Marine terminals and processes for using same

Abstract

Marine terminals and processes for using same. In some embodiments, the marine terminal can include a buoyant structure configured to be moored to a scabed via first and second mooring structures. The first mooring structure can include an elongated member, a mooring leg configured to be attached to the seabed and to the elongated member, and a coupler configured to provide an articulated connection about at least two axes of rotation between the elongated member and the buoyant structure. The second mooring structure can include a mooring linc anchor configured to be connected to the buoyant structure and the scabed or a second elongated member, a second mooring leg configured to be attached to the seabed and to the second elongated member, and a second coupler configured to provide an articulated connection about at least two axes of rotation between the second elongated member and the buoyant structure.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 63 / 431,482, filed on Dec. 9, 2022, which is incorporated by reference herein.FIELD

[0002] Embodiments described herein generally relate to marine terminals and processes for using same. More particularly, such embodiments relate to marine terminals for loading fluid cargo, for example oil, natural gas, or liquified natural gas, onto a transport vessel or discharging fluid cargo from the transport vessel.BACKGROUND

[0003] In the marine terminal industry, bottom fixed jetty systems are traditionally utilized for mooring transport vessels and loading fluid cargo onto the vessels or discharging fluid cargo from the vessels. Examples of such vessels include oil tankers or liquified natural gas (LNG) carriers. These jetty systems are typically located in a port or harbor or other protected location. In some instances, fixed jetties are constructed offshore, but such fixed jetties are limited by water depth and often have very limited operating thresholds given that such jetty is fixed to the seabed.

[0004] There is a need, therefore, for more versatile marine terminals and processes for using same.SUMMARY

[0005] Marine terminals and processes for using same are provided. In some embodiments, the marine terminal can include a buoyant structure configured to be moored to a seabed via a first mooring structure and a second mooring structure. The first mooring structure can include an elongated member having a first end and a second end, a mooring leg having a first end configured to be attached to the seabed and a second end configured to be attached to the elongated member, and a coupler configured to provide an articulated connection about at least two axes of rotation between the elongated member and the buoyant structure. The elongated member can be configured to be suspended from the buoyant structure when the elongated member is connected to the buoyant structure via the coupler. In some embodiments, the second mooring structure can include a mooring line anchor having a first end configured to be connected to the buoyant structure and a second end configured to be attached to the seabed. In other embodiments, the second mooring structure can include a second elongated member having a first end and a second end, a second mooring leg having a first end configured to be attached to the seabed and a second end configured to be attached to the second elongated member, and a second coupler configured to provide an articulated connection about at least two axes of rotation between the second elongated member and the buoyant structure. The second elongated member can be configured to be suspended from the buoyant structure when the second elongated member is connected to the buoyant structure via the second coupler.

[0006] In some embodiments, a process for mooring a vessel and transferring a fluid can include mooring a vessel to a marine terminal. The marine terminal can include a buoyant structure configured to be moored to a seabed via a first mooring structure and a second mooring structure. The first mooring structure can include an elongated member having a first end and a second end, a mooring leg having a first end configured to be attached to the seabed and a second end configured to be attached to the elongated member, and a coupler configured to provide an articulated connection about at least two axes of rotation between the elongated member and the buoyant structure. The elongated member can be configured to be suspended from the buoyant structure when the elongated member is connected to the buoyant structure via the coupler. In some embodiments, the second mooring structure can include a mooring line anchor having a first end configured to be connected to the buoyant structure and a second end configured to be attached to the seabed. In other embodiments, the second mooring structure can include a second elongated member having a first end and a second end, a second mooring leg having a first end configured to be attached to the seabed and a second end configured to be attached to the second elongated member, and a second coupler configured to provide an articulated connection about at least two axes of rotation between the second elongated member and the buoyant structure, wherein the second elongated member is configured to be suspended from the buoyant structure when the second elongated member is connected to the buoyant structure via the second coupler. The marine terminal can also include a flexible subsea conduit in fluid communication with a subsea pipeline; a surface conduit disposed on the buoyant structure and in fluid communication with the flexible subsea conduit; and a loading arm or a flexible loading conduit disposed on the buoyant structure and in fluid communication with the surface conduit. The process can also include connecting a storage tank disposed on the vessel to the loading arm or the flexible loading conduit. The process can also include transferring the fluid from the vessel to the subsea pipeline or to the vessel from the subsea pipeline via the flexible subsea conduit, the surface conduit, and the loading arm or the flexible loading conduit.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The various aspects and advantages of the preferred embodiment of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon an understanding of the following detailed description of the invention, read in light of the accompanying drawings which are made a part of this specification. The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Like reference numerals shown throughout the drawings represent similar parts throughout the embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0008] FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of an illustrative marine terminal including a buoyant structure, a first mooring structure, and a second mooring structure with a vessel moored thereto, according to one more embodiments described.

[0009] FIG. 2 depicts a close-up isometric view of the marine terminal shown in FIG. 1 that includes a loading arm.

[0010] FIG. 3 depicts a close-up isometric view of a marine terminal similar to the marine terminal shown in FIG. 1 that includes a flexible loading conduit, according to one or more embodiments described.

[0011] FIG. 4 depicts a detailed isometric view of the first mooring structure of the marine terminal shown in FIG. 1 that includes a first column, a mooring leg, and a coupler.

[0012] FIG. 5 depicts a detailed isometric view of an illustrative coupler that can be used to connect the first mooring structure and the second mooring structure to the buoyant structure, as shown in FIGS. 1-4.

[0013] FIG. 6 depicts an isometric view of a marine terminal with a first vessel and a second vessel moored thereto, according to one or more embodiments described.

[0014] FIG. 7 depicts an elevation view of the marine terminal shown in FIG. 6.

[0015] FIG. 8 depicts a detailed isometric view of another illustrative mooring structure that can be used to moor the marine terminal shown in FIG. 1 that includes a first coupler, a tension member, a second coupler, a base structure, a chain table and a mooring leg, according to one or more embodiments described.

[0016] FIG. 9 depicts an isometric view of an illustrative marine terminal including a buoyant structure, a mooring structure, and a mooring line anchor with a vessel moored thereto, according to one more embodiments described.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] A detailed description will now be provided. Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references to the “invention”, in some cases, refer to certain specific or preferred embodiments only. In other cases, references to the “invention” refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims. It is to be understood that the following disclosure describes several exemplary embodiments for implementing different features, structures, or functions of the invention. Exemplary embodiments of components, arrangements, and configurations are described below to simplify the present disclosure; however, these exemplary embodiments are provided merely as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and / or letters in the various exemplary embodiments and across the figures provided herein. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various exemplary embodiments and / or configurations discussed in the Figures. Moreover, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows includes embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact and also includes embodiments in which additional features are formed interposing the first and second features, such that the first and second features are not in direct contact. The exemplary embodiments presented below may be combined in any combination of ways, i.e., any element from one exemplary embodiment may be used in any other exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain features and certain views of the figures can be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic for clarity and / or conciseness.

