leg platform, a spar configuration, a semi-submersible, a jack up system where a platform may be jacked up onto legs extending to the floor below the platform, or combinations thereof. 
         [0021]    Various embodiments contemplate that the spill containment system  104  may comprise collectors  108  and a holding area  110 . Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that the collectors  108  may comprise a channel in the platform. For example, the channel may be configured to collect and direct liquid to the holding area  110 . Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that the channel may comprise a trench. Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that the collector  108  may be covered by a permeable cover that may prevent workers and or equipment from inadvertently entering the collector  108 . Various embodiments contemplate that the permeable cover may comprise a grate. Various embodiments contemplate that the collector  108  may utilize various techniques to direct any collected liquid. For example, various embodiments contemplate providing a slope along a portion of the collector  108  to direct any collected liquid to the holding area  110 . Various embodiments contemplate that the slope may comprise an incline sufficient to move a captured liquid at a spill transfer rate. Various embodiments contemplate that the spill transfer rate may achieve a flow rate of the captured liquid to the holding area  110  faster than an evaporation rate of the spilled liquid. Various embodiments contemplate that the spill transfer rate may be at least twice as fast as the evaporation rate of the spilled liquid. Various embodiments contemplate that the spill transfer rate may be at least 10 times as fast as the evaporation rate of the spilled liquid. Various embodiments contemplate that the spill transfer rate may be at least 100 times as fast as the evaporation rate of the spilled liquid. Various embodiments contemplate that the spill transfer rate may be at least 1000 times as fast as the evaporation rate of the spilled liquid. 
         [0022]    Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that the holding area  110  may comprise a holding cavity disposed in the surface of the platform. For example, the holding cavity may provide a volumetric space where collected spilled liquid may be collected, stored, and/or disposed of. For example, the holding cavity may comprise a sump and or a pit where captured liquid may accumulate. Various embodiments contemplate that a holding area  110  may be configured to allow a captured liquid to evaporate, weather off, disperse in a controlled manner, be collected, be contained, or combinations thereof. Various embodiments contemplate that the holding area  110  may be configured to allow a captured liquid to evaporate, weather off, disperse in a controlled manner, be collected, be contained, or combinations thereof at a desired rate. For example, a given leak rate and duration of a leak, a volume of spilled liquid may be determined. The holding area  110  may be configured to allow a captured liquid to evaporate within a spill evaporation threshold. Depending on the type and nature of the captured liquid, various embodiments contemplate that the spill evaporation threshold is 12 hours. Depending on the type and nature of the captured liquid, various embodiments contemplate that the spill evaporation threshold is 24 hours. Depending on the type and nature of the captured liquid, various embodiments contemplate that the spill evaporation threshold is 36 hours. Depending on the type and nature of the captured liquid, various embodiments contemplate that the spill evaporation threshold is 48 hours. 
         [0023]    As a non-limiting example, if a captured liquid is LNG, then the holding area  110  may be configured to allow a collected spill to evaporate within a spill evaporation threshold. Various embodiments contemplate that the spill evaporation threshold is 1 minute. Various embodiments contemplate that the spill evaporation threshold is 5 minutes. Various embodiments contemplate that the spill evaporation threshold is 7 minutes hours. Various embodiments contemplate that the spill evaporation threshold is 10 minutes. Various embodiments contemplate that the spill evaporation threshold is 20 minutes. Various embodiments contemplate that the spill evaporation threshold is 30 minutes. Various embodiments contemplate that the spill evaporation threshold is 60 minutes. 
         [0024]    Additionally or alternatively, various factors may affect the configuration of the holding area. Various embodiments contemplate that a size of a gas cloud from a spill be minimized and the duration of the cloud of gases be minimized. However, these factors are often inversely related. For example, a balance may be struck between the size and distribution of a resulting cloud of gases caused by a spill and the duration of the cloud of gases. For example, for a given spill volume, if the size of the cloud of gases is to be reduced, then, the duration of the cloud of gases increases. Similarly, if the duration of the cloud of gases is to be reduced, then the size of the cloud increases. The size of the cloud may be influenced by multiple factors. For example, the surface area of the liquid in the holding area  110  may influence the size and duration of the cloud. For example, a shallow wide holding area  110  may provide for relatively quick evaporation, but a relatively large gas cloud. Additionally or alternatively, a deep narrow holding area  110  may provide for a relatively small and contained gas cloud that may last a relatively longer period of time. 
