Hydrocarbon transfer system with a damped transfer arm

Hydrocarbon transfer system comprising a first structure (8) having a substantially vertical first arm (4,61) hingingly connected to the first structure(8) via a first articulation (22,22′) around a substantially horizontal axis (23) and a second arm (5,62) attached to the first arm in an articulation joint (16,16′, 64), the second arm (5,62) having a connecting arm part carrying a releasable connector (13,65) for connecting to a floating second structure (7) and a restoring arm part carrying a counterweight (6,6′) for exerting a restoring force on the second structure that is connected to the second arm upon relative movement of the first and second structures, characterised in that damping means are provided above water level, acting on the second arm (5,62) for damping movement of the second arm (5,62) around the articulation joint (16,16′, 64) upon transition of the second arm (5,62) from an operative position to an inoperative position after disconnecting the releasable connector (13,65) from the second structure (7).