Abstract Single Point Mooring Systems are commonly used to moor Floating Production tankers or barges at exposed offshore locations. The first mooring systems were designed for permanent applications. In the last five years, disconnectable systems have been developed mainly for South East Asia. These disconnectable systems have been designed around the turret mooring concept, due to their mechanical simplicity and cost attractiveness. The turret systems have been developed for a wide range of criteria such as environmental conditions, water depth and operating constraints. After a brief review of different turret mooring systems, this paper discusses the concept of disconnectability. Some mooring systems have been designed to be disconnected in an event where the design weather conditions are reached or in case of typhoon or cyclone warnings. A comparison of disconnectable versus permanent mooring systems is presented with regards to mooring feasibility, safety of personnel, equipment availability, operating philosophy, downtime, investment cost as well as operating costs.