         [0025]    Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that the size and slope of the collectors  108  may also influence the size and duration of a gas cloud. For example, a narrow steeply sloped collector  108  may rapidly direct and move the spilled liquid towards the holding area  110  allowing the spill to collect and concentrate the spilled liquid. This may cause the cloud size to be relatively small, while the duration of the cloud may be relatively long. Additionally or alternatively, if the collectors  108  are relatively wide with a slight slope, then the spilled liquid might not be transferred to the holding area  110  as quickly. This may cause the duration of the cloud to be relatively short, but may cause the cloud to be relatively large. 
         [0026]    Additionally or alternatively, various additional factors may affect the size and duration of the gas cloud. For example, wind, temperature, and other atmospheric conditions may increase or decrease the relative size and duration of the gas cloud. For example, a relatively higher wind may aid in the dispersement and increased evaporation rate of the gas cloud. Additionally or alternatively, the location and positioning of structures and vessels on and around the platform  102  may affect the wind&#39;s ability to aid in the dispersement of the cloud of gases. 
         [0027]    Additionally or alternatively, the location of structures, vessels, and other aspects of the platform  120  and adjoining environments may influence the desired balance. For example, if vessels and structures are relatively close and relatively vulnerable to the gas cloud, for example, if the gas is corrosive and/or combusting, then reducing the relative size of the cloud may be more important than reducing the duration of the cloud. 
         [0028]    Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate integrating additional safety measures and systems, for example, sensors, shutoff valves, and emergency shutdown systems may be used to sense a leak and stop the flow of liquid in a relatively short period of time. Various embodiments contemplate that shut-off valves may comprise devices located in series with pipes that transfer liquid or gas that can be closed to stop the flow of liquid or gas in either an emergency or normal operating situation. Such values may be integrated into an emergency shutdown system that may automatically shut valves when certain sensors detect abnormal conditions. 
         [0029]    Additionally or alternatively, the collection of a spill, spill transfer rate, and spill evaporation threshold may be based at least in part on a transfer rate from one or more sources transferred through the liquid transfer system  106  for example, through one or more transfer couplings  112 . 
         [0030]    While modern liquid handling systems improve reliability and toughness, there remains a possibility of a leak. As such, in the unlikely event of a leak, various embodiments contemplate locating a portion of a collector  108 , for example, an edge of a trench near, adjacent to, directly under, or combinations thereof a likely location of a leak. For example, a location near a junction may have a higher likelihood of experiencing a leak than a location away from a junction might have. For example, areas  128  may be located near junctions of the liquid transfer system  106 . 
         [0031]    Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that the spill containment system  104  may comprise an elevated containment element, for example, a dike, a lip, a berm, a curb, or combinations thereof. Various embodiments contemplate that the elevated containment element may be configured to contain a spill to the platform  102 . For example, the elevated containment element may be located at regions near the edge of the platform  102 . Additionally or alternatively, the elevated containment feature may be located near areas  128  to further keep a spill adjacent to or directed to a portion of collector  108 . Various embodiments contemplate that areas  128  may comprise a berm or elevated area around a perimeter, a sloped surface providing a grade directing a spill towards a portion of collector  108 , or a combination thereof. 
         [0032]    Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that platform  102  may have a surface in which collectors  108  and holding area  110  are disposed. Various embodiments contemplate that a portion of the surface slopes towards a portion of a collector  108 . Various embodiments contemplate that the slope in the surface of the platform  102  may be localized to one or more areas  128 . Various embodiments contemplate that the slope in the surface may aid in directing a spilled liquid towards a collector  108 . 
         [0033]    Various embodiments contemplate that a portion of the spill containment system  104  may comprise various materials. For example, a portion of a collector  108  may comprise a material that does not react with the spilled liquid. Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that the material may provide beneficial handing characteristics. For example, the material may be able to handle a thermal load caused by the liquid coming into contact with the material. Additionally or alternatively, the material may be configured to limit the amount of thermal load transferred to or from the spilled liquid. In the non-limiting example where LNG is the liquid, a portion of the collector  108 , for example the walls of a trench, may comprise one or more of an insulated and/or aerated concrete, aluminum, aluminum alloys, stainless steel, various polymers, or combinations thereof. 
