HOSE end termination head, HOSE end termination head holding assembly, HOSE connection system, and method of use

Abstract

A hose connection system (100) comprises a hose end termination head (10) and a hose end termination head holding assembly (30). Head (10) has a hose connection interface (11) at a first end (12), a static connector interface (13) at an opposite second end (14), a fluid flow bore (15) therebetween, and a lifting yoke (40) at the second end (14). The bore (15) is straight, defining a fluid flow axis (16). The lifting yoke (40) pivots about an axis perpendicular to the fluid flow axis (16). Holding assembly (30) comprises a frame (31) with a static connector (50), and a head holder (33) with a straight accommodating bore (34) defining an accommodating axis (34') which passes through the static connector (50). The head holder (33) and frame (31) can move relative to one another to vary the distance between the head holder (33) and the static connector (50).

Description

[0001] HOSE END TERMINATION HEAD, HOSE END TERMINATION HEAD HOLDING ASSEMBLY, HOSE CONNECTION SYSTEM, AND METHOD OF USE

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a hose coupling system and its method of use. More particularly, the present disclosure concerns a method and a system for coupling a fluid transfer hose between a floating vessel and an offshore installation or another vessel.

[0003] To transfer fluid between a floating vessel and an offshore installation (such as an oil rig) or between two vessels, a fluid line, such as a flexible hose, must be interconnected therebetween. The fluid line is typically stored on a reel arranged on one of the vessel or offshore installation. The free end of the hose has a hose end termination head, also known as a stab, configured to mate with a corresponding coupling on the other vessel or offshore installation.

[0004] Purely for simplicity, the vessel that initially carries the fluid line is hereinafter referred to as the vessel, while the offshore installation or other vessel which receives the stab and carries the corresponding coupling will be referred to as the rig. However, the skilled person will appreciate that this is merely for convenience of explanation, and that the present invention is equally applicable to coupling a fluid line between a floating vessel and other types of offshore installation, coupling a fluid line between two floating vessels, or coupling a fluid line between two offshore installations.

[0005] To establish a fluid connection between the vessel and the rig, the stab must be transferred from the vessel to the rig and mated with the corresponding coupling on

[0006] P31501PC00the rig. WO 2021 / 167467 A1 discloses a known system and method for achieving such a fluid connection. First, a lifting line is secured to a rigid lifting yoke at the end of the stab. The end of the lifting line is then transferred from the vessel to the rig (for example, by a pneumatic line thrower). An operator on the rig then secures the lifting line to the free end of a guiding line which passes through a receptacle. The guiding line is then retracted (for example, using a winch) thereby pulling the end of the stab into the receptacle. The receptacle is designed to rotate the stab to align a fluid connection interface on its outer side surface with a corresponding static fluid connection interface on the rig. Once the fluid connection interfaces have been properly aligned and secured, fluid is allowed to flow from the hose, into the base of the stab, and out through the side of the stab into the rig’s fluid handling system.

[0007] Such a known system suffers three principal disadvantages.

[0008] Due to the high fluid pressure involved (on the order of 600 bars) and the nature of the fluid being transferred (which may be corrosive, toxic, abrasive, or otherwise hazardous to people, marine life, or equipment), the mating between the fluid connection interfaces on the stab and the rig is safety critical. A fluid transfer operation therefore cannot go ahead unless a rig operator is satisfied that the mating meets the necessary safety standard. However, the outer surfaces of the stab are likely to suffer wear and damage over time. For example, due to factors such as sea conditions, inclement weather, and vessel motion, the stab is unlikely to be pulled perfectly straight into the receptacle along its axis. Therefore, the receptacle includes a guiding funnel to accommodate the stab being pulled in at an angle. Overtime, the outer surfaces of the stab become worn and damaged by contact between these surfaces and the edges and inner surfaces of the funnel. As the stab’s fluid connection interface is on its outer surface, the fluid connection also suffers this sort of wear and damage over time. However, the rig operator has no control over the stab (which belongs to the vessel) and thus no opportunity to inspect it before it is pulled onto the rig. Fluid transfer operations may therefore be cancelled at the last moment because the safety of the mating between the fluid connection interfaces does not meet the required standard. Such cancellations waste time and increase costs.

[0009] P31501PC00Similarly, in the prior art the sealing components are also located on the hose rather than on the rig. This means that the rig operator can only inspect and (if necessary) replace the sealing components on the hose duringfluid transfer operations. This can lead to costly delays or cancellation during the fluid transfer operation, which may be tightly scheduled to take advantage of a weather window, favourable sea conditions, vessel availability, and the like.

[0010] A second disadvantage arises from the stab’s fluid connection interface being in the stab’s side surface. This necessitates the step of correctly rotationally aligning the stab relative to the rig’s fluid connection interface. While physical alignment elements can assist, manual human intervention is nevertheless sometimes required. This increases the complexity of the fluid transfer operation, as well as the safety risk to operators working in proximity to such heavy equipment (on the order of 700 kg) while it is in motion. The rotation of the stab may also impart a twisting force onto the hose and connection interface, which can increase wear on these parts.

[0011] A third disadvantage also arises from the stab’s fluid connection interface being in the stab’s side surface. As the hose connects at the base of the stab, it is necessary for fluid to make a 90° turn within the stab to exit from the side. The high fluid pressure, high fluid flow rate, and often corrosive or abrasive nature of the fluid involved makes such sharp corners within the fluid flow highly undesirable. Such corners suffer dramatically increased wear and corrosion, significantly reducingthe lifespan of the stab. The presence of a 90° turn within the fluid flow also precludes the use of balls with such prior art stabs. Certain operations, such as sectioning a well during a stimulation campaign, rely on placing balls in the fluid flow path to section the well. As the 90° turn within prior art stabs prevents balls passing through the stab, it is necessary to find an alternative. Often, this requires the use of a costly remotely operated vehicle to insert the balls at a subsea location, such as a subsea well template.

[0012] The present invention has for its object to remedy or to reduce at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art, or to at least provide a useful alternative to prior art.

[0013] P31501PC00This object is achieved through features, which are specified in the description below and in the claims that follow.

[0014] The invention is defined by the independent patent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0015] In a first aspect the invention relates more particularly to a hose end termination head comprising a hose connection interface at a first end; a static connector interface; a fluid flow bore between the hose connection interface and the static connector interface; and a liftingyoke at a second end substantially opposite the first end, wherein: the static connector interface is positioned at the second end; the fluid flow bore is substantially straight, defining a longitudinal fluid flow axis along its length; and the liftingyoke is pivotably connected to the hose end termination head such that the lifting yoke can pivot about an axis substantially perpendicular to the fluid flow axis.

