Skip to content
J LINE Shipping
Two tankers moored alongside each other during a J LINE ship-to-ship operation

Our core specialty

Ship-to-ship operations

Planning, coordination and technical execution of STS operations — with attention to vessel compatibility, personnel readiness, equipment, operating conditions and risk controls.

Why STS goes wrong

The operation is decided long before the approach.

Ship-to-ship transfers bring two crews, two vessels of different size and freeboard, and a cargo of real value together in open water. What makes them safe and efficient is not improvisation on the day — it is a plan that has already answered the hard questions.

We assess, plan and verify readiness first. Execution then follows the plan, with conditions monitored and stop criteria respected.

Ship-to-ship transfer arrangementPlan view of a larger discharging vessel and a smaller receiving vessel moored alongside, with four primary fenders between the hulls, mooring lines at bow and stern, and cargo hoses connected at the midship manifolds.DISCHARGING VESSELRECEIVING VESSELPRIMARY FENDERSCARGO HOSES · MIDSHIP MANIFOLD

Our process

Five steps, every operation.

  1. 01

    Assess

    Vessel particulars, compatibility, location, weather window, cargo and regulatory requirements.

  2. 02

    Plan

    A written operation plan: mooring arrangement, fenders and hoses, communications, roles and stop criteria.

  3. 03

    Verify readiness

    Personnel, equipment and both vessels checked against the plan. If something is not ready, we say what must change.

  4. 04

    Execute

    Approach, mooring, transfer and unmooring under disciplined supervision, with conditions monitored throughout.

  5. 05

    Report

    Clear close-out reporting: what was done, what was observed, and anything to carry into the next operation.

In the field

Ship-to-ship operations, as they happen.

J LINE's own photographs and footage. Vessel names, IMO numbers and owners' marks are obscured to protect our clients' confidentiality.

On deck

Overhead view from one vessel's deck of both vessels moored alongside under a storm sky
Both vessels alongsideOverhead view from one vessel's deck of both vessels moored alongside under a storm sky1 / 9

From the air

Two vessels manoeuvring before a ship-to-ship operation, other ships at anchor beyond
ManoeuvringTwo vessels manoeuvring before a ship-to-ship operation, other ships at anchor beyond1 / 15

Watch an operation

The approach, in motion.

The manoeuvring vessel closes in on the vessel at anchor, fenders in place, and both are made fast for the transfer.

Planning the approach

Which vessel anchors, which manoeuvres, and how they meet.

In a typical LPG transfer the smaller gas carrier lies at anchor while the VLGC manoeuvres alongside on a planned approach line. The approach, the fender positions and the mooring sequence are agreed in the plan before either vessel moves.

STS approach configurationThe LGC (liquefied gas carrier) is the anchored vessel. The VLGC (very large gas carrier) is the manoeuvring vessel, approaching on a planned line to come alongside.LGCANCHORED VESSELVLGCMANOEUVRING VESSELPLANNED APPROACH

STS services

Choose your operation

Questions

About STS operations

J LINE Shipping is a maritime solutions company specialising in ship-to-ship (STS) operations, supported by flag registration and seafarer documentation, vessel inspections, and crew change, husbandry, bunkering and ship management support, for shipowners, charterers and vessel operators.

What is a ship-to-ship (STS) transfer?

A ship-to-ship transfer moves cargo — such as crude oil, petroleum products or liquefied gas — directly between two vessels moored alongside each other, at anchor or underway, instead of through a port terminal.

What does J LINE provide for an STS operation?

Assessment of the vessels and location, a written operation plan, readiness verification of people and equipment, supervised execution from mooring to unmooring, and close-out reporting.

Which standards do you plan STS operations against?

Our planning follows recognised industry guidance, including the OCIMF/CDI/ICS/SIGTTO Ship to Ship Transfer Guide, and the STS operations plan requirements of MARPOL Annex I for oil tankers.

How early should we contact you?

As early as possible — ideally before the vessels and window are fixed. Most risks and delays are cheapest to resolve at the planning stage.

Start here

Planning an STS operation?

Vessels, cargo, location and timing — whatever you know so far. We will come back with an honest assessment, the options, and a clear scope and cost.

Discuss your operation

A reply from a specialist · No obligation · Your details stay confidential