LNG Ship-to-Ship Transfer System with Lateral Offset Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for transferring fluids between a barge and a shuttle, particularly for crude oil and liquefied natural gas, are risky due to the shuttle's positioning in the direction of the barge's flare and potential frontal collision, making LNG transfer impractical.

Innovation Solution

The shuttle is positioned laterally offset from the barge with a dynamic positioning system, using cryogenic hoses stored on wheels that rotate and pivot, allowing for longitudinal and lateral movement, eliminating the need for mechanical mooring and reducing collision risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the shuttle is positioned in the axis of the barge 70-80 meters away, then the fluid transfer can be performed, but the risk of collision and exposure to flare zone increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of fluid transferVSAvoidcollision risk and flare exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a one-dimensional axial positioning (shuttle directly in front of barge) to a two-dimensional lateral positioning (shuttle offset to the side). This dimensional change allows the shuttle to maintain transfer capability while avoiding the hazardous flare zone and reducing collision risk, as the lateral offset creates spatial separation from danger zones without compromising fluid transfer efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the shuttle is positioned dynamically, then the transfer can adapt to movements, but the risk of frontal collision with the barge increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to environmental conditionsVSAvoidfrontal collision risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic positioning systems on both the barge and shuttle that actively respond to environmental forces (wind, currents, swell). These systems continuously adjust the positions of both vessels to maintain the predetermined safe distance while adapting to changing sea conditions, thereby preserving adaptability without increasing collision risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through positioning systems that monitor the relative positions of the barge and shuttle in real-time. This feedback enables automatic adjustments to maintain safe separation distances, preventing frontal collisions while allowing both vessels to move dynamically with environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the flexible conduit is very long (60-120 meters), then the shuttle can move freely, but the conduit may be subjected to stress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement freedom of shuttleVSAvoidconduit stress resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes flexible hoses with sufficient length (60-120 meters) that can accommodate the lateral and longitudinal movements of the shuttle without transmitting excessive stress. The flexibility and length of these conduits allow them to absorb movement variations while maintaining structural integrity and preventing damage during dynamic transfer operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS9260164B2Method for transferring fluids between a first ship and a second ship, and transfer system for implementing said method

Publication Date: 2016.02.16 SOCIETE EUROPEENNE DINGENIERIE MECANIQUE EURODIM SA

AI summary

A method for transferring fluids between a first ship, called a barge, and a second ship, called a shuttle, in which the shuttle is positioned at a pre-determined distance from the barge, and a flexible fluid transfer conduit is guided from the barge to the shuttle. The shuttle is placed in a position laterally offset from the barge and essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the barge, and a fluid transfer system enables the shuttle to move in the lateral and longitudinal directions in relation to the barge, during a transfer. The invention is useful for the transfer of liquefied natural gas.