[0016] The static connector interface being at the second end of the hose end termination head (as opposed to in a side wall of the hose end termination head) offers two principal advantages. First, the hose end termination head is rendered rotationally symmetric as regards the static connector interface. Whereas hose end termination heads of the prior art must be in a particular orientation to align their static connector interface with the static connector aboard the rig, there is no such need with the present invention. Rather, the present hose end termination head can be rotated to any angle about its fluid flow axis and still connect to the static connector. This eliminates the need for mechanical rotational alignment means on the rigthereby also reducing wear and tear and potential damage caused by the physical contact with the external surface of the hose end termination head. Second, this arrangement allows for the rig’s static connector to engage with an internal surface of the hose end termination head, whereas the prior art engages with the outer side wall of the hose end termination head. The present invention’s internal engagement surface is far less susceptible to wear and tear and the inevitable damage suffered by the outer surface during the transfer and connection process. The reliability and safety of this critical

[0017] P31501PC00interface is therefore significantly enhanced, the longevity of the hose end termination head is increased, and the maintenance requirements are decreased.

[0018] The present invention’s substantially straight fluid flow bore advantageously eliminates the 90° turn which the fluid must necessarily make inside prior art hose end termination heads. Any flowing fluid meeting such a turn in its path will cause gradual wear and damage to the internal surface of the flow bore at this turn. This damage increases with higher flow rates and with higher fluid pressures. This damage is also more acute with fluids which are corrosive and / or abrasive. In the hydrocarbon extraction industry, fluids are transferred through hose end termination heads at exceptionally high flow rates and pressures (on the order of 600 bar). The fluids may also be corrosive (such as acids) and / or abrasive (such as frackingfluids containing proppants). Such fluids therefore present a particular challenge in terms of wear and damage to the internal surface of the fluid flow bore. By providing a substantially straight fluid flow bore, the present invention eliminates the significant wear and damage experienced at the 90° turn necessitated by prior art hose end termination heads, and so provides a hose end termination head with significantly improved longevity and reduced maintenance requirements.

[0019] The presence of a pivoting lifting yoke at the second end of the hose end termination head (rather than using a rigid yoke on a side wall) gives several advantages. First, the pivoting action of the lifting yoke means the lifting yoke can be positioned on the fluid flow axis during lifting, which helps the hose end termination head to be lifted straight and centrally into a corresponding holder aboard the rig. Second, the liftingyoke can pivot out of the way to expose the second end of the hose end termination head once the lift is complete, thus allowing the static connector interface to be placed in the hose end termination head’s second end and so enablingthe substantially straight fluid flow bore. Third, the rotational symmetry of the hose end termination head is preserved, whereas a hose end termination head with a rigid lifting yoke on one side is necessarily rotationally asymmetric and so requires additional mechanical alignment means, thereby causing increased wear and potential damage due to the physical contact involved.

[0020] P31501PC00In one embodiment, the hose end termination head may further comprise a retaining groove positioned between the first end and the second end.

[0021] Such a retaining groove may advantageously allow the hose end termination head to be held securely in position once it has been pulled into the rig’s hose end termination head holder.

[0022] In some embodiments, the lifting yoke may comprise a connector for attachingto a lifting line.

[0023] Including a connector as part of the lifting yoke may advantageously enable the lifting yoke to additionally be connected to lifting lines which terminate with a soft eye, and thus do not include an open (e.g. a hook) or openable (e.g. a shackle) connector of their own.

[0024] In another embodiment, the lifting yoke may be connected to the second end by a trunnion which can rotate about the longitudinal fluid flow axis.

[0025] The weight of the attached hose and the relative motion of the vessel, hose, and rig can impart a substantial rotational force on the hose end termination head. In prior art hose end termination heads, such rotational forces can put stress on the hose connection interface and / or the lifting yoke. By allowingthe lifting yoke to rotate about the fluid flow axis relative to the rest of the hose end termination head, torsional forces between these two components may be significantly reduced. Friction-induced heat and wear between the lifting yoke and the lifting line, such as at a soft eye of a lifting rope, may also be advantageously reduced.

[0026] In yet another embodiment, the fluid flow bore may be substantially cylindrical and have a fluid flow bore inner diameter.

[0027] As discussed above in relation to eliminating the 90° turn of the prior art, a cylindrical fluid flow bore further reduces sharp angles within the fluid flow bore, such as may exist in a fluid flow bore of square or hexagonal cross section. A cylindrical fluid flow bore further improves the rotational symmetry of the hose end termination head, as

[0028] P31501PC00opposed to other shapes which offer only limited rotational symmetry (such as sixfold symmetry for a hexagon). A cylindrical fluid flow bore may also advantageously result in an easier and higher quality seal between the hose end termination head and the corresponding static connector.

[0029] The fluid flow bore inner diameter may be substantially constant.

[0030] A substantially constant inner diameter to the fluid flow bore may advantageously eliminate the possible flow restriction which may be caused by a reduction in diameter and / or the recirculation effects and turbulent flow associated with an increase in diameter.

[0031] In some embodiments, the static connector interface may have an inner diameter greater than the fluid flow bore inner diameter.

[0032] An increased inner diameter at the static connector interface may advantageously allow for maintaining a substantially constant fluid flow bore while simultaneously accommodating a not insignificant side wall width of the static connector.

[0033] In one embodiment, the hose end termination head may comprise a valve within the fluid flow bore.

[0034] Including a valve within the fluid flow bore may have several associated advantages.

[0035] As the hose end termination head is at the end of the hose, closing the valve can substantially prevent any transfer of fluid into or out of the hose. For example, closing the valve when pulling the hose through the water from the vessel to the rig may substantially prevent seawater from entering the hose and may substantially prevent any fluid in the hose from contaminatingthe marine environment. As a further example, the valve may be closed prior to disconnecting the hose from the rig after a fluid transfer process. This may substantially prevent any spill of residual fluid from the hose during disconnection from the static connector on the rig and while being pulled through the water back to the vessel. This is particularly advantageous when the fluid being

[0036] P31501PC00transferred is corrosive, abrasive, toxic, or otherwise hazardous to humans or the marine environment.