         [0034]    Various embodiments contemplate that the liquid transferred may comprise various liquids. For example, the liquids may include, but are not limited to, hazardous and/or non-hazardous materials. For example, a hazardous material may include acids, bases, and/or liquid fuels. For example, liquid fuels may include earth storable liquid fuels, cryogenic liquid fuels, or combinations thereof. Additionally or alternatively, cryogenic liquid fuels may include, but are not limited to, liquid natural gas, liquid oxygen, liquid hydrogen, or combinations thereof, among others. Earth storable liquid fuels may comprise oils and/or hydrocarbons, for example, methane, ethane, propane, butane, pentane, hexane, alkenes and isomeric cycloalkanes, gasoline, naphtha, jet fuel, or combinations thereof. Various embodiments contemplate that non-hazardous materials may comprise oils, and other liquid chemicals. 
         [0035]      FIG. 2  shows an illustrative water based transfer system  200 . Various embodiments contemplate that the water based transfer system  200  may comprise a platform  202  with a spill containment system  204 . The spill containment system  204  may be configured to collect and in some embodiments hold and or neutralize a liquid spilled from a liquid transfer system  206 . Various embodiments contemplate that the spill containment system  204  may comprise collectors  208  and a holding area  210 . Various embodiments contemplate that the liquid transfer system  206  may comprise transfer couplings  212 . Various embodiments contemplate that liquid may be transferred through the transfer couplings  212  from a source (not pictured) to the liquid transfer system  206 . Various embodiments contemplate that collectors  208  may have a portion  214  that may be a disposed adjacent to, underneath, or combinations thereof a portion of the liquid transfer system  306 . For example, portion  214  may be located below an area that may have a relatively higher likelihood of a leak than another portion of the liquid transfer system. For example, portion  214  may be located directly below one or more transfer couplings  212 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 2  also shows holding area  210 . Various embodiments contemplate that holding area  210  may be cylindrical, hemispherical, or combinations thereof. Various embodiments contemplate that holding area  210  may be other geometrical shapes or configurations. Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that holding area  210  is configured to accumulate and hold a liquid spilled on platform  202 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 3  shows an illustrative water based transfer system  300 . Various embodiments contemplate that the water based transfer system  300  may comprise a platform  302  with a spill containment system  304 . The spill containment system  304  may be configured to collect and in some embodiments hold and or neutralize a liquid spilled from a liquid transfer system  306 . Various embodiments contemplate that the spill containment system  304  may comprise collectors  308  and a holding area  310 . Various embodiments contemplate that collectors  308  may have a portion of collectors  308  substantially adjacent to a portion of the liquid transfer system  306 . For example,  FIG. 3  shows substantial portions of collectors  308  placed adjacent to portions of the liquid transfer system  306 . Additionally or alternatively,  FIG. 3  shows portions of collectors  308  directly under liquid transfer system  306  in limited locations, for example, when a collector  308  crosses under a portion of the liquid transfer system  306  at a non-collinear angle. Various embodiments contemplate that a collector  308  is limited to crossing under a portion of the liquid transfer system  306  at a substantially right angle. Various embodiments contemplate several possible benefits of this illustrative configuration. For example, support structure for the liquid transfer system  306  may be more easily mounted to the platform  302  if a collector  308 , for example, a trench is not directly below the support structure. Additionally or alternatively, if a spill is collected by collector  306 , and the spill is somehow ignited, any flames from the flammable liquid in the collector  306  may have a higher likelihood of not impinging directly on the liquid transfer system  306 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 4  shows an illustrative water based transfer system  400 . Various embodiments contemplate that the water based transfer system  400  may comprise a platform  402  with a spill containment system  404 . The spill containment system  404  may be configured to collect and in some embodiments hold and or neutralize a liquid spilled from a liquid transfer system  406 . Various embodiments contemplate that the spill containment system  404  may comprise one or more collectors  408  and one or more holding areas  410 . Various embodiments contemplate that the liquid transfer system  406  may comprise transfer couplings  412 . Various embodiments contemplate that liquid may be transferred through the transfer couplings  412  from a source, for example a vessel  414 , to the liquid transfer system  406 . 