[0018] Additionally, certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, various entities may refer to the same component by different names, and as such, the naming convention for the elements described herein is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, unless otherwise specifically defined herein. Also, the naming convention used herein is not intended to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function. Furthermore, in the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to.” Further, the term “or” is intended to encompass both exclusive and inclusive cases, i.e., “A or B” is intended to be synonymous with “at least one of A and B,” unless otherwise expressly specified herein. The indefinite articles “a” and “an” refer to both singular forms (i.e., “one”) and plural referents (i.e., one or more) unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms “up” and “down”; “upward” and “downward”; “upper” and “lower”; “upwardly” and “downwardly”; “above” and “below”; and other like terms used herein refer to relative positions to one another and are not intended to denote a particular spatial orientation since the apparatus and methods of using the same may be equally effective at various angles or orientations.

[0019] FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of an illustrative marine terminal 100 that includes a buoyant structure 110, a first mooring structure 120, and a second mooring structure 130 with a vessel V moored thereto, according to one more embodiments. FIG. 2 depicts a detailed isometric view of the marine terminal 100 shown in FIG. 1 that includes a loading arm 171. FIG. 3 depicts a detailed isometric view of a marine terminal similar to the marine terminal 100 shown in FIG. 1 that includes a flexible loading conduit 172. The buoyant structure 110 can be configured to float on a surface of a body of water 101. In some embodiments, the buoyant structure 110 can be configured as a rectangular barge or barge-type structure. In some embodiments, the buoyant structure 110 can be a steel structure or a concrete structure. In some embodiments the buoyant structure 110 can be configured such that one or more vessels V can be moored to the buoyant structure 110.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first mooring structure 120 can be or can include an elongated member 121, e.g., a rigid column as shown, and the second mooring structure 130 can be or can include an elongated member 131, e.g., a rigid column as shown. The first and second mooring structures 120, 130 can each be anchored, secured, connected, or otherwise attached to the seabed 102 via one or more mooring legs 124. In some embodiments, a first end 125 of each mooring leg 124 can be configured to be attached to the seabed 102 via an anchor 127. In some embodiments, the anchor 127 can be a drag embedment anchor, a driven pile, a gravity anchor, a suction pile, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments the second end 126 of each mooring leg 125 can be configured to be attached to the elongated member 121 or 131. In some embodiments, each mooring leg 124 can be or can include, but is not limited to, a chain, a wire rope, a synthetic rope, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the elongated member 121 can be a rigid tubular body, a rigid solid body, a truss-type structure, or any other suitable structure.

[0021] The first mooring structure 120 and the second mooring structure 130 can each be connected to the buoyant structure 110 via a coupler 140 (one is visible in FIGS. 1-3). In some embodiments, the couplers 140 can be configured to provide an articulated connection about at least two axes of rotation between the first mooring structure 120 and the second mooring structure 130. In other embodiments, the couplers 140 can be configured to provide an articulated connection about at least three axes of rotation between the first mooring structure 120 and the second mooring structure 130, as further described below with reference to FIG. 5. The first mooring structure 120 and the second mooring structure 130 can each be suspended from the buoyant structure 110 when the first and second mooring structures 120, 130 are connected via the couplers 140 to the buoyant structure 110. In some embodiments, the first mooring structure 120 and the second mooring structure 130 can be connected to one another via one or more link lines 150. For example, a first end 151 of the link line(s) 150 can be connected to the first mooring structure 120 and a second end 152 of the link line(s) 150 can be connected to the second mooring structure 130.

[0022] In some embodiments, the buoyant structure 110 can be configured to receive a plurality of mooring lines 112 that can be used to moor the vessel V to the buoyant structure 110. In some embodiments, the buoyant structure 110 can be configured with a first truss 113. In some embodiments, the buoyant structure 110 can be configured with a first truss 113 and a second truss 114, as shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the first truss 113 and the second truss 114 can each be configured as rigid frames or structures that can each be attached to the buoyant structure 110. In some embodiments, the first truss 113 can be attached to a first end 115 of the buoyant structure 110 and the second truss 114 can be attached to a second end 116 of the buoyant structure 110, where the first and second ends 115, 116 can be opposed to one another. In some embodiments the first truss 113 and the second truss 114 can each be configured to receive at least a portion of the plurality of mooring lines 112 to moor the vessel V to the buoyant structure 110. In some embodiments, the first truss 113 and the second truss 114 can each be a metallic frame or structure, for example a steel or aluminum truss structure.

[0023] In some embodiments, the marine terminal 100 can also include a subsea pipeline end manifold (PLEM) 160 disposed on the seabed 102. In some embodiments, the subsea pipeline end manifold 160 can include a subsea conduit 161 (best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) that can be configured to be in fluid communication with at least one subsea pipeline 105. In some embodiments, the subsea pipeline end manifold 160 can include at least one subsea valve 163 (best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). It should be understood that the subsea pipeline end manifold 160 can also be referred to as a subsea pipeline end termination (PLET).

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the marine terminal 100 can include a surface conduit 170 and a loading arm 171 disposed on the buoyant structure 110 that can be in fluid communication with one another. In some embodiments, the loading arm 171 can be configured to be connected to or otherwise placed in fluid communication with a storage tank 180 disposed on the vessel V. In some embodiments, the loading arm 171 can be configured to connect to the storage tank 180 disposed on the vessel V so that when the loading arm 171 is connected to the storage tank 180 disposed on the vessel V, the surface conduit 170 and the loading arm 171 can be in fluid communication with the storage tank 180 disposed on the vessel V. The loading arm 171 can be or can include one or more rigid conduits. In some embodiments, the loading arm 171 can be or can include two or more rigid conduit sections connected together via a fluid swivel, a fluid hinge, or other coupler configured to allow fluid to flow through the two or more rigid conduit sections and to allow the loading arm 171 to be moved and positioned for transferring a fluid to and / or from the vessel V. It should be understood that the surface conduit 170, or at least a portion thereof, can be disposed on an upper surface or deck of the buoyant structure 110 and / or on a side of the buoyant structure 110 and / or within the buoyant structure 110 and / or anywhere else on the buoyant structure 110.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the marine terminal 100 can include the surface conduit 170 disposed on the buoyant structure 110 and a flexible loading conduit 172 disposed on the buoyant structure 110 that can be in fluid communication with one another. In some embodiments, the flexible loading conduit 172 can be configured to be connected to or otherwise placed in fluid communication with the storage tank 180 disposed on the vessel V. In some embodiments, the flexible loading conduit 172 can be configured to connect to the storage tank 180 disposed on the vessel V so that when the flexible conduit 172 is connected to the storage tank disposed on the vessel V, the surface conduit 170 and the flexible loading conduit 172 can be in fluid communication with the storage tank 180 disposed on the vessel V.

[0026] In some embodiments, the marine terminal 110 can include one or more flexible subsea conduits 162 that can be configured to maintain fluid communication between the surface conduit 170 and the subsea pipeline 105. In some embodiments, the subsea flexible conduit 162 can be configured to maintain fluid communication between the surface conduit 170 and the subsea conduit 161 disposed on the subsea pipeline end manifold 160 that can be in fluid communication with the subsea pipeline 105.

