The need to transload cargo from ship to ship arises in the following cases:

• the need of topping-off or lightering (partial loading or unloading) the vessels entering the ports with draft limitations
• to save on transshipment and port dues when the cargo arrives by the inland ships or barges
• if the floating storages were used

The ship-to-ship can be done by floating cranes, continuous type floating transloaders, or by ship’s cranes. Transshipment areas or anchorages can be of in-port, inland, or open-sea type. The last is located in bays and open sea areas. They are especially susceptible to wave effects and require the use of special transshipment equipment designed to operate in more severe conditions.

It is necessary to find an appropriate place, including an analysis of such factors as depth, holding force of the soil, area sufficient for safe anchoring and maneuvers, wind and wave characteristics of the site to develop an afloat transshipment area. If a safe anchorage already exists at the required place, then to start cargo handling operations on it the additional checks shall be made to ensure a satisfying holding force of the soil to keep the seagoing vessel with moored floating crane and barge on anchor. Also, in some cases, it is required to perform an underwater bottom survey and install additional aids of navigation. If the area is limited and not enough for the free rotation of the vessel at anchor downwind, the floating mