Flexible regasification facility and methods of operation

A regasification facility, comprising:

• an intake system adapted to receive a flow of LNG from at least one LNGC;
• at least one LNG storage mechanism in communication with the intake system;
• and
• at least one regasification system including one or more vaporizers in communication with the intake system and each including at least one heating chamber though which a volume of LNG is moved for conversion of the LNG to regasified natural gas;
• wherein the intake system is configured to direct at least a first portion of the flow of LNG from the LNGC directly to the at least one regasification system and selectively divert a second portion of the flow of LNG from the at least one LNGC to the at least one LNG storage mechanism;
• a facility control system including programming or instructions configured to monitor (1) the second portion of the flow of LNG being diverted to the at least one LNG storage mechanism and (2) a storage capacity of the at least one LNG storage mechanism and selectively:
• (a) direct the LNGC to shut down one or more LNGC cargo pumps and supply a flow of stored LNG to the at least one regasification system from the at least one LNG storage mechanism when a level of LNG within the at least one LNG storage mechanism exceeds an established threshold capacity;
• or
• (b) suspend diversion of the second portion of LNG to the at least one LNG storage mechanism, and continue to operate the one or more LNGC cargo pumps (i) until one or more onboard LNG storage tanks of the LNGC are emptied or (ii) until a shutdown of the one or more LNGC cargo pumps;
• and
• wherein the at least one LNG storage mechanism comprises a storage capacity sufficient to supply a volume of LNG to the at least one regasification system for a selected time period.