[0027] In some embodiments, the flexible subsea conduit 162, the surface conduit 170, and the loading arm 171 or the flexible loading conduit 172 can be configured to convey a fluid from the vessel V to the subsea pipeline 105 and / or to convey a fluid from the subsea pipeline 105 to the vessel V when the vessel V is moored to the buoyant structure 110. In other embodiments, the subsea conduit 161, the flexible subsea conduit 162, the surface conduit 170, and the loading arm 171 or the flexible loading conduit 172 can be configured to convey the fluid from the vessel V to the subsea pipeline 105 and / or to convey a fluid from the subsea pipeline 105 to the vessel V when the vessel V is moored to the marine terminal 100.

[0028] In some embodiments, a process for transferring the fluid can include mooring the vessel V to the marine terminal 100. In some embodiments, the process can include connecting the storage tank 180 disposed on the vessel V to the loading arm 171 or the flexible loading conduit 172 and transferring the fluid from the vessel V to the subsea pipeline 105 or to the vessel V from the subsea pipeline 105 via the flexible subsea conduit 162, the surface conduit 170, and the loading arm 171 or the flexible loading conduit 172.

[0029] In some embodiments, the fluid can be a vapor or gas, a liquid, or a mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the fluid can be or can include, but is not limited to, ammonia, liquified natural gas, natural gas, carbon dioxide, crude oil, a refined hydrocarbon product such as diesel, gasoline or aviation fuel, water, or any other fluid desired to be transferred to and / or from the storage tank 180 disposed on the vessel V. It should be understood that the storage tank 180 disposed on the vessel can be any of a number of different storage apparatus. In some embodiments, the storage tank 180 can include an open or closed volume within a hull of the vessel V, one or more elongated tubular member such as pipes configured to contain a pressurized gas, or any other storage apparatus configured to store or otherwise contain the particular fluid contained therein.

[0030] In some embodiments, the buoyant structure 110 can include one or more fenders 111 connected to one or more sides thereof. The one or more fenders 111 can be configured to absorb kinetic energy or impact forces between the vessel V and the buoyant structure 110. In some embodiments, the fender(s) 111 can be or can include a shock absorber to cushion, absorb, dampen, or otherwise reduce relative motions, kinetic energy, and / or impact forces between the vessel V and the buoyant structure 110.

[0031] FIG. 4 depicts a detailed isometric view of a mooring structure 120 of the marine terminal 100 shown in FIGS. 1-3. As noted above, in some embodiments, the marine terminal 100 can include the first mooring structure 120 and the second mooring structure 130. In some embodiments, the second mooring structure 130 can be the same or substantially the same as the first mooring structure 120. In some embodiments, the first and second mooring structures 120, 130 can be mirror images of one another.

[0032] As noted above, the first mooring structure 120 and the second mooring structure 130 can each include the elongated member 121 and the second end 126 of the one or more mooring legs 124 can be connected to the elongated member 121. In some embodiments, the first mooring structure 120 and the second mooring structure 130 can each include a plurality of mooring legs 124, e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more. In some embodiments, the mooring legs124 can be or can include, but are not limited to, a chain, a synthetic rope, a wire rope, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the second end 126 of the mooring leg 124 can be configured to be attached to a first end 122 or toward the first end 122 of the elongated member 121, which can be opposed to a second end 123 of the elongated member 121. In some embodiments, the second end 126 of the mooring leg 124 can be configured to be attached to the elongated member 121 at a location that can be closer to the first end 122 than the second end 123.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first mooring structure 120 and / or the second mooring structure 130 can each include a base structure 128. In some embodiments, the base structure 128 can be connected to the first end 122 of the elongated member 121. In some embodiments, the second end 126 of the mooring leg 124 can be configured to be attached to the base structure 128. In some embodiments the base structure 128 can include an internal volume configured to contain a ballast material. In some embodiments, the ballast material can be a material that has a specific gravity that is greater than a specific gravity of the water in the body of water the marine terminal 100 can be located in. In some embodiments, the ballast material can be or can include, but is not limited to, iron ore, sand, gravel, concrete, cement, magnetite, or other similar material, or a combination thereof.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first mooring structure 120 and / or the second mooring structure 130 can each include a chain table 129. In some embodiments, the chain table 129 can be connected to the first end 122 of the elongated member 121 or, when present, the base structure 128, as shown. In such embodiment, the second end 126 of the mooring leg 124 can be configured to be attached to the chain table 129. In some embodiments, the chain table 129 can include an internal volume configured to contain a ballast material. In some embodiments, the ballast material can be a material that has a specific gravity that is greater than a specific gravity of the water in the body of water the marine terminal 100 can be located in. In some embodiments, the ballast material can be or can include, but is not limited to, iron ore, sand, gravel, concrete, cement, magnetite, or other similar material, or a combination thereof.

[0035] As noted above, in some embodiments, the first mooring structure 120 and the second mooring structure 130 can be connected to one another via one or more link lines 150 via the first end 151 and the second end 152 thereof, as best shown in FIGS. 1-3. In some embodiments, the first end 151 of the link line 150 can be connected to the elongated member 121 of the mooring structure 120, e.g., at or toward the first end 122, and the second end 152 of the link line 150 can be connected to the elongated member 121 of the second mooring structure 130, e.g., at or toward the first end 122. In other embodiments, the first end 151 of the link line 150 can be connected to the base structure 128 (when present) of the first mooring structure 120 and the second end 152 of the link line 150 can be connected to the base structure 128 (when present) of the second mooring structure 130. In still other embodiments, the first end 151 of the link line 150 can be connected to the chain table 129 (when present) of the first mooring structure 120 and the second end 152 of the link line 150 can be connected to the chain table 129 (when present) of the second mooring structure 130. In some embodiments, the link line 150 can be or can include, but is not limited to, a chain, a synthetic rope, a wire rope, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the link line 150 can be configured to prevent the first mooring structure 120 and the second mooring structure 130 from moving away from one another beyond a maximum pre-determined distance. In some embodiments, the marine terminal 100 can include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more link lines 150.

[0036] In some embodiments, the buoyant structure 110 can be configured such that, when the buoyant structure 110 is in a neutral position, the first end 122 of the elongated member 121, the base structure 128 (when present), or the chain table 129 (when present) of the mooring structure 120 and, the first end 122 of the elongated member 121, the base structure 128 (when present), or the chain table 129 (when present) of the mooring structure 130 can be suspended above the seabed 102 at a predetermined distance. In some embodiments, when the marine terminal 100 is subjected to environmental loading conditions, such as wind, waves, current, and / or other forces, the buoyant structure 110 can be displaced or moved away from the neutral position. In some embodiments, as the buoyant structure 110 moves away from the neutral position, the first mooring structure 120 and / or the second mooring structure 130 can move away from the seabed 102 and / or the mooring leg 124 can be raised away from the seabed 102 and / or the mooring leg 124 can be elastically stretched such that a restoring force can be created that urges the buoyant structure 110 back toward the neutral position. As the buoyant structure 110 moves back toward the neutral position, the first mooring structure 120 and / or the second mooring structure 130 and / or the mooring leg 124 can return toward a position and / or configuration that can be consistent with when the buoyant structure 110 is located in the neutral position.