[0037] The integral valve may also advantageously enable the hose and hose end termination head to be pressure tested from the vessel side before the hose end termination head is transferred to the rig and without the need for manual addition, operation, and removal of a separate pressure testing valve assembly. The integrity of the system can therefore be verified, and any problems identified and resolved (or a potentially dangerous fluid transfer process avoided entirely), wholly from the vessel prior to the vessel approachingthe rig and transferring the hose end termination head to the rig and without the need for manual human intervention or an auxiliary valve assembly. This may represent a marked increase in safety and a saving in both time and maintenance costs.

[0038] In some embodiments, the hose end termination head may further comprise an annular valve operating sleeve to operate the valve.

[0039] In preferred embodiments, the annular valve operating sleeve may comprise an annular groove.

[0040] The inclusion of a valve operating sleeve, potentially with an annular groove, may advantageously enable the valve to be operated by machine rather than by human labour. This may eliminate the need for a rig operator to stand in close proximity to the hose end termination head during the valve opening. For example, the valve may be operated and monitored remotely using a control system. Given the high pressures, high fluid flow rates, and hazardous nature of the fluids typically involved, being able to remove personnel from the proximity of any potential leaks represents a significant safety improvement.

[0041] As just one example, the valve may be remotely operated as part of an emergency quick disconnect (EQD) process. When an EQD is triggered, the control system may automatically close the valve before disconnection. This may substantially prevent any leak of fluid from the hose during the EQD. This may be especially advantageous

[0042] P31501PC00when the fluid being transferred is hazardous to humans or the marine environment and there has not been time to safely flush residual fluid from the hose and hose end termination head before the EQD.

[0043] In a second aspect the invention relates more particularly to a hose end termination head holding assembly comprising: a frame comprising a static connector; and a hose end termination head holder supported by the frame and having a substantially straight accommodating bore defining a longitudinal accommodating axis along its length; wherein: the accommodating axis passes through the static connector; and the hose end termination head holder and the frame can move relative to one anoth-erto vary the distance between the hose end termination head holder and the static connector.

[0044] The accommodating axis passing through the static connector advantageously means that the hose end termination head’s fluid flow axis will align with the static connector’s axis as the hose end termination head is drawn in to the accommodating bore. This may be considered an essentially ‘self-aligning’ arrangement, reducingthe need for further physical alignment means and the need for personnel to potentially manually adjust the position the hose end termination head as it is drawn into the accommodating bore. Eliminatingthe surface contact necessitated by mechanical alignment means results in significantly reduced wear and risk of damage to the hose end termination head. Furthermore, given the significant mass involved (the hose end termination head may be on the order of 700 kg) and its unpredictable movement (due to sea movement, vessel movement, inclement weather, etc.), being able to remove the possibility of manual human intervention is a marked safety enhancement.

[0045] The hose end termination head holder and frame moving relative to one another also advantageously removes the need for human operators to be proximate the assembly duringthe lifting and connection process. As above, this further enhances the safety of the system.

[0046] P31501PC00In preferred embodiments, the hose end termination head further comprises a guide element for guiding a lifting line through the accommodating bore.

[0047] In some embodiments, the guide element may guide the lifting line substantially alongthe accommodating axis.

[0048] Guiding the lifting line substantially alongthe accommodating axis may advantageously help to align the hose end termination head centrally within the accommodating bore duringthe lifting process. This can again help to reduce the need for per-sonnelto manually intervene duringthe connection process, thereby further reducing the safety risk.

[0049] In one embodiment, the guide element may be repositionable between an active position and a retracted position.

[0050] The guide element may be a wheel.

[0051] The use of a wheel may advantageously reduce or minimise friction between the lifting line and the guide element.

[0052] In preferred embodiments, the hose end termination head holder may further comprise a securing element which protrudes into the accommodating bore when in a secured position.

[0053] Such a securing element may advantageously cooperate with a retaining groove in the hose end termination head as discussed above. This may allowthe hose end termination head to be held securely in position once it has been pulled into the rig’s hose end termination head holder.

[0054] The hose end termination head holder may further comprise a fastening sleeve movable between a release position and an engagement position, the fastening sleeve substantially preventing the securing element moving from the secured position when the fastening sleeve is in the engagement position.

[0055] P31501PC00By preventing the securing element from moving out of its secured position, the fastening sleeve may advantageously lock the hose end termination head within the accommodating bore. As well as reducing the risk of the hose end termination head falling out of the accommodating bore unexpectedly, the use of a fastening sleeve may advantageously reduce the need for manual human operation as compared to fastening means such as bolts or hand operated clamps, for example. As discussed above, removing people from the proximity of the system during the lifting process may offer substantial safety benefits.

[0056] In another embodiment, the hose end termination head holder may further comprise a valve sleeve actuator, the valve sleeve actuator being positionally adjustable both substantially parallel to the accommodating axis and substantially perpendicularto the accommodating axis.

[0057] The presence of a valve sleeve actuator may advantageously reduce the need for manual human operation of the valve. As discussed above, removing people from the proximity of the system may offer substantial safety benefits, particularly at the time when the valve is being opened and fluid is first being admitted to the system.

[0058] The valve sleeve actuator’s two axes of motion may advantageously retain the rotational symmetry of the system while still allowing two different operations in two stages: moving radially to lock onto or release from the hose end termination head’s valve operating sleeve, and separately moving along the accommodating axis to open or close the valve.

[0059] In yet another embodiment, the frame may comprise a plurality of substantially parallel rods and the hose end termination head holder may comprise a corresponding plurality of guide sleeves, each guide sleeve being engaged with a corresponding rod.

[0060] The parallel rods and guide sleeves may advantageously ensure that the hose end termination head holder and the frame remain in alignment duringtheir relative movement, and thus the hose end termination head’s static connector interface remains aligned with the frame’s static connector. Maintaining this alignment advanta-

[0061] P31501PC00geously reduces the risk of damage to the hose end termination head’s static connector interface and the frame’s static connector, as well as reducing the likelihood of manual human adjustment being needed duringthe connection process.

[0062] In preferred embodiments, the movement between the frame and the hose end termination head holder may be driven hydraulically.

[0063] The use of a hydraulic drive may be particularly advantageous during an EQD. Where there has been a loss of other sources of power, the hydraulic drive can still be safely operated with oil from accumulators if an EQD is needed.

[0064] In a third aspect the invention relates more particularly to a hose connection system comprising a hose end termination head as described above in relation to the first aspect and a hose end termination head holding assembly as described above in relation to the second aspect, wherein: the accommodating bore is adapted to receive the hose end termination head; and the static connector interface is adapted to cooperate with the static connector.