         [0039]    Various embodiments contemplate that the vessel  414  may interface with the liquid transfer system  406  through transfer couplings  416 . Various embodiments contemplate that vessel  414  may include, but is not limited to, a ship, a barge, a storage tank, or combinations thereof. Various embodiments contemplate vessel  414  acting as a supply vessel as well as a storage container. For example, various embodiments contemplate that the vessel  414  may be filled with the liquid at a different location and transported to the water based transfer system  400 . After the vessel  414  reaches water based transfer system  400 , the vessel  414  may be connected to the liquid transfer system  406  and may supply liquid on an as needed basis. For example, liquid transfer system  406  may be connected as a supplying source to a system, for example, a natural gas pipeline. In this example, the natural gas pipeline system may have a demand associated with the pipeline. Various embodiments contemplate that the vessel  414  may supply a portion or all of natural gas to meet the demand as the demand occurs. In this example, the vessel  414  may act as a storage system if the rate of the demand is below the offload rate capabilities of the vessel  414  and/or liquid transfer system  406 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 4  also shows an example of a vessel  414  that may comprise multiple sections. For example, vessel  414  may have a storage section  418  and a propulsive section  420 . Various embodiments contemplate that the storage section  418  may be separated from the propulsive section  420 . For example, various embodiments contemplate that vessel  414  may comprise an articulated tug barge (ATB). Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that the storage section  418  remains connected to propulsive section  420  while vessel  414  provides a storage function. 
         [0041]    Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate a mooring system. For example, a mooring system may be anchored into the seabed and provide support to a ship or an ATB while the ship or ATB is interacting with the water based transfer platform. The mooring system may be anchored to the seabed and be independent from or connected to the platform. The mooring system may provide protection to the platform from external forces including for example, but not limited to, collisions from other ships or floating structures. 
         [0042]    Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that water based transfer system  400  may further comprise a distribution system  422 . Various embodiments contemplate that distribution system  422  may comprise transfer port  424 . Various embodiments contemplate that liquid may be transferred through the transfer port  424  from the liquid transfer system  406  to one or more storage systems  426 . Various embodiments contemplate that a storage system  426  comprises self-contained pressurized (or unpressurized) storage tanks, for example, a tank built to applicable ISO standards (ISO container), for example, a vessel that provides a boil-off capacity, for example a “C-tank.” Various embodiments contemplate that storage system  426  comprises an off platform storage system, for example, a bunkering system. 
         [0043]      FIG. 4  also shows a storage system  426  management system  428 . Various embodiments contemplate that management system  428  may facilitate the filling of one or more storage systems  426  through liquid transfer system  406  and  422 , for example, from vessel  414 . Various embodiments contemplate management system  428  may facilitate the storage of empty and filled storage systems  426 . Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate management system  428  facilitating the loading and unloading of full and/or empty storage systems  426  from a transport vessel  430 . Various embodiments contemplate that transport vessel  430  may be configured to deliver storage systems  426  to locations desiring the liquid. For example, when the liquid is LNG, various embodiments contemplate delivering LNG in ISO containers to locations desiring natural gas where it may be impractical to supply natural gas through a pipeline and/or or a natural gas pipeline is unavailable. 
         [0044]    Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate transferring liquid from one or more storage systems  426  to one or more additional storage systems  426 , one or more transfer ports, transfer couplings  412  to a vessel  414 , or combinations thereof. 
         [0045]    Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that management system  428  may comprise a storage system  426  movement system  432 , for example, a crane, one or more carts, trucks, slides, combinations thereof, among others. Various embodiments contemplate that movement system  432  may be configured to move in a direction substantially parallel to an axis of the transport vessel  430 , for example, along tracks  434 . Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that movement system  432  may be configured to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axis of the transport vessel  430 , for example, along gantry  436 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 5  shows an illustrative water based transfer system  500 . Various embodiments contemplate that the water based transfer system  500  may comprise a platform  502  with a spill containment system  504 . The spill containment system  504  may be configured to collect and in some embodiments hold and or neutralize a liquid spilled from a liquid transfer system  506 . Various embodiments contemplate that liquid may be transferred through the liquid transfer system  506  from a source, for example a vessel  514 . 
         [0047]    Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that water based transfer system  500  may further comprise a distribution system  522 . Various embodiments contemplate that distribution system  522  may transfer liquid from the liquid transfer system  506  to one or more storage systems  526 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 5  also shows a storage system  526  management system  528 . Various embodiments contemplate that management system  528  may facilitate the filling of one or more storage systems  526  through liquid transfer system  506 , for example, from vessel  514 . Various embodiments contemplate management system  528  may facilitate the storage of empty and filled storage systems  526 . Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate management system  528  facilitating the loading and unloading of full and/or empty storage systems  526  from a transport vessel  530 . Various embodiments contemplate that transport vessel  530  may be configured to deliver storage systems  526  to locations desiring the liquid. For example, when the liquid is LNG, various embodiments contemplate delivering LNG in ISO containers to locations desiring natural gas where it may be impractical to supply natural gas through a pipeline and/or or a natural gas pipeline is unavailable. 