[0037] FIG. 5 depicts a detailed isometric view of the coupler 140 that can be used to connect the first mooring structure 120 and the second mooring structure 130 to the buoyant structure 110, as shown in FIGS. 1-4. As noted above, in some embodiments, the first mooring structure 120 and the second mooring structure 130 can each be suspended from the buoyant structure 110 via the coupler 140. In some embodiments, the coupler 140 can be configured to provide an articulated connection about at least two axes of rotation between the second end 123 of the elongated member 121 and the buoyant structure 110. In other embodiments, the coupler 140 can be configured to provide an articulated connection about at least three axes of rotation between the second end 123 of the elongated member 121 and the buoyant structure 110.

[0038] In some embodiments, the coupler 140 can be configured to permit the elongated member 121 to pivot, or partially rotate, relative to the buoyant structure 110 about two axes 143, 144 that can be substantially orthogonal to one another. In other embodiments, the coupler 140 can be configured to permit the elongated member 121 to pivot, or partially rotate, relative to the buoyant structure 110 about the two axes 143, 144 that can be substantially orthogonal to one another and to permit the elongated member 121 to at least partially rotate about a longitudinal axis 142 of the elongated member 121 with respect to the coupler 140 when the second end of the elongated member 123 is connected to the buoyant structure 110 via the coupler 140. For example, the coupler 140 can include an axial bearing 141 that can be configured to allow the elongated member 121 to rotate relative to the buoyant structure 110 about the longitudinal axis 142 of the elongated member 121. As such, in some embodiments, the coupler 140 can be configured to provide an articulated connection about two axes of rotation (143, 144) or about three axes of rotation (142, 143, 144,) between the second end 123 of the elongated member 121 and the buoyant structure 110.

[0039] In some embodiments, the coupler 140 can include the dual axis joint as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2023 / 0151846, which is incorporated by reference herein. In other embodiments, the coupler 140 can include the ball and socket joint as described in U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 63 / 358,738, filed on Jul. 6, 2022, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 347,419, filed on Jul. 5, 2023, which are both incorporated by reference herein.

[0040] FIG. 6 depicts an isometric view and FIG. 7 depicts an elevation view of a floating marine terminal 600 that includes a first vessel V1 and a second vessel V2 moored thereto, according to one or more embodiments. In some embodiments, the first vessel VI can be a first LNG carrier and the second vessel V2 can be a second LNG carrier. In some embodiments, the first vessel V1 can be a LNG shuttle tanker that is temporarily moored or periodically moored to the floating marine terminal 600 and the second vessel V2 can be configured to be moored to the floating marine terminal 600 for long periods of time, for example one year at a time, two years at a time or even longer. In some embodiments, the second vessel V2 can be configured as an LNG storage tank. In some embodiments, the second vessel V2 can be configured to receive LNG directly from the first vessel V1.

[0041] In some embodiments, the floating marine terminal 600 can be the same as or substantially similar to the floating marine terminal 100 and can include the buoyant structure 110, the first mooring structure 120, and the second mooring structure 130 described above. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, the floating marine terminal 600 can be configured with a regasification system 610 that can be disposed on the buoyant structure 110. In some embodiments, the regasification system 610 can be configured to receive liquified natural gas from the second vessel V2 and to vaporize the liquified natural gas. It should be understood, in some embodiments, the buoyant structure 110 can be configured to moor a single vessel thereto. In such embodiment, the buoyant structure 110 can include the optional fenders 111 on only one side thereof. Similarly, in such embodiment, the buoyant structure 110 can include one or more of the loading arms 171 and / or the flexible loading conduits 172 on or toward the side of the buoyant structure 110 that the single vessel can be configured to be moored.

[0042] FIG. 8 depicts a detailed isometric view of another illustrative mooring structure 820, 830 that can be utilized in place of the first mooring structure 120 and / or the second mooring structure 130, respectively, of the marine terminal 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-3. In some embodiments, the first mooring structure 820 and the second mooring structure 830 can be the same or substantially the same with respect to one another. In some embodiments, the first and second mooring structures 820, 830 can be mirror images of one another. In other embodiments, the first and second mooring structures 820, 830 can be different with respect to one another.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first mooring structure 820 and the second mooring structure 830 can each include a first coupler 840, one or more elongated members (two are shown 821, 831), a second coupler 842, a mooring leg 124, and an optional base structure 828 and / or an optional chain table 829. In some embodiments, the first and second mooring structures 820, 830 can include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more elongated members. In some embodiments, the elongated members 821, 831 can have a first end 822, 832 and a second end 823, 833, respectively. In some embodiments, the second ends 823, 833 of the elongated members 821, 831 can be configured to be connected to the floating structure 110 via the first coupler 840. In some embodiments the first ends 822, 832 of the elongated members 821, 831 can be configured to be connected to the chain table 829 via the second coupler 842. In some embodiments when the mooring structure 820 includes the base structure 828, the base structure 828 can be configured to be connected to the first ends 822, 832 of the elongated members 821, 831 via the second coupler 842 and the chain table 829 can be configured to be connected to the base structure 828.

[0044] In some embodiments, the elongated members 821, 831 can be configured as a chain, a synthetic rope, a wire rope, or a structural member such as a bar or pipe, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the first and second elongated members 821, 831 can be different from one another. For example, in some embodiments, the first elongated member 821 can be a chain and the second elongated member 831 can be a wire rope. In another example, in some embodiments, the first elongated member 821 can be a chain, a synthetic rope, a wire rope, or a combination thereof and the second elongated member 831 can be a rigid column as described above with reference to FIGS. 1-4.

[0045] In some embodiments, the elongated members 821, 831 can be configured to resist a tension force but not provide any substantial bending rigidity or resistance to compressive forces. In some embodiments, the first coupler 840 and the second coupler 842 can be substantially similar to the coupler 140 described as above in FIGS. 1-5 when configured to provide an articulated connection about two axes of rotation or about three axes of rotation. It should be understood that in some embodiments the first mooring structure 820 and / or the second mooring structure 830 can include a single elongated member 821 or 831. In such embodiment, the first and second couplers 840, 842 can be configured to connect the single elongated member 821 or 831 toward or at a central region thereof or offset from the central region thereof.

[0046] In some embodiments, the second end 823 of the first elongated member 821 and the second end 833 of the second elongated member 831 can be connected to the first coupler 840 via a first link plate 841 of the first coupler 840. In some embodiments, the first end 822 of the first elongated member 821 and the first end 832 of the second elongated member 831 can be connected to the second coupler 842 via a second link plate 843 of the second coupler 842. In some embodiments, the chain table 829 can be connected to the second coupler 842. In embodiments that include the base structure 828 and / or the chain table 829, the first elongated member 821 and the second elongated member 831 can be connected to the base structure 828 or the chain table 829 via the second link plate 843 of the second coupler 842. In some embodiments, the first and second link plates 841, 843 can be configured to connect the first elongated member 821 and the second elongated member 831 together such that a tension load in the first elongated member 821 and a tension load the second elongated member 831 can be substantially equal. In some embodiments, the first elongated member 821 and the second elongated member 831 can be configured to resist a tension force but not provide any substantial bending rigidity or resistance to compressive forces.

