Patent ID: 7610934

Claim:
Hydrocarbon transfer system comprising a first structure ( 8 ) having a substantially vertical first arm ( 4 , 61 ) hingingly connected to the first structure ( 8 ) via a first articulation ( 22 , 22 ′) around a substantially horizontal axis ( 23 ) and a second arm ( 5 , 62 ) attached to the first arm in an articulation joint ( 16 , 16 ′, 64 ), the second arm ( 5 , 62 ) having a connecting arm part carrying a releasable connector ( 13 , 65 ) for connecting to a floating second structure ( 7 ) and a restoring arm part carrying a counterweight ( 6 , 6 ′) for exerting a restoring force on the second structure that is connected to the second arm upon relative movement of the first and second structures, characterized in that damping means are provided above water level, acting on the second arm ( 5 , 62 ) for damping movement of the second arm ( 5 , 62 ) around the articulation joint ( 16 , 16 ′, 64 ) upon transition of the second arm ( 5 , 62 ) from an operative position to an inoperative position after disconnecting the releasable connector ( 13 , 65 ) from the second structure ( 7 ), wherein the second, arm ( 5 , 62 ) in the operative position extends in a substantially horizontal direction, the second arm ( 5 , 62 ) in the inoperative position being rotated upward through an angle of at least 15 degrees in the articulation joint ( 16 , 16 ′, 64 ), relative to the operative arm position and wherein hydrocarbon transfer ducts ( 35 , 36 , 39 , 40 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 ) are provided in or on the first and second arms ( 4 , 5 , 61 , 62 ), wherein the damping means comprise a damping member situated in the articulation joint ( 16 , 16 ′, 64 ) increasing the moment required for upward rotation of the second arm in the articulation joint.