         [0049]    Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that management system  528  may comprise a storage system  526  movement system  532 , for example, a crane, one or more carts, trucks, slides, combinations thereof, among others. Various embodiments contemplate that movement system  532  may be configured to move in a direction substantially parallel to an axis of the transport vessel  530 , for example, along tracks  534 . Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that movement system  532  may be configured to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axis of the transport vessel  530 , for example, along gantry  536 . 
       Example Spill Containment 
       [0050]      FIG. 6  shows an illustrative spill of a liquid from an illustrative water based transfer system  600 . Various embodiments contemplate that the water based transfer system  600  may comprise a platform  602  with a spill containment system  604 . The spill containment system  604  may be configured to collect and in some embodiments hold and or neutralize a liquid spilled from a liquid transfer system  606 . Various embodiments contemplate that liquid may be transferred through the liquid transfer system  606  from a source, for example a vessel  614 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 6  shows an illustrative spill  608  originating at a transfer point  610  between the liquid transfer system  606  and vessel  614 . Various embodiments contemplate that the liquid spill comprises a cryogenic liquid. Often, when a cryogenic liquid is released into atmospheric conditions, the cryogenic liquid may begin to evaporate into a gas and may form a gas cloud  612 .  FIG. 6  shows an illustrative example, where the liquid comprises LNG and gas cloud  612  comprises natural gas. 
         [0052]    The spill in  FIG. 6  is modeled as a spill at a flow rate similar to an expected average flow rate from the vessel  614  to the liquid transfer system  606  where the spill lasts for 10 minutes. The gas cloud  612  is illustrative of a natural gas cloud that would be formed by a spill of LNG, where the still liquid LNG is collected and contained by the spill containment system  604 . Various embodiments contemplate that the resulting gas cloud  612  may be contained to the immediate vicinity of the platform  602  if not the platform  602  itself. 
         [0053]      FIG. 7  shows the illustrative water based transfer system  600  at a later time where the liquid spill has been collected by collectors  708  and directed to holding area  710 . Various embodiments contemplate that the resulting gas cloud  700  is now contained within the platform  602  and does not extend beyond the perimeter of the platform  602 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 8  shows an illustrative liquid transfer system  800  with a spill  802  analogous to the spill discussed with respect to  FIGS. 6 and 7 . However,  FIG. 8  shows an example where the spill is not contained by a spill containment system and is allowed to disperse across the water as some water based liquid transfer systems allow. For example,  FIG. 8  shows the spill  802  resulting in a gas cloud  804  that spreads well beyond the immediate vicinity of the vessel spilling the liquid.  FIG. 8  also shows liquid transfer system  600  as discussed with respect to  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The size of the gas cloud  804  is many times larger than the gas cloud  612  for a spill of the same size. 
         [0055]    Various embodiments contemplate that if the liquid causes the gas cloud to be dangerous, for example, if the gas cloud is toxic, combustible, or combinations thereof, the area affected by a spill contained by a spill containment system may be orders of magnitude smaller than an affected area by a similar spill that is not contained. This may be especially important where the water based transfer system is close to land or other structures. For example, if the water based transfer system is located in a bay or harbor, the affected area of a spill that is not contained may reach the shore and may cause injury to people and/or property. 
         [0056]    Various embodiments contemplate that the transfer rate between a vessel and a water based transfer system may comprise a wide range of flow rates. For example, the flow rate may be tied to a consumption rate, for example, where the consumption rate is lower than the on-loading and off-loading capabilities of the vessel and/or the liquid transfer system. For example, various embodiments contemplate that a vessel may be loaded at a transfer rate of between 2,000 and 3,000 cubic meters per hour. Various embodiments contemplate that a vessel may be loaded at a transfer rate of between 10,000 and 12,000 cubic meters per hour. An example of loading a vessel at one or more of these transfer rates may take place, for example at the liquid production location. For example, if the liquid is LNG, the LNG may be loaded onto the vessel at an LNG production location. Additionally or alternatively, if the vessel is an ATB, then the transfer rate may be between 2,000 and 3,000 cubic meters per hour. Additionally or alternatively, if the vessel is a large LNG transport ship, the transfer rate may be between 10,000 and 12,000 cubic meters per hour. 
