A system is described for offloading LNG (liquified natural gas) from a tanker
for eventual delivery to an onshore gas distribution station. The system includes
a floating structure that floats at the sea surface and that is connected to the
tanker so they weathervane together. The floating structure carries a regas unit
that heats the LNG to produce gas, and delivers the gas through a riser to an underground
cavern that stores the gas. Gas from the cavern is delivered through a seafloor
pipeline to an onshore gas distribution station. The regas unit includes water
pumps and other equipment that is powered by electricity. The electricity can be
obtained from an electric generator on the floating structure, with surplus electricity
delivered through a sea floor electric power line that extends along the sea floor
to an onshore electricity distribution facility. The electricity can instead be
obtained by delivery from an onshore facility though a sea floor electric power
line that extends up to the floating structure and to the regas unit.