[0065] In a fourth aspect the invention relates more particularly to a method of coupling a hose end termination head to a static connector using the system as described above in relation to the third aspect, wherein the hose connection interface is connected to a hose of a floating vessel, the method comprising the steps of:

[0066] A. securing a lifting line to the liftingyoke, the lifting line passingthrough the accommodating bore;

[0067] B. usingthe lifting line to pull the hose end termination head into the accommodating bore;

[0068] C. movingthe hose end termination head holder and the static connectorto- wards one another, thereby engaging the static connector interface with the static connector.

[0069] In one embodiment, wherein the hose end termination head comprises a retaining groove positioned between the first end and the second end and the hose end termi-

[0070] P31501PC00nation head holder further comprises a securing element which protrudes into the accommodating bore when in a secured position, the method may further comprise between steps B and C the step of:

[0071] D. engagingthe securing element in the retaining groove.

[0072] In further embodiments wherein the hose end termination head holder further comprises a fastening sleeve movable between a release position and an engagement position, the fastening sleeve substantially preventing the securing element moving from the secured position when the fastening sleeve is in the engagement position, the method may further comprise after step D and before step C the step of:

[0073] E. moving the fastening sleeve from the release position to the engagement position.

[0074] In some embodiments wherein the hose end termination head holding assembly comprises a guide element for guiding a lifting line through the accommodating bore, the method may further comprise, as part of step A, the lifting line being guided by the guide element.

[0075] In embodiments wherein the guide element is repositionable between an active position and a retracted position, the method may further comprise, after step B and before step C, the step of:

[0076] F. moving the guide element to the retracted position.

[0077] In another embodiment, wherein the hose end termination head further comprises an annular valve operating sleeve to operate the valve and the hose end termination head holder further comprises a valve sleeve actuator, the valve sleeve actuator being positionally adjustable both substantially parallel to the accommodating axis and substantially perpendicular to the accommodating axis, the method may further comprise, after step B, the step of:

[0078] G. moving the valve sleeve actuator substantially perpendicular to the accommodating axis to engage the valve sleeve actuator with the annular valve oper-

[0079] P31501PC00ating sleeve.

[0080] The method may further comprise, after steps C and G, the step of:

[0081] H. moving the valve sleeve actuator substantially parallel to the accommodating axis, thereby moving the annular valve operating sleeve substantially parallel to the fluid flow axis, thus opening the valve and permitting flow of fluid from the hose through the hose connection interface, the fluid flow bore, the static connector interface, and the static connector.

[0082] In the following is described examples of preferred embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0083] Figures 1 a-f show a prior art method of connecting a hose between a vessel and a rig;

[0084] Figure 2 shows a prior art hose connection system;

[0085] Figures 3a-b show a hose end termination head according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0086] Figure 4a shows a cross-section through the hose end termination head of figures 3a-b with the valve in a closed position;

[0087] Figure 4b shows a cross-section through the hose end termination head of figures 3a-b with the valve in an open position;

[0088] Figure 5 shows a hose end termination head holding assembly accordingto the second aspect of the invention;

[0089] Figure 6 shows a cut-away view of a hose end termination head holder; and

[0090] Figures 7a-g show the steps of coupling a hose end termination head to a static connector accordingto the fourth aspect of the invention.

[0091] Any positional indications referto the position shown in the figures.

[0092] P31501PC00In the figures, same or corresponding elements are indicated by same reference numerals. For clarity reasons, some elements may in some of the figures be without reference numerals.

[0093] A person skilled in the art will understand that the figures are just principal drawings. The relative proportions of individual elements may also be distorted.

[0094] Purely for simplicity, the vessel that initially carries the hose is hereinafter referred to as the vessel, while the offshore installation or other vessel which receives the hose end termination head and carries the corresponding hose end termination head holding assembly will be referred to as the rig. However, the skilled person will appreciate that this is merely for convenience of explanation, and that the present invention is equally applicable to coupling a hose between a floating vessel and other types of offshore installation, coupling a hose between two floating vessels, or coupling a hose between two offshore installations.

[0095] The vessel and the rig may each be a vessel or structure used in the hydrocarbon extraction industry. For example, each of the vessel and / or rig may be any of a floating storage and offloading (FSO) vessel, a floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, a floating drilling production storage and offloading (FDPSO) vessel, a floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) vessel, a floating storage regasification unit (FSRU), a tanker, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, a support vessel, or an oil platform.

[0096] Figures 1 a-f show the broad basic steps required to transfer a conventional hose end termination head P10 from a vessel P25 to a rig P250 so as to provide a fluid connection between the vessel P25 and rig P250 by hose P20. These steps are known in the art from WO 2021 / 167467 A1 and so shall not be repeated in detail here. In short:

[0097] 1. Aboard the vessel P25, a line P24 comprising a lightweight leading portion P24' (such as a rope) and a heavier trailing portion P24" (such as a high tensile strength steel cable or an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fibre) is secured to the hose end termination head P10 (figure 1 a).

[0098] P31501PC002. The free end P23 of the leading portion P24' is ‘thrown’ from the vessel P25 to the rig P250, such as by using a conventional pneumatic line thrower (figure 1 b).

[0099] 3. An operator P128 aboard the rig P250 pulls the leading portion P24' until the trailing portion P24" reaches the operator P128 (figure 1 c).

[0100] 4. The operator P128 separates the leading portion P24' from the trailing portion P24".

[0101] 5. The operator P128 secures the now free end of the trailing portion P24" to a guiding line P62 which forms part of the rig’s hose connection system P100 (figure 1 d).

[0102] The guiding line P62 is used to pull the trailing portion P24", such as by winching the guiding line onto a spool P60, thereby pulling the hose end termination head P10 into the rig’s hose connection system P100 for fluid connection to a static connector P50 (figures 1 e and 1f).

[0103] Figure 2 shows a prior art hose connection system P100 in greater detail. As briefly discussed above, to aid in the receipt and alignment of the hose end termination head P10 into the rig’s hose connection system P100, prior art systems typically attach the trailing portion P24" of the line P24 to the hose end termination head P10 by way of a rigid static yoke P10" at the end of the hose end termination head. This necessitates the hose end termination head’s static connector interface P13 being positioned in the hose end termination head’s side wall.

[0104] The hose end termination head P10 typically cannot be pulled into the rig’s hose connection system P100 perfectly vertically. For example, the weight and tension of the attached hose P20, relative movement between the vessel P25 and rig P250, sea conditions, and inclement weather may all cause the hose end termination head P10 to approach the rig P250 off vertical. The hose end termination head P10 is therefore guided into the rig’s hose connection system P100 by a guiding funnel P53.