         [0057]    Various embodiments contemplate that a liquid transfer system may be fed by a vessel at a transfer rate of between 20 and 50 cubic meters per hour. Various embodiments contemplate that a liquid transfer system may be fed by a vessel at a transfer rate of between 50 and 500 cubic meters per hour. Various embodiments contemplate that a liquid transfer system may be fed by a vessel at a transfer rate of between 500 and 1,000 cubic meters per hour. Various embodiments contemplate that a liquid transfer system may be fed by a vessel at a transfer rate of between 1,000 to 2,000 cubic meters per hour. Various embodiments contemplate that a liquid transfer system may be fed by a vessel at a transfer rate of between 2,000 and 3,000 cubic meters per hour. Various embodiments contemplate that a liquid transfer system may be fed by a vessel at a transfer rate of between 20 and 3,000 cubic meters per hour. 
         [0058]    Various embodiments contemplate that a vessel may be loaded in approximately 12 hours. Various embodiments contemplate that a vessel may be off loaded by the liquid transfer system over the course of approximately 6 days. 
         [0059]    Additionally or alternatively, a spill containment system may be configured to handle a spill of a certain size. For example, a size of a spill may be determined based on a flow rate and a spill time. Various embodiments contemplate that a spill may last from zero to approximately 20 minutes. Various embodiments contemplate a spill lasting approximately 10 minutes. Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate a spill flow rate may comprise the offload rate from the vessel to the liquid transfer system. Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate integrating additional safety measures and systems, for example, sensors, shutoff valves, and emergency shutdown systems may be used to sense a leak and stop the flow of liquid in a relatively short period of time. However, in the event of a failure of such a system, a leak time and resulting amount may be increased to approximate times discussed above. 
         [0060]    Various embodiments contemplate that features of the spill containment system may be sized to accommodate an expected spill size. For example, the holding area may be sized to hold the spill until it is neutralized. As discussed above, various factors may influence the size and configuration of the spill containment system. For example, a given spill rate and duration may produce a given spill volume. The characteristics of the spill liquid, including for example, evaporation rate, viscosity, among others may influence the size and duration of a resulting gas cloud. Additionally or alternatively, wind may influence how quickly the gas cloud dissipates. 
         [0061]    For example, given a 300 cubic meters per hour spill rate of LNG, various embodiments contemplate that a sump may be approximately 18 ft by 18 ft by 14 ft deep. This may produce a gas cloud that may be substantially limited to the area of the platform and may have a duration of less than 10 minutes. Various embodiments contemplate that a sump may be approximately 10 ft by 10 ft by 45 ft deep. This may produce a gas cloud that may be substantially limited to an area within the platform and may have a duration of greater than 20 minutes. Various embodiments contemplate that this may allow the gas cloud to avoid structures or vessels adjacent to or on the platform. Various embodiments contemplate that a trench may be approximately 3 ft wide by 1 ft deep and may be sloped towards a sump. 
       Illustrative Processes 
       [0062]    For ease of understanding, the processes discussed in this disclosure are delineated as separate operations represented as independent blocks. However, these separately delineated operations should not be construed as necessarily order dependent in their performance. The order in which the processes are described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described process blocks may be combined in any order to implement the process, or an alternate process. Moreover, it is also possible that one or more of the provided operations may be modified or omitted. 
         [0063]    The processes are illustrated as a collection of blocks in logical flowcharts, which represent a sequence of operations. For discussion purposes, the processes are described with reference to the system shown in  FIGS. 1-8 and 11-13 . However, the processes may be performed using different architectures and systems. 
         [0064]      FIG. 9A  shows a method  900  where, a transport supply vessel may store and supply fuel to a water based transfer platform at  902 . For example, the transport supply vessel may connect to a liquid transfer system of the water based transfer platform. 
         [0065]    At  904 , the supply vessel may connect to the water based transfer platform where the water based transfer platform may have a spill containment system. 
         [0066]    At  906 , a liquid, for example a fuel, may be transferred from the supply vessel to the water based transfer platform at a first flow rate, where the first flow rate is below a flow rate threshold. For example, the flow rate threshold may be substantially lower than an on loading flow rate. 