[0047] In some embodiments the base structure 828 can include an internal volume configured to contain a ballast material. In some embodiments, the ballast material can be a material that has a specific gravity that is greater than a specific gravity of the water in the body of water the marine terminal 100 can be located in. In some embodiments, the ballast material can be or can include, but is not limited to, iron ore, sand, gravel, concrete, cement, magnetite, or other similar material, or a combination thereof.

[0048] In some embodiments, the chain table 829 can include an internal volume configured to contain a ballast material. In some embodiments, the ballast material can be a material that has a specific gravity that is greater than a specific gravity of the water in the body of water the marine terminal 100 can be located in. In some embodiments, the ballast material can be or can include, but is not limited to, iron ore, sand, gravel, concrete, cement, magnetite, or other similar material, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the mooring leg(s) 124 and, if present, the link line(s) 150 can be configured in a similar or the same manner as in the marine terminal 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-3.

[0049] FIG. 9 depicts an isometric view of an illustrative marine terminal 900 that can include a buoyant structure 910. In some embodiments, the buoyant structure 910 can be moored to a seabed 102 via a first mooring structure 920 configured to be connected to the buoyant structure 910 at or toward a first end 911 thereof, and a second mooring structure 930 configured to be connected at or toward a second end 912 thereof. In some embodiments, the buoyant structure 910 can be substantially similar to the buoyant structure 110 described above with reference to FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the mooring structure 920 can be substantially similar to the first mooring structure 120 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-4 or the first mooring structure 820 described above with reference to FIG. 8. In some embodiments, the second mooring structure 930 can be or can include, but is not limited to, one or more mooring line anchors. In some embodiments, the second mooring structure 930 can be or can include, but is not limited to, one or more chains, wire ropes, synthetic ropes, or any combination thereof.

[0050] In some embodiments, the mooring structure 920 can include an elongated member, e.g., a column or one or more chains, wire ropes, synthetic ropes, or any combination thereof, 921 having a first end 922 and a second end 923, a mooring leg 924 having a first end 925 configured to be attached to the seabed 902, e.g., via an anchor 927, and a second end 926 configured to be attached to the elongated member 921, e.g., the first end 922 of the elongated member 921, and a coupler 940 configured to provide an articulated connection about at least two axes of rotation between the second end of the elongated member 921 and the buoyant structure 910. In some embodiments, the anchor 927 can be a drag embedment anchor, a driven pile, a gravity anchor, a suction pile, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the coupler 940 can be configured to provide an articulated connection about at least three axes of rotation between the second end of the elongated member 921 and the buoyant structure 910. In some embodiments, the mooring structure 920 can optionally include a base structure 928 and / or a chain table 929. The base structure 928 and / or the chain table 929, if present, can be substantially similar to or the same as the base structure 128 and the chain table 129 described above with reference to FIG. 4.

[0051] In some embodiments the elongated member 921 can be configured to be suspended from the buoyant structure 910, e.g., from a truss extending therefrom, when the second end 923 of the elongated member 921 is connected to the buoyant structure 910 via the coupler 940. In some embodiments, the mooring structure 920 can be substantially similar to the mooring structure 820 described in FIG. 8 and can include the first coupler 840 that can connect the second end 923 of the elongated member 921 to the base structure 910 and the second coupler 842 that can connect the first end 922 of the elongated member 920 to the mooring leg 924, the base structure 928 (when present), or the chain table 929 (when present).

[0052] In some embodiments, the mooring line anchor 930 can have a first end 931 configured to be connected to the buoyant structure 910 toward a second end 912 thereof and a second end 932 that can be configured to be attached to the seabed 902, e.g., via an anchor 127, which can be a drag embedment anchor, a driven pile, a gravity anchor, a suction pile, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the marine terminal 900 can include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or mooring line anchors 930. In some embodiments, the one or more mooring line anchors 930 can be or can include, but is not limited to, a chain, a synthetic rope, a wire rope, or a combination thereof. It should be understood that the mooring structure 920 can be connected to the truss extending from the base structure 910 or to the base structure 910 as shown, for example, in FIG. 2. It should also be understood that the mooring line anchor 930 can be connected to the truss extending from the base structure 910 or the base structure 910.

[0053] In some embodiments, the one or more mooring line anchors 930 can be configured to prevent the buoyant structure 910 from translating and / or rotating from a neutral position. In some embodiments, the one or more mooring line anchors 930 can be utilized to facilitate maintaining a desired orientation of the buoyant structure 110. In some embodiments, the one or more mooring line anchors 930 can be attached to the seabed 902 via a drag embedment anchor, a driven pile 932 as shown, a gravity anchor, or a suction pile.

[0054] In some embodiments, the buoyant structures 110 and 910, when secured or moored to the seabed 102, 902, can be configured to be substantially geostationary with respect to a rotation about a vertical axis through a center of the buoyant structures 110, 910. As used herein, the term “substantially geostationary” means the buoyant structures 100 and 910 can be configured to rotate less than + / −20 degrees, less than + / −16 degrees, less than + / −12 degrees, less than + / −8 degrees, less than or + / −4 degrees about the vertical axis relative to a surface of the earth. It should be appreciated that a distance between the seabed 102, 902 and the base structures 110, 910 when secured to the seabed 102, 902, can increase and decrease due to wave action as the support structures 110, 910 move upward and downward with the surface of the body of water 101. It should also be appreciated that the vertical axis, at times, can also be non-vertical with respect to a surface of the earth as the support structures 110, 910 pitch and roll due to wave action.

[0055] In some embodiments, a process for transferring a fluid, can include mooring a vessel to a marine terminal, connecting a storage tank disposed on the vessel to a loading arm or a flexible loading conduit, and transferring the fluid from the vessel to a subsea pipeline or to the vessel from the subsea pipeline via a flexible subsea conduit, a surface conduit, and the loading arm or the flexible loading conduit.

[0056] The present disclosure further relates to any one or more of the following numbered embodiments:

[0057] A1. A marine terminal, comprising: a buoyant structure configured to be moored to a seabed via a mooring structure configured to be connected toward a first end of the buoyant structure and a mooring line anchor having a first end configured to be connected toward a second end of the buoyant structure and a second end configured to be attached to the seabed, wherein the mooring structure comprises: an elongated member having a first end and a second end; a mooring leg having a first end configured to be attached to the seabed and a second end configured to be attached to the elongated member; and a coupler configured to provide an articulated connection about at least two axes of rotation between the elongated member and the buoyant structure, wherein the elongated member is configured to be suspended from the buoyant structure when the elongated member is connected to the buoyant structure via the coupler.

[0058] A2. The marine terminal of A1, wherein the elongated member comprises a rigid column.

[0059] A3. The marine terminal of A1, wherein the elongated member comprises a chain, a wire rope, a synthetic rope, or a combination thereof.