[0105] P31501PC00The necessary contact between the inner surface of the guiding funnel P53 and the outer side wall of the hose end termination head P10 inevitably leads to the hose end termination head’s outer side wall being damaged through wear and tear over time. As the hose end termination head’s static connector interface P13 is in this outer side wall, this also causes damage to the static connector interface P13 over time. As discussed above, this static connector interface P13 is a precisely machined safety critical component, and any damage can lead to a fluid transfer operation either being performed unsafely or being cancelled at the last moment.

[0106] Furthermore, as can be seen in figure 2, fluid in hose P20 enters at the bottom of the hose end termination head P10. This fluid must turn through a 90° angle to exit through static connector interface P13 in the side wall of the hose end termination head P10. The fluid being transferred is often at high pressure, has a high flow rate, and may be corrosive or abrasive. Such sharp turns within the fluid flow path therefore suffer dramatically increased wear and corrosion, significantly reducingthe lifespan of the hose end termination head P10.

[0107] Figures 3a-b depict a hose end termination head 10 according to the present invention.

[0108] The hose end termination head 10 has a hose connection interface 11 at a first end 12. The hose connection interface 11 may be of any suitable type as is known in the art. For example, the hose connection interface 11 may be a flange which mates with a corresponding flange at the end of the hose. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the hose connection interface 11 may be a ring type joint flange, such as a flange complying with American Petroleum Institute (API) specification 6Atype 6B or type 6BX.

[0109] The hose end termination head 10 also includes a static connector interface 13. The static connector interface 13 is sized and shaped to correspond to a static connector 50 which will be described in more detail below. As shown in figures 3a and 3b, the static connector interface 13 is at a second end 14 of the hose end termination head 10, substantially opposite the first end 12 and the hose connection interface 11.

[0110] P31501PC00Turningto figure 4a, it can be seen that a fluid flow bore 15 connects the hose connection interface 11 and the static connector interface 13. The fluid flow bore 15 is substantially straight and so defines a longitudinal fluid flow axis 16 along its length.

[0111] The hose end termination head 10 may be particularly suitable for transferring fluids such as well stimulation liquids including, but not limited to, slick water, fresh water, acid (such as hydrochloric acid), orfrackingfluid which may contain a proppant. Such fluids are typically transferred at high pressure (on the order of 600 bar) and a high flow rate. This alone can be enough to cause significant wear at any point of impediment to the fluid’s flow. This problem is exacerbated when then fluid is corrosive (such as hydrochloric acid) or abrasive (such as a fluid containing a proppant).

[0112] Positioning the hose connection interface 11 and static connector interface 13 at opposite ends of the hose end termination head 10, rather than havingthe static connector interface 13 in the side wall of the hose end termination head 10 as is known in the art, eliminates the need for the fluid flow bore 15 to include a 90° turn. By contrast, the fluid flow bore 15 of the present invention is substantially straight. A substantially straight fluid flow bore 15 therefore significantly reduces (or, indeed, substantially eliminates) the wear and corrosion caused by a high pressure, high flow rate, and potentially corrosive or abrasive fluid making a 90° turn within the confined geometry of a hose end termination head 10, thereby significantly reducing the maintenance demand and improvingthe longevity of the hose end termination head 10.

[0113] In advantageous embodiments, the fluid flow bore 15 may be substantially cylindrical, as shown in figure 4a, and thus has an associated fluid flow bore inner diameter D15. In some embodiments, the fluid flow bore inner diameter D15 may be substantially constant for most of its length. For example, the fluid flow bore inner diameter D15 may vary between 96 mm and 102 mm.

[0114] In some embodiments, the static connector interface 13 may have an inner diameter D13 greaterthan the fluid flow bore inner diameter D15. For example, the static

[0115] P31501PC00connector interface inner diameter D13 may be approximately 140 mm while the fluid flow bore inner diameter D15 may be approximately 100 mm.

[0116] As can be seen in figures 3a, 3b, 4a, and 4b, the hose end termination head 10 also includes a lifting yoke 40 at the second end 14. The lifting yoke 40 is connected to the hose end termination head 10 by one or more pivots 41. In the depicted embodiment, the lifting yoke 40 is attached by two pivots 41 on opposite sides of the hose end termination head 10, but other arrangements are possible. For example, the lifting yoke 40 may be attached by a single pivot 41. As can be seen in figures 3a and 3b, and by comparing figures 4a and 4b, pivots 41 allow the lifting yoke 40 to pivot about an axis substantially perpendicular to the fluid flow axis 16.

[0117] By contrast to the rigid lifting yokes of the prior art, the present invention’s pivoting lifting yoke 40 allows the lifting yoke 40 to pivot to one side of the hose end termination head 10 once the hose end termination head 10 has been pulled aboard the rig. Pivoting the lifting yoke 40 in this way exposes the surface at the second end 14 of the hose end termination head 10 which would otherwise be obscured by a typical rigid lifting yoke. The surface at the second end 14 of the hose end termination head 10 of the present invention can therefore accommodate the hose connection interface 11 without obstruction, thereby enabling the substantially straight fluid flow bore 15.

[0118] In some embodiments, the lifting yoke 40 may include one or more connectors 42 for attaching a lifting cable or line. For example, the liftingyoke 40 may include two connectors 42 each attached to the lifting yoke 40 by a pivoting connection 43, as shown in figures 3a and 3b.

[0119] In preferred embodiments, the liftingyoke 40 may be connected to the second end 14 of the hose end termination head 10 by a trunnion 44. As seen in figures 3a, 3b, 4a, and 4b, trunnion 44 allows the liftingyoke 40 to rotate about the fluid flow axis 16.

[0120] As can be seen in figures 3a, 3b, and 4a, in advantageous embodiments the hose end termination head 10 may comprise one or more retaining grooves 17 between the first end 12 and the second end 14. In the particular embodiment depicted in fig-

[0121] P31501PC00ures 3a and 3b, there is a single continuous retaining groove 17 having an asymmetric ‘V’ shape which extends around the circumference of the hose end termination head 10. However, the skilled person will appreciate that this is merely one possible arrangement, and other embodiments are possible. For example, there may be a plurality of shorter retaining grooves 17 spaced around the circumference of the hose end termination head 10. Other shapes of retaining grooves 17 are also possible, such as a symmetric V shape, a substantially rectangular shape, or a substantially trapezoidal shape.

