Retractable bow loading system and method

Abstract

Bow loading system to be installed on a forecastle deck of a first ship and comprising at least one fluid conveying pipe (118) having a valve coupler (112) at the first end of each pipe, which is intended to be connected to a complementary valve of a fluid conveying pipe of a support structure installed on a second ship; a fixed structure (120) to be fixed on the deck and forming an ascending ramp (122); a movable structure (140) movably mounted on the ramp (122) of the fixed structure and to which is linked each fluid conveying pipe (118) for moving the valve coupler (112) of each pipe from a retracted position to an extended position, in which the complementary valve can be connected to the valve coupler, and means (150) for moving the movable structure (140) from the retracted position to the extended position.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.