         [0067]    At  908 , the liquid, for example, fuel, may be distributed to a transfer port or to a storage system at a second flow rate, where the second flow rate is within a second flow rate threshold of the first flow rate. For example, the second flow rate may be substantially similar to and/or match the first flow rate. Additionally or alternatively, the second flow rate may be substantially greater than the first flow rate. Additionally or alternatively, the second flow rate may be substantially less than the first flow rate. Various embodiments contemplate distributing fuel to consumers directly or through various storage systems and transfers. 
         [0068]      FIG. 9B  shows a method  910  where a receiving vessel is connected to a water based transfer platform where the water based transfer platform may have a spill containment system at  912 . 
         [0069]    At  914 , the water based transfer platform may receive fuel, in gaseous or liquid state, from a transfer port at a first flow rate. The first flow rate may be below a threshold flow rate. 
         [0070]    At  916 , fuel may be transferred from the water based transfer platform to a receiving vessel or a storage system at a second flow rate. The second flow rate may be within a second flow rate threshold of the first flow rate. 
         [0071]    At  918 , the receiving vessel may be disconnected from the water based transfer platform and transported to a location remote from the water based transfer platform. 
         [0072]      FIG. 10  shows a method  1000  where, at  1002  a spill is contained at the water based transfer platform. 
         [0073]    At  1004 , the spilled liquid is directed to a collector channel. For example, a slope of the surface of the platform may provide a direction for a liquid to collect in the collector channel. 
         [0074]    At  1006 , the spilled liquid is channeled by the collector channel to a holding area. For example, the collector channel may comprise a slope along a portion of the length of the collector channel that may provide a gravity driven method of moving collected spilled liquid to the holding area. 
         [0075]    At  1008 , the spilled liquid is held in the holding area. Various embodiments contemplate that the spilled liquid is held until the liquid has been neutralized. For example, the liquid may evaporate or disperse, the liquid may be treated to neutralize or reduce some or all undesired characteristics, the liquid may be captured, contained, and/or removed, or combinations thereof. 
       Illustrative Systems 
       [0076]      FIG. 11  shows an illustrative water based transfer system  1100 . Various embodiments contemplate that the water based transfer system  1100  may comprise a platform  1102  with a spill containment system  1104 . The spill containment system  1104  may be configured to collect and in some embodiments hold and or neutralize a liquid spilled from a liquid transfer system  1106 . Various embodiments contemplate that liquid may be transferred through the liquid transfer system  1106  from a source, for example a vessel  1114 . 
         [0077]    Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that water based transfer system  1100  may further comprise a distribution system  1122 . Various embodiments contemplate that distribution system  1122  may transfer liquid from the liquid transfer system  1106  to one or more storage systems  1126 . 
         [0078]      FIG. 11  also shows a storage system  1126  management system  1128 . Various embodiments contemplate that management system  1128  may facilitate the filling of one or more storage systems  1126  through liquid transfer system  1106 , for example, from vessel  1114 . Various embodiments contemplate management system  1128  may facilitate the storage of empty and filled storage systems  1126 . Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate management system  1128  facilitating the loading and unloading of full and/or empty storage systems  1126  from a transport vessel  1130 . Various embodiments contemplate that transport vessel  1130  may be configured to deliver storage systems  1126  to locations desiring the liquid. For example, when the liquid is LNG, various embodiments contemplate delivering LNG in ISO containers to locations desiring natural gas where it may be impractical to supply natural gas through a pipeline and/or or a natural gas pipeline is unavailable. 
         [0079]    Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that management system  1128  may comprise a storage system  1126  movement system  1132 , for example, a crane, one or more carts, trucks, slides, combinations thereof, among others. Various embodiments contemplate that movement system  1132  may be configured to move in a direction substantially parallel to an axis of the transport vessel  1130 , for example, along tracks  1134 . Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that movement system  1132  may be configured to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axis of the transport vessel  1130 , for example, along gantry  1136 . 
         [0080]      FIG. 12  shows an illustrative water based transfer system  1200 . Various embodiments contemplate that the water based transfer system  1200  may comprise a platform  1202  with a spill containment system  1204 . The spill containment system  1204  may be configured to collect and in some embodiments hold and or neutralize a liquid spilled from a liquid transfer system  1206 . Various embodiments contemplate that liquid may be transferred through the liquid transfer system  1206  from a source, for example a vessel  1214 . Additionally or alternatively, transport vessels  1230  may receive and deliver storage systems  1226 . 