[0122] As best seen in figures 4a and 4b, in some embodiments the hose end termination head 10 may include a valve 18 within the fluid flow bore 15. Inthe particular embodiment of figures 4a and 4b, the valve 18 is shown as a rotary ball valve, but the skilled person will be aware of other suitable valve types. The hose end termination head 10 may further include an annular valve operating sleeve 19 to operate the valve 18. In particularly preferred embodiments, the annular valve operating sleeve 19 may further include an annular groove 19'. In the particular embodiment of the figures, annular groove 19' is shown as a single continuous annular groove 19' having a symmetric trapezoidal shape which extends around the circumference of the hose end termination head 10. However, the skilled person will appreciate that this is merely one possible arrangement, and other embodiments are possible. For example, there may be a plurality of shorter annular grooves 19' spaced around the circumference of the hose end termination head 10. Other shapes of annular grooves 19' are also possible, such as an asymmetric V shape, a symmetric V shape, or a substantially rectangular shape. Annular groove 19' may be engaged by a correspondingvalve sleeve actuator 38 (discussed in more detail below) which moves the annular valve operating sleeve 19 substantially linearly along the fluid flow axis 16, which in turn applies a rotational force to the stem of valve 18. Movement of the annular valve operating sleeve 19 may therefore cause valve 18 to transition between its open (figure 4b) and closed (figure 4a) states.

[0123] Figure 5 shows a hose end termination head holding assembly 30 which cooperates with the hose end termination head 10 in a ‘plug and socket’ arrangement. The hose

[0124] P31501PC00end termination head holding assembly 30 comprises a frame 31 which supports a static connector 50 and a hose end termination head holder 33.

[0125] It will be understood that, in this context, the term ‘static’ as applied to the static connector 50 is meant in the broader sense of “not portable” rather than the narrower sense of “absolutely immobile”. As will be discussed in more detail below, the static connector 50 and hose end termination head holder 33 can move relative to one another. The static connector 50 is therefore ‘static’ in the sense that it does not leave the rig, in contrast to the ‘mobile’ hose end termination head 10 which is moved from the vessel to the rig.

[0126] Figure 6 shows more detail of the hose end termination head holder 33 in cut-away section. The hose end termination head holder 33 has a substantially straight accommodating bore 34 which defines a longitudinal accommodating axis 34' along its length. The accommodating bore 34 is sized and shaped to accommodate the hose end termination head 10 as described above.

[0127] As can best be seen in figures 5 and 7a, the hose end termination head holder 33 and the static connector 50 are arranged on the frame 31 such that the accommodating axis 34' of the hose end termination head holder 33 passes through the static connector 50.

[0128] The hose end termination head holding assembly 30 further comprises means forthe hose end termination head holder 33 and the frame 31 to move relative to one another so as to vary the distance between the hose end termination head holder 33 and the static connector 50. As will be discussed in more detail below, this means that in use the hose end termination head 10 can be pulled into the accommodating bore 34 by a lifting line secured to the liftingyoke 40 (possibly at a lifting line connector42) and passing through the accommodating bore 34. The static connector50 and hose end termination head holder 33 (which now holds the hose end termination head 10) can then be brought together, thereby bringing the static connector interface 13 of the hose end termination head 10 into engagement with the static connector 50.

[0129] P31501PC00In some embodiments, and as most clearly seen in figure 7a, the hose end termination head holding assembly 30 may comprise a guide element 35 for guiding a lifting line through the accommodating bore 34. The guide element 35 may comprise one or more wheels. In a preferred embodiment, the guide element 35 may guide the lifting line substantially alongthe accommodating axis 34'. This may help to drawthe hose end termination head 10 into the accommodating bore 34 centrally.

[0130] Continuing with figure 7a, in some embodiments the guide element 35 may be repositionable between an active position and a retracted position. In the active position, as shown in figure 7a, the guide element 35 may at least partially occupy the space between the hose end termination head holder 33 and the static connector 50. For example, in the active position the guide element 35 may be positioned to guide the lifting line along the accommodating axis 34' as described above. In the retracted position (shown in figure 7e) the guide element 35 may be moved out of the space between the hose end termination head holder 33 and the static connector 50. The guide element 35 may be moved between the active and retracted positions manually (for example, by a human operator) or automatically (for example, by a hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical powered actuator).

[0131] Returningto figure 6, in some embodiments the hose end termination head holder 33 may include one or more securing elements 36 which protrude into the accommodating bore 34 when in a secured position. For example, the securing elements 36 may take the form of several fingers shaped to correspond to the profile of the retaining groove 17 of the hose end termination head 10. The securing elements may be biased towards the secured (extended) position by resilient members, such as springs. As will be explained in more detail below in the context of figure 7b, as the hose end termination head 10 is pulled into the accommodating bore 34, the second end 14 of the hose end termination head 10 may force the securing elements 36 out of their secured position and into a retracted position. As the hose end termination head 10 is pulled further into the accommodating bore 34, the retaining groove 17 may be brought into alignment with the securing elements 36. This may allow the securing elements 36 to return to the extended secured position, thereby preventing

[0132] P31501PC00further linear movement of the hose end termination head 10 within the accommodating bore 34.

[0133] To provide additional security and prevent the securing elements 36 from retracting unintentionally, particularly preferred embodiments of the hose end termination head holder 33 may further include a fastening sleeve 37. The fastening sleeve 37 may move in the direction of the arrow shown in figure 7b between a release position (down as shown in figures 6 and 7b) and an engagement position (up as shown in figures 6 and 7b). As most clearly seen by comparing figures 7b and 7f, when the fastening sleeve 37 is in the engagement position, the fastening sleeve 37 may substantially prevent the securing elements 36 from moving out of their secured position. For example, the fastening sleeve 37 may occupy the space immediately radially outwards of the securing elements 36, thus preventing their retraction. In particularly preferred embodiments, the securing elements 36 and fastening sleeve 37 may have corresponding sloped surfaces which cause the fastening sleeve 37 to urge the securing elements 36 into their secured position. This may obviate the need for resilient elements urging the securing elements 36 into their secured position, or may advantageously provide a failsafe should any of the resilient elements fail.

[0134] Returning again to figure 6, some embodiments of the hose end termination head holder 33 may include a valve sleeve actuator 38. The valve sleeve actuator 38 may be positionally adjustable substantially perpendicular to the accommodating axis 34', i.e. radially. Such radial movement may allow the valve sleeve actuator 38 to engage with and disengage from the corresponding annular groove 19' of the valve operating sleeve 19 of the hose end termination head 10. The valve sleeve actuator 38 may be positionally adjustable substantially parallel to the accommodating axis 34', e.g. vertically as shown in figure 6. Such movement may allow the valve sleeve actuator 38 to move the corresponding valve operating sleeve 19 of the hose end termination head 10thereby controlling a valve 18therein.

