Routine Maintenance (Daily/Weekly/Monthly):

• Visual inspection of buoy, hoses, hawser, and chains.

• Hose pressure tests and leak checks.

• Check navigation aids (lights, radar reflectors, fog signals).

• Monitor cathodic protection systems (check anode consumption).

• Swivel grease level and functionality checks.

Planned Preventive Maintenance (Quarterly/Yearly):

• Sub sea inspection of mooring chains, anchor points, and pipelines (using divers or ROVs).

• Hose replacements as per lifecycle or damage.

• Swivel bearing inspection and lubrication.

• Hawser condition assessment (retire if significant wear).

• Inspection of quick release hooks and emergency shutoff systems.

. Major Overhaul (Every 3–5 Years or As Needed):

• Full buoy dry-docking and inspection (if design allows).

• Non-destructive testing (NDT) of structural elements.

• Refurbishment or replacement of swivel system.

• Full replacement of critical hoses and chains.

• Upgrades to control or monitoring systems if necessary.

Tanker Approach

• The tanker approaches the SPM while maintaining a safe distance.

• A Pilot (and possibly a Mooring Master) boards the tanker to assist with maneuvering.

• Tugs may help align the tanker to the prevailing wind, current, and wave directions.

Mooring the Tanker to SPM

• The tanker is connected to the SPM through hawsers (very strong ropes or synthetic mooring lines).

• A pick-up rope (messenger line) is picked up by the tanker’s crew using a small boat (workboat).

• The main hawser is pulled aboard the ship and connected to strong mooring points (bollards or mooring winches).

• Multiple hawsers may be used for extra security.

  Connecting Cargo Hoses and Transfer Operation

• Floating hoses from the SPM are lifted onboard using ship cranes.

• Hoses are connected to the ship’s manifold using flanges and gaskets.

• Hoses are pressure tested to check for leaks.

• After safety checks, valves are opened, and cargo flow starts (either loading or discharging).

• Flow rates and pressures are continuously monitored.

• Emergency shut-off systems are armed during the entire operation.