         [0081]      FIG. 13  shows an illustrative water based transfer system  1300 . Various embodiments contemplate that the water based transfer system  1300  may comprise a platform  1302  with a spill containment system  1304 . The spill containment system  1304  may be configured to collect and in some embodiments hold and or neutralize a liquid spilled from a liquid transfer system  1306 . Various embodiments contemplate that liquid may be transferred through the liquid transfer system  1306  from a source, for example a vessel  1314 . Additionally or alternatively, transport vessels  1330  may receive and deliver storage systems  1326 . 
         [0082]      FIG. 14  shows an illustrative water based transfer system  1400 . Various embodiments contemplate that the water based transfer system  1400  may comprise a platform  1402  with one or more spill containment systems  1404 . The spill containment systems  1404  may be configured to collect and in some embodiments hold and or neutralize a liquid spilled from a liquid transfer system  1406 . Various embodiments contemplate that liquid may be transferred through the liquid transfer system  1406  from a source, for example a vessel  1414 . Additionally or alternatively, transport vessels  1430  may receive liquid transferred from a vessel  1414 . Additionally or alternatively, transport vessels  1430  may receive liquid transferred from one or more liquid storage vessels  1432 . Additionally or alternatively, transport vessels  1430  may receive liquid transferred from a combination of one or more liquid storage vessels  1432  and a vessel  1414 . 
         [0083]    Various embodiments contemplate that transport vessels  1430  provide a bunkering type service. For example, if the liquid is LNG, transport vessel  1430  may fill from one or both of the vessel  1414  or liquid storage vessels  1432 . 
         [0084]    Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that a flow rate of the liquid from the vessel  1414  to the liquid transfer system  1406  may be a first flow rate. Various embodiments contemplate that one or more liquid storage vessels  1430  may be filled by the flow from the vessel  1414  at the first flow rate. Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that the transport vessel  1430  may be filled from one or more of the liquid storage vessels  1430  at a second flow rate. Various embodiments contemplate that the second flow rate may be higher, equal to, or lower than the first flow rate. 
         [0085]    For example, if the liquid is LNG and transport vessels  1430  are providing a bunkering type service, it is possible that the transport vessel  1430  desires to be filled in a rapid manner. As such, the second flow rate may be larger than the first flow rate. This may allow a transport vessel  1430  to connect to the liquid transfer system  1406 , be filled by the liquid in a relatively rapid manner, and depart the platform  1402  in order to provide a timely bunkering service to another ship (not pictured). 
         [0086]    Additionally or alternatively, various embodiments contemplate that water based transfer system  1400  may comprise one or more liquid storage vessels  1432  located on the platform  1402 , in the platform  1402 , or combinations thereof. 
         [0087]      FIG. 15  shows an illustrative water based transfer system  1500 . Various embodiments contemplate that the water based transfer system  1500  may comprise a platform  1502  with a spill containment system  1504 . The spill containment system  1504  may be configured to collect and in some embodiments hold and or neutralize a liquid spilled from a liquid transfer system  1506 . Various embodiments contemplate that liquid may be transferred through the liquid transfer system  1506  from a source, for example a vessel  1214 . Additionally or alternatively, transport vessels  1230  may receive and deliver storage systems  1226 . Various embodiments contemplate that the water based transfer system  1500  may comprise a management system  1508 , may comprise a storage system  1226 , movement system  1510 , for example, a crane, one or more carts, trucks, slides, combinations thereof, among others. Various embodiments contemplate that the movement system  1510  may comprise a pedestal jib crane. Various embodiments contemplate that the pedestal jib crane may be located on one or more support structures  1512 . Various embodiments contemplate that support structure  1512  may comprise a leg of a jack-up platform. 
         [0088]      FIG. 16  shows an illustrative perspective view of a three dimensional rendering of a water based transfer system. 
         [0089]      FIG. 17  shows an illustrative top down view of an illustrative water based transfer system. 
       CONCLUSION 
       [0090]    Various aspects of the subject matter described above can be implemented in various systems and configurations. Although implementations have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. For example, the methodological acts need not be performed in the order or combinations described herein, and may be performed in any combination of one or more acts.