[0135] Looking at figures 5 and 6, in some embodiments the frame 31 may comprise a plurality of parallel rods 39. The hose end termination head holder 33 may comprise a

[0136] P31501PC00plurality of corresponding guide sleeves 39' each engaged with a corresponding rod 39. In the depicted exemplary embodiment, there are four rods 39 and eight guide sleeves 39', however the skilled person will recognise that other numbers are possible. It is preferable that the number of guide sleeves 39' is an integer multiple of the number of rods 39.

[0137] In some embodiments, the movement between the frame 31 and the hose end termination head holder 33 may be driven hydraulically. For example, one or more hydraulic cylinders 32 may be mounted to the hose end termination head holder 33 and the associated piston rods secured to the frame 31. Actuating the hydraulic cylinders 32 may therefore cause the distance between the static connector 50 and the hose end termination head holder 33 to change. The skilled person will appreciate that this motion may be driven by other known means, such as pneumatic actuators, mechanical actuators, or performed manually by a human operator.

[0138] Together, the hose end termination head 10 and the hose end termination head holding assembly 30 form a hose connection system 100. The accommodating bore 34 of the hose end termination head holder 33 (which is part of the hose end termination head holding assembly 30) is adapted to receive the hose end termination head 10. Likewise, the static connector interface 13 of the hose end termination head 10 is adapted to cooperate with the static connector 50 of frame 31 (which is also part of the hose end termination head holding assembly 30).

[0139] Such a system may be used to couple a hose end termination head 10 (such as may be attached to a hose aboard a vessel) to a static connector 50 (such as may be housed on a rig).

[0140] Beginning at figure 7a, a lifting line 62 which passes through the accommodating bore 34 of the hose end termination head holder 33 aboard the rig is secured to the lifting yoke 40 of the hose end termination head 10. This may be achieved by attaching a throwable line to the liftingyoke 40 while the liftingyoke 40 is still aboard the vessel, throwing the throwable line from the vessel to the rig, and an operator aboard the rig securing the lifting line 62 to at least part of the throwable line, thereby secur-

[0141] P31501PC00ing the lifting line 62 to the liftingyoke 40. For example, the throwable line may be a two-part line comprising a relatively lightweight leading portion (such as a rope) and a heavier trailing portion (such as high tensile strength steel cable or an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fibre). Upon receiving the throwable line, the rig operator may use the leading portion to haul the trailing portion aboard the rig. The rig operator may then detach the leading portion, and then attach the now free end of the trailing portion to the lifting line 62.

[0142] The lifting line 62 is then used to pull the hose end termination head 10 into the accommodating bore 34. In some embodiments, as discussed above, the guide element 35 may help to keep the lifting line 62 aligned with the accommodating axis 34' and thus help to drawthe hose end termination head 10 in centrally. Once the hose end termination head 10 is correctly positioned within the accommodating bore 34, the guide element 35 may be moved to a retracted position, as described above and shown in figure 7e, so the guide element 35 does not impede relative movement between the hose end termination head holder 33 and the static connector 50.

[0143] In some embodiments, as shown in figure 7b, once the hose end termination head 10 is correctly positioned within the accommodating bore 34, one or more securing elements 36 of the hose end termination head holder 33 may engage with one or more corresponding retaining grooves 17 in the hose end termination head 10. As discussed above, this may occur substantially automatically. For example, the securing elements 36 may be biased towards their engagement position by resilient members or may be driven into their engagement position by means such as hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, or mechanical drives. Alternatively, the securing elements 36 may be manually moved into their engagement position by a rig operator.

[0144] In preferred embodiments, once the or each securing element 36 is engaged with its corresponding retaining groove 17, the fastening sleeve 37 may be moved from a release position (down as shown in figure 7b) into an engagement position (up in figure 7b). When in the engagement position, the fastening sleeve 37 may prevent the or each securing element 36 from disengaging from its corresponding retaining

[0145] P31501PC00groove 17 as discussed above. The hose end termination head 10 may therefore be held particularly securely in the accommodating bore 34 of the hose end termination head holder 33.

[0146] As shown in figure 7c, once the hose end termination head 10 is correctly positioned within the accommodating bore 34, the lifting line 62 can be slackened to reduce tension on the liftingyoke 40.

[0147] As soon as the lifting line 62 is no longer applying tension to the lifting yoke 40, the liftingyoke 40 is free to pivot about its one or more pivots 41 away from obscuringthe static connector interface 13 (figure 7e). For example, in embodiments having one or more securing elements 36 and one or more corresponding retaining grooves 17, tension may be relieved while the lifting line 62 is still attached to the lifting yoke 40; as the hose end termination head 10 is safely held in position by the securing elements 36, the lifting line 62 can be slackened to reduce tension and permit the lifting yoke the freedom to pivot away from the fluid flow axis 16.

[0148] In some embodiments, once the hose end termination head 10 is correctly positioned within the accommodating bore 34, one or more valve sleeve actuators 38 of the hose end termination head holder 33 may engage with one or more corresponding annular grooves 19' in the annular valve operating sleeve 19 of the hose end termination head 10. As described above and shown in figure 7d, the or each valve sleeve actuator 38 may move substantially perpendicular to the accommodating axis 34' (i.e. radially) to engage with the one or more corresponding annular grooves 19'. As discussed above, this may occur substantially automatically. For example, the or each valve sleeve actuator 38 may be driven into engagement with a corresponding annular groove 19' by means such as a hydraulic actuator, pneumatic actuator, or mechanical drive. Alternatively, the or each valve sleeve actuator 38 may be manually moved into position by a rig operator.

[0149] Once tension has been relieved in the lifting line 62 and the lifting yoke 40 no longer lies on the fluid flow axis 16 between the static connector interface 13 and the static connector 50, the hose end termination head holder 33 and the static connector 50

[0150] P31501PC00may be moved towards one another. In the embodiment shown in figure 7f, this is achieved by hydraulic cylinders 32 raising the hose end termination head holder 33 up until the static connector interface 13 engages with the static connector 50. However, the skilled person will appreciate that the static connector 50 could instead be moved down to engage with the static connector interface 13 which is held still. Alternatively, both the static connector 50 and the static connector interface 13 could be moved so to engage these parts. The skilled person will also appreciate that the hydraulic cylinders 32 may be supplemented or replaced by alternative driving means such as pneumatic cylinders and / or mechanical drives and / or human labour.

