The key issues for a floating LNG terminal is discussed. Based on a project of floating LNG terminal with FSU（floating storage unit）+ FRU（floating regasification unit）receiving system in the West Africa，we discuss the key issues concerning the layout design of a floating LNG terminal. The results show that the layout location，operation criteria，safety distance，berth layout and arrangement，as well as the working platform form are quite different from the conventional ones. Thus the special attention shall be paid in the design.