[0060] A4. The marine terminal of any one of A1 to A3, further comprising: a flexible subsea conduit; a surface conduit disposed on the buoyant structure; and a loading arm or a flexible loading conduit disposed on the buoyant structure, wherein: the flexible subsea conduit, the surface conduit, and the loading arm or the flexible loading conduit are configured to convey a fluid from a subsea pipeline to a vessel when the vessel is moored to the buoyant structure, or the flexible subsea conduit, the surface conduit, and the loading arm or the flexible loading conduit are configured to convey a fluid from a vessel to a subsea pipeline when the vessel is moored to the buoyant structure.

[0061] A5. The marine terminal of A4, wherein the fluid comprises liquified natural gas, natural gas, carbon dioxide, ammonia, crude oil, diesel fuel, gasoline, or aviation fuel.

[0062] A6. The marine terminal of any one of A1 to A5, wherein the coupler is configured to permit the elongated member to pivot relative to the buoyant structure about two axes that are substantially orthogonal to one another.

[0063] A7. The marine terminal of any one of A1 to A5, wherein the coupler is configured to permit the elongated member to pivot relative to the buoyant structure about two axes that are substantially orthogonal to one another and to permit the elongated member to at least partially rotate about a longitudinal axis of the elongated member with respect to the coupler.

[0064] A8. The marine terminal of any one of A1 to A7, wherein the mooring structure further comprise a base structure connected to the first end of the elongated member, and wherein the second end of the mooring leg is configured to be attached to the elongated member via the base structure.

[0065] A9. The marine terminal of any one of A1 to A7, wherein the mooring structure further comprise a chain table connected to the first end of the elongated member, and wherein the second end of the mooring leg is configured to be attached to the elongated member via the chain table.

[0066] A10. The marine terminal of any one of A1 to A7, wherein the mooring structure further comprise a base structure connected to the first end of the elongated member and a chain table connected to the base structure, and wherein the second end of the mooring leg is configured to be attached to the elongated member via the chain table.

[0067] A11. The marine terminal of A8 or A10, wherein the base structure of the first mooring structure and the base structure of the second mooring structure each comprise an internal volume configured to contain a ballast material.

[0068] A12. The marine terminal of A9 or A10, wherein, when the buoyant structure is floating in a neutral position in a body of water, the chain table is configured to be suspended above the seabed at a predetermined distance.

[0069] A13. The marine terminal of any one of A1 to A12, wherein the buoyant structure comprises one or more fenders connected to a side thereof, and wherein the one or more fenders are configured to absorb kinetic energy or impact forces between a vessel and the buoyant structure.

[0070] A14. The marine terminal of any one of A1 to A13, wherein the buoyant structure comprises a first truss extending from a first end of the buoyant structure and a second truss extending from a second end of the buoyant structure, and wherein the first and second ends of the buoyant structure are opposed to one another.

[0071] A15. The marine terminal of A14, wherein the first truss and the second truss are each configured to receive a mooring line to moor a vessel to the buoyant structure.

[0072] B1. A marine terminal, comprising: a buoyant structure configured to be moored to a seabed via a first mooring structure and a second mooring structure, wherein the first and second mooring structures each comprise: a first elongated member having a first end and a second end; a second elongated member having a first end and a second end; a first coupler configured to provide an articulated connection about at least two axes of rotation between a first link plate of the first coupler and the buoyant structure, wherein the first link plate is configured to attach the second end of the first elongated member and the second end of the second elongated member to the first coupler; a second coupler configured to provide an articulated connection about at least two axes of rotation between a second link plate of the second coupler and a chain table, wherein the second link plate is configured to attach the first end of the first elongated member and the first end of the second elongated member to the second coupler; a mooring leg having a first end configured to be attached to the seabed and a second end configured to be attached to the chain table, wherein the first and second elongated members and the chain table of the first and second mooring structures are configured to be suspended from the buoyant structure when the second ends of the elongated members are connected to the buoyant structure via the first couplers.

[0073] B2. The marine terminal of B1, wherein the first and second elongated members independently comprise a chain, a wire rope, a synthetic rope, or a combination thereof.

[0074] B3. The marine terminal of B1 or B2, further comprising: a flexible subsea conduit; a surface conduit disposed on the buoyant structure; and a loading arm or a flexible loading conduit disposed on the buoyant structure, wherein: the flexible subsea conduit, the surface conduit, and the loading arm or the flexible loading conduit are configured to convey a fluid from a subsea pipeline to a vessel when the vessel is moored to the buoyant structure, or the flexible subsea conduit, the surface conduit, and the loading arm or the flexible loading conduit are configured to convey a fluid from a vessel to a subsea pipeline when the vessel is moored to the buoyant structure.

[0075] B4. The marine terminal of B3, wherein the fluid comprises liquified natural gas, natural gas, carbon dioxide, ammonia, crude oil, diesel fuel, gasoline, or aviation fuel.

[0076] B5. The marine terminal of any one of B1 to B4, wherein the first coupler is configured to permit the first and second elongated members to pivot relative to the buoyant structure about two axes that are substantially orthogonal to one another.

[0077] B6. The marine terminal of any one of B1 to B5, wherein the second coupler is configured to permit the first and second elongated members to pivot relative to the chain table about two axes that are substantially orthogonal to one another.

[0078] B7. The marine terminal of any one of B1 to B4, wherein the first coupler is configured to permit the first and second elongated members to pivot relative to the buoyant structure about two axes that are substantially orthogonal to one another and to permit the first and second elongated member to at least partially rotate about a longitudinal axis of the first and second elongated members with respect to the first coupler.

[0079] B8. The marine terminal of any one of B1 to B4 or B7, wherein the second coupler is configured to permit the first and second elongated members to pivot relative to the chain table about two axes that are substantially orthogonal to one another and to permit the first and second elongated member to at least partially rotate about a longitudinal axis of the first and second elongated members with respect to the second coupler.

[0080] B9. The marine terminal of any one of B1 to B8, wherein the first mooring structure is configured to be suspended from the buoyant structure toward a first end thereof and the second mooring structure is configured to be suspended from the buoyant structure toward a second end thereof.

[0081] B10. The marine terminal of any one of B1 to B9, further comprising a link line configured to connect to the first mooring structure and to the second mooring structure such that the first mooring structure and the second mooring structure are prevented from moving away from one another beyond a maximum pre-determined distance.

[0082] B11. The marine terminal of any one of B1 to B10, wherein the buoyant structure comprises one or more fenders connected to a side thereof, and wherein the one or more fenders are configured to absorb kinetic energy or impact forces between a vessel and the buoyant structure.

[0083] B12. The marine terminal of any one of claims B1 to B11, wherein the buoyant structure comprises a first truss extending from a first end of the buoyant structure and a second truss extending from a second end of the buoyant structure, and wherein the first and second ends of the buoyant structure are opposed to one another.

[0084] B13. The marine terminal of B12, wherein the first truss and the second truss are each configured to receive a mooring line to moor a vessel to the buoyant structure.