[0151] In embodiments wherein the hose end termination head 10 includes a valve 18, once the static connector 50 has been engaged with the static connector interface 13, the valve sleeve actuator 38 may be moved substantially parallel to the accommodating axis 34' (up / down as shown in figure 7g). The valve sleeve actuator 38 may thereby move the annular valve operating sleeve 19 of the hose end termination head 10 substantially parallel to the fluid flow axis 16 (again, up / down as shown in figure 7g). This motion of the annular valve operating sleeve 19 may open the valve 18, thus permitting fluid to flow from a hose through the hose connection interface 11 , the fluid flow bore 15, the static connector interface 13, and the static connector 50. Fluid may therefore be transferred between the vessel and the rig.

[0152] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb “comprise” and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0153] P31501PC00The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0154] P31501PC00

Claims

C l a i m s1. A hose end termination head comprising:a hose connection interface at a first end;a static connector interface;a fluid flow bore between the hose connection interface and the static connector interface; anda liftingyoke at a second end substantially opposite the first end; c h a r a c t e r i s e d i n t h a t :the static connector interface is positioned at the second end; the fluid flow bore is substantially straight, defining a longitudinal fluid flow axis along its length; andthe lifting yoke is pivotably connected to the hose end termination head such that the lifting yoke can pivot about an axis substantially perpen- dicularto the fluid flow axis.

2. The hose end termination head according to claim 1, further comprising a retaining groove positioned between the first end and the second end.

3. The hose end termination head accordingto any preceding claim, wherein the lifting yoke comprises a connector for attaching to a lifting line.

4. The hose end termination head accordingto any preceding claim, wherein the lifting yoke is connected to the second end by a trunnion which can rotate about the longitudinal fluid flow axis.

5. The hose end termination head accordingto any preceding claim, wherein the fluid flow bore is substantially cylindrical and has a fluid flow bore inner diameter.

6. The hose end termination head accordingto claim 5, wherein the fluid flow bore inner diameter is substantially constant.P31501PC007. The hose end termination head accordingto any of claims 5 or 6, wherein the static connector interface has an inner diameter greater than the fluid flow bore inner diameter.

8. The hose end termination head accordingto any preceding claim, further comprising a valve within the fluid flow bore.

9. The hose end termination head accordingto claim 8, further comprising an annular valve operating sleeve to operate the valve.

10. The hose end termination head accordingto claim 9, wherein the annular valve operating sleeve comprises an annular groove.

11. A hose end termination head holding assembly comprising:a frame comprising a static connector; anda hose end termination head holder supported by the frame and having a substantially straight accommodating bore defining a longitudinal accommodating axis along its length;c h a r a c t e r i s e d i n t h a t :the accommodating axis passes through the static connector; and the hose end termination head holder and the frame can move relative to one another to vary the distance between the hose end termination head holder and the static connector.

12. The hose end termination head holding assembly accordingto claim 11, further comprising a guide element for guiding a lifting line through the accommodating bore.

13. The hose end termination head holding assembly accordingto claim 12, in which the guide element guides the lifting line substantially alongthe accommodating axis.P31501PC0014. The hose end termination head holding assembly according to any of claims 12 or 13, wherein the guide element is repositionable between an active position and a retracted position.

15. The hose end termination head holding assembly according to any of claims 12-14, wherein the guide element is a wheel.

16. The hose end termination head holding assembly according to any of claims 11-15, wherein the hose end termination head holder further comprises a securing element which protrudes into the accommodating bore when in a secured position.

17. The hose end termination head holding assembly according to claim 16, wherein the hose end termination head holder further comprises a fastening sleeve movable between a release position and an engagement position, the fastening sleeve substantially preventing the securing element moving from the secured position when the fastening sleeve is in the engagement position.

18. The hose end termination head holding assembly according to any of claims 11-17, wherein the hose end termination head holder further comprises a valve sleeve actuator, the valve sleeve actuator being positionally adjustable both substantially parallel to the accommodating axis and substantially perpendicular to the accommodating axis.

19. The hose end termination head holding assembly according to any of claims 11-18, wherein the frame comprises a plurality of substantially parallel rods and the hose end termination head holder comprises a corresponding plurality of guide sleeves, each guide sleeve being engaged with a corresponding rod.

20. The hose end termination head holding assembly according to any of claims 11-19, wherein the movement between the frame and the hose end termination head holder is driven hydraulically.P31501PC0021. A hose connection system comprising a hose end termination head accord- ingto any of claims 1-10 and a hose end termination head holding assembly accordingto any of claims 11-20, wherein:the accommodating bore is adapted to receive the hose end termination head; andthe static connector interface is adapted to cooperate with the static connector.

22. A method of coupling a hose end termination head to a static connector using the system of claim 21 , wherein the hose connection interface is connected to a hose of a floating vessel, the method comprising the steps of:A. securing a lifting line to the lifting yoke, the lifting line passing through the accommodating bore;B. using the lifting line to pull the hose end termination head into the accommodating bore;C. moving the hose end termination head holder and the static connector towards one another, thereby engaging the static connector interface with the static connector.

23. The method according to claim 22 wherein the hose end termination head is accordingto claim 2 and the hose end termination head holding assembly is accordingto claim 16, the method further comprising between steps B and C the step of:D. engaging the securing element in the retaining groove.

24. The method accordingto claim 23 wherein the hose end termination head holding assembly is accordingto claim 17, the method further comprising after step D and before step C the step of:E. moving the fastening sleeve from the release position to the engagement position.P31501PC0025. The method accordingto any of claims 21-24 wherein the hose end termination head holding assembly is accordingto claim 12, the method further comprising, as part of step A, the lifting line being guided by the guide element.

26. The method accordingto claim 25 wherein the hose end termination head holding assembly is accordingto claim 14, the method further comprising after step B and before step C the step of:F. moving the guide element to the retracted position.

27. The method accordingto any of claims 22-26 wherein the hose end termination head is accordingto claim 9 and the hose end termination head holding assembly is accordingto claim 18, the method further comprising after step B the step of:G. moving the valve sleeve actuator substantially perpendicular to the accommodating axis to engage the valve sleeve actuator with the annular valve operating sleeve.

28. The method accordingto claim 27, the method further comprising after steps C and G the step of:H. moving the valve sleeve actuator substantially parallel to the accommodating axis, thereby moving the annular valve operating sleeve substantially parallel to the fluid flow axis, thus opening the valve and permitting flow of fluid from the hose through the hose connection interface, the fluid flow bore, the static connector interface, and the static connector.P31501PC00

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