Bluewater Energy Services B.V., a member of the Bluewater group of companies, has signed an agreement with BHP Billiton, which has granted Bluewater the exclusive rights to commercialise and market the patented composite LNG transfer hose, launched as the Neptune cryogenic hose. The Neptune cryogenic hose is the result of an extensive 10yr research and development programme funded by BHP Billiton and executed in collaboration with the British companies BPP-TECH and Dantec. This programme has been recognised for its important contribution towards future developments in the LNG market. The Neptune cryogenic hose is Lloyd’s type-approved for offshore marine application and is presently available in 8in and 16in diameters, with a hose length of 25m. Designed for offshore LNG transfer, the Neptune cryogenic hose enables FPSO to carrier, side-by-side or stern-to-bow configurations, using tandem transfer techniques commonly used in oil off loading. The unique composition of the hose includes re-designed end fittings that overcome the limitations of existing composite hose designs and a number of design modifications that have improved axial strength (elongation behaviour is similar to steel) and excellent flexibility, both critical requirements for marine environment dynamic operations.