From its involvement in the design of LNG FPSOs and FSRUs, SBM recognized at a very early stage that the offshore LNG transfer between two vessels is a critical component in the overall feasibility of such projects. For this reason, SBM has developed different offloading systems that can be applied in a wide range of situations.
Side-by-side with loading arms
In a relatively mild operational environment, the standard loading arm design can be adapted in order to cope with the relative motion envelope between the midship manifolds of two vessels moored side-by-side in a conventional manner.
Improved side-by-side with loading arms
For the medium operational environments, SBM designed an improved side-by-side mooring system which can be used with a the standard loading arm design adapted for the larger relative motion envelope between the midship manifolds of two side-by-side moored vessels.
Tandem with SYMO (Soft Yoke Mooring and Offloading) and flexible hoses
When the environmental conditions for offloading become too severe, tandem mooring operations similar to those usually performed for crude oil offloading on FPSOs have to be implemented. For this purpose, SBM has developed the SYMO, which is based on the Soft Yoke mooring system already in use on several FSOs or FPSOs. LNG transfer is achieved either by flexible cryogenic hose or specifically designed loading arms.