[0085] C1. A marine terminal, comprising: a buoyant structure configured to be moored to a seabed via a first mooring structure and a second mooring structure, wherein the first and second mooring structures each comprise: an elongated member having a first end and a second end; a mooring leg having a first end configured to be attached to the seabed and a second end configured to be attached to the elongated member; and a coupler configured to provide an articulated connection about at least two axes of rotation between the elongated member and the buoyant structure, wherein the elongated members are configured to be suspended from the buoyant structure when the second ends of the elongated members are connected to the buoyant structure via the couplers.

[0086] C2. The marine terminal of C1, wherein the elongated member comprises a rigid column.

[0087] C3. The marine terminal of C1, wherein the elongated member comprises a chain, a wire rope, a synthetic rope, or a combination thereof.

[0088] C4. The marine terminal of any one of C1 to C3, further comprising: a flexible subsea conduit; a surface conduit disposed on the buoyant structure; and a loading arm or a flexible loading conduit disposed on the buoyant structure, wherein: the flexible subsea conduit, the surface conduit, and the loading arm or the flexible loading conduit are configured to convey a fluid from a subsea pipeline to a vessel when the vessel is moored to the buoyant structure, or the flexible subsea conduit, the surface conduit, and the loading arm or the or flexible loading conduit are configured to convey a fluid from a vessel to a subsea pipeline when the vessel is moored to the buoyant structure.

[0089] C5. The marine terminal of C4, wherein the fluid comprises liquified natural gas, natural gas, carbon dioxide, ammonia, crude oil, diesel fuel, gasoline, or aviation fuel.

[0090] C6. The marine terminal of any one of C1 to C5, wherein the coupler is configured to permit the elongated member to pivot relative to the buoyant structure about two axes that are substantially orthogonal to one another.

[0091] C7. The marine terminal of any one of C1 to C5, wherein the coupler is configured to permit the elongated member to pivot relative to the buoyant structure about two axes that are substantially orthogonal to one another and to permit the elongated member to at least partially rotate about a longitudinal axis of the elongated member with respect to the coupler.

[0092] C8. The marine terminal of any one of C1 to C7, wherein the first and second mooring structures each further comprise a base structure connected to the first end of the elongated member, and wherein the second end of the mooring leg is configured to be attached to the elongated member via the base structure.

[0093] C9. The marine terminal of any one of C1 to C7, wherein the first and second mooring structures each further comprise a chain table connected to the first end of the elongated member, and wherein the second end of the mooring leg is configured to be attached to the elongated member via the chain table.

[0094] C10. The marine terminal of any one of C1 to C7, wherein the first and second mooring structures each further comprise a base structure connected to the first end of the elongated member and a chain table connected to the base structure, and wherein the second end of the mooring leg is configured to be attached the elongated member via the chain table.

[0095] C11. The marine terminal of C8 or C10, wherein the base structure of the first mooring structure and the base structure of the second mooring structure each comprise an internal volume configured to contain a ballast material.

[0096] C12. The marine terminal of C9 or C10, wherein, when the buoyant structure is floating in a neutral position in a body of water, the chain table of the first mooring structure and the chain table of the second mooring structure are configured to be suspended above the seabed at a predetermined distance.

[0097] C13. The marine terminal of any one of C1 to C12, wherein the elongated member of the first mooring structure is configured to be suspended from the buoyant structure toward a first end thereof and the elongated member of the second mooring structure is configured to be suspended from the buoyant structure toward a second end thereof.

[0098] C14. The marine terminal of any one of C1 to C13, further comprising a link line configured to connect to the elongated member of the first mooring structure, and to the elongated member of the second mooring structure such that the elongated member of the first mooring structure and the elongated member of the second mooring structure are prevented from moving away from one another beyond a maximum pre-determined distance.

[0099] C15. The marine terminal of any one of C1 to C14, wherein the buoyant structure comprises one or more fenders connected to a side thereof, and wherein the one or more fenders are configured to absorb kinetic energy or impact forces between a vessel and the buoyant structure.

[0100] C16. The marine terminal of any one of C1 to C15, wherein the buoyant structure comprises a first truss extending from a first end of the buoyant structure and a second truss extending from a second end of the buoyant structure, and wherein the first and second ends of the buoyant structure are opposed to one another.

[0101] C17. The marine terminal of C16, wherein the first truss and the second truss are each configured to receive a mooring line to moor a vessel to the buoyant structure.

[0102] C18. The marine terminal of any one of C1 to C17, wherein the buoyant structure, when moored to the seabed, is configured to be substantially geostationary with respect to a rotation about a vertical axis through a center of the buoyant structure.

[0103] D1. A marine terminal, comprising: a buoyant structure configured to be moored to a seabed via a mooring structure configured to be connected toward a first end of the buoyant structure and a mooring line anchor having a first end configured to be connected toward a second end of the buoyant structure and a second end configured to be attached to the seabed, wherein the mooring structure comprises: an elongated member having a first end and a second end; a mooring leg having a first end configured to be attached to the seabed and a second end configured to be attached to the elongated member; and a coupler configured to provide an articulated connection about at least two axes of rotation between the elongated member and the buoyant structure, wherein the elongated member is configured to be suspended from the buoyant structure when the elongated member is connected to the buoyant structure via the coupler.

[0104] E1. A process for mooring a vessel and transferring a fluid, comprising: mooring a vessel to a marine terminal, wherein the marine terminal comprises: a buoyant structure moored to a seabed via a first mooring structure and a second mooring structure, wherein the first and second mooring structures each comprise: an elongated member having a first end and a second end; a mooring leg having a first end attached to the seabed and a second end attached to the elongated member; a coupler providing an articulated connection about at least two axes of rotation between the elongated member and the buoyant structure, wherein the elongated members are suspended from the buoyant structure via the couplers; a flexible subsea conduit in fluid communication with a subsea pipeline; a surface conduit disposed on the buoyant structure and in fluid communication with the flexible subsea conduit; and a loading arm or a flexible loading conduit disposed on the buoyant structure and in fluid communication with the surface conduit; connecting a storage tank disposed on the vessel to the loading arm or the flexible loading conduit; and transferring the fluid from the vessel to the subsea pipeline or to the vessel from the subsea pipeline via the flexible subsea conduit, the surface conduit, and the loading arm or the flexible loading conduit.

[0105] Certain embodiments and features have been described using a set of numerical upper limits and a set of numerical lower limits. It should be appreciated that ranges including the combination of any two values, e.g., the combination of any lower value with any upper value, the combination of any two lower values, and / or the combination of any two upper values are contemplated unless otherwise indicated. Certain lower limits, upper limits and ranges appear in one or more claims below. All numerical values are “about” or “approximately” the indicated value, and take into account experimental error and variations that would be expected by a person having ordinary skill in the art.

[0106] Various terms have been defined above. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined above, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in at least one printed publication or issued patent. Furthermore, all patents, test procedures, and other documents cited in this application are fully incorporated by reference to the extent such disclosure is not inconsistent with this application and for all jurisdictions in which such incorporation is permitted.

[0107] While certain preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described in detail above, it can be apparent that modifications and adaptations thereof will occur to those having ordinary skill in the art. It should be, therefore, expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof can be determined by the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A marine terminal, comprising:a buoyant structure configured to be moored to a seabed via a first mooring structure and a second mooring structure,wherein the first mooring structure comprises:an elongated member having a first end and a second end,a mooring leg having a first end configured to be attached to the seabed and a second end configured to be attached to the elongated member, anda coupler configured to provide an articulated connection about at least two axes of rotation between the elongated member and the buoyant structure, wherein the elongated member is configured to be suspended from the buoyant structure when the elongated member is connected to the buoyant structure via the coupler, andwherein the second mooring structure comprises a mooring line anchor having a first end configured to be connected to the buoyant structure and a second end configured to be attached to the seabed, orwherein the second mooring structure comprises a second elongated member having a first end and a second end, a second mooring leg having a first end configured to be attached to the seabed and a second end configured to be attached to the second elongated member, and a second coupler configured to provide an articulated connection about at least two axes of rotation between the second elongated member and the buoyant structure, wherein the second elongated member is configured to be suspended from the buoyant structure when the second elongated member is connected to the buoyant structure via the second coupler.

2. The marine terminal of claim 1, wherein the second mooring structure comprises the second elongated member, and wherein the elongated member of the first mooring structure and the second elongated member of the second mooring structure independently comprise a chain, a wire rope, a synthetic rope, or a rigid column.

3. The marine terminal of claim 1, wherein the second mooring structure comprises the second elongated member, and wherein the elongated member of the first mooring structure and the second elongated member of the second mooring structure independently comprise a chain, a wire rope, a synthetic rope, or a combination thereof.

4. The marine terminal of claim 2, further comprising a link line configured to connect to the elongated member of the first mooring structure and to the second elongated member of the second mooring structure such that the elongated member of the first mooring structure and the second elongated member of the second mooring structure are prevented from moving away from one another beyond a maximum pre-determined distance.

5. The marine terminal of claim 1, wherein the elongated member of the first mooring structure comprises a chain, a wire rope, a synthetic rope, or a rigid column, and wherein the second mooring structure comprises the mooring line anchor.

6. The marine terminal of claim 1, further comprising:a flexible subsea conduit;a surface conduit disposed on the buoyant structure; anda loading arm or a flexible loading conduit disposed on the buoyant structure, wherein:the flexible subsea conduit, the surface conduit, and the loading arm or the flexible loading conduit are configured to convey a fluid from a subsea pipeline to a vessel when the vessel is moored to the buoyant structure, orthe flexible subsea conduit, the surface conduit, and the loading arm or the or flexible loading conduit are configured to convey a fluid from a vessel to a subsea pipeline when the vessel is moored to the buoyant structure.

7. The marine terminal of claim 1, wherein the coupler of the first mooring structure is configured to permit the elongated member of the first mooring structure to pivot relative to the buoyant structure about two axes that are substantially orthogonal to one another.

8. The marine terminal of claim 1, wherein the coupler of the first mooring structure is configured to permit the elongated member of the first mooring structure to pivot relative to the buoyant structure about two axes that are substantially orthogonal to one another and to permit the elongated member of the first mooring structure to at least partially rotate about a longitudinal axis of the elongated member of the first mooring structure with respect to the coupler of the first mooring structure.

9. The marine terminal of claim 1, wherein the first mooring structure further comprises a base structure connected to the first end of the elongated member, and wherein the second end of the mooring leg is configured to be attached to the elongated member via the base structure.

10. The marine terminal of claim 1, wherein the first mooring structure further comprises a chain table connected to the first end of the elongated member, and wherein the second end of the mooring leg is configured to be attached to the elongated member via the chain table.

11. The marine terminal of claim 1, wherein the first mooring structure further comprises a base structure connected to the first end of the elongated member and a chain table connected to the base structure, and wherein the second end of the mooring leg is configured to be attached to the elongated member via the chain table.

12. The marine terminal of claim 9, wherein the base structure comprises an internal volume configured to contain a ballast material.

13. The marine terminal of claim 1, wherein the elongated member of the first mooring structure is configured to be suspended from the buoyant structure toward a first end thereof, and wherein the first end of the mooring line anchor is configured to be connected to the buoyant structure toward a second end thereof or the second elongated member of the second mooring structure is configured to be suspended from the buoyant structure toward a second end thereof.

14. The marine terminal of claim 1, wherein the buoyant structure comprises one or more fenders connected to a side thereof, and wherein the one or more fenders are configured to absorb kinetic energy or impact forces between a vessel and the buoyant structure.

15. The marine terminal of claim 1, wherein the buoyant structure comprises a first truss extending from a first end of the buoyant structure and a second truss extending from a second end of the buoyant structure, and wherein the first and second ends of the buoyant structure are opposed to one another.

16. The marine terminal of claim 15, wherein the first truss and the second truss are each configured to receive a mooring line to moor a vessel to the buoyant structure.

17. The marine terminal of claim 1, wherein the buoyant structure, when moored to the seabed, is configured to be substantially geostationary with respect to a rotation about a vertical axis through a center of the buoyant structure.

18. A process for mooring a vessel and transferring a fluid, comprising:mooring a vessel to a marine terminal, wherein the marine terminal comprises:a buoyant structure configured to be moored to a seabed via a first mooring structure and a second mooring structure,wherein the first mooring structure comprises:an elongated member having a first end and a second end,a mooring leg having a first end configured to be attached to the seabed and a second end configured to be attached to the elongated member, anda coupler configured to provide an articulated connection about at least two axes of rotation between the elongated member and the buoyant structure, wherein the elongated member is configured to be suspended from the buoyant structure when the elongated member is connected to the buoyant structure via the coupler,wherein the second mooring structure comprises a mooring line anchor having a first end configured to be connected to the buoyant structure and a second end configured to be attached to the seabed, orwherein the second mooring structure comprises:a second elongated member having a first end and a second end,a second mooring leg having a first end configured to be attached to the seabed and a second end configured to be attached to the second elongated member, anda second coupler configured to provide an articulated connection about at least two axes of rotation between the second elongated member and the buoyant structure, wherein the second elongated member is configured to be suspended from the buoyant structure when the second elongated member is connected to the buoyant structure via the second coupler;a flexible subsea conduit in fluid communication with a subsea pipeline;a surface conduit disposed on the buoyant structure and in fluid communication with the flexible subsea conduit; anda loading arm or a flexible loading conduit disposed on the buoyant structure and in fluid communication with the surface conduit;connecting a storage tank disposed on the vessel to the loading arm or the flexible loading conduit; andtransferring the fluid from the vessel to the subsea pipeline or to the vessel from the subsea pipeline via the flexible subsea conduit, the surface conduit, and the loading arm or the flexible loading conduit.

19. The process of claim 18, wherein the second mooring structure comprises the second elongated member, and wherein the elongated member of the first mooring structure and the second elongated member of the second mooring structure independently comprise a chain, a wire rope, a synthetic rope, or a rigid column.

20. The process of claim 18, wherein the elongated member of the first mooring structure comprises a chain, a wire rope, a synthetic rope, or a rigid column, and wherein the second mooring structure comprises the mooring line anchor.

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