System and method for transferring natural gas for utilization as a fuel

摘要

Natural gas is produced when LNG that is contained in an insulated LNG cargo tank(s) of a non-self-propelled LNG carrier (i.e., a barge) evaporates as a result of heat leakage through the walls of the insulated cargo tank(s). The natural gas is transferred from the barge to a tugboat or a towboat that is equipped with natural gas burning engines through a flexible gas transfer assembly so that the tugboat is powered by the natural gas fuel. The pressure in the cargo tank(s) on the barge is, therefore, effectively managed to prevent or substantially reduce the buildup of pressure within the LNG cargo tank(s). The LNG can then be contained within the LNG cargo tank(s) for an appropriate period of time and can be delivered at an appropriate and acceptable equilibrium pressure and temperature.

主权项

1. A system for transferring natural gas, the system comprising:
a barge; a tugboat positioned within a notch of the barge and coupled to the barge with a pin connection to push the barge, wherein a relative pitch motion between the tugboat and the barge spans a range of +5 to −5 degrees of relative pitch; an articulated pipe having a first end through which natural gas is transferred from the barge and a second end; and at least one coupling coupled to the second end of the articulated pipe and through which the natural gas is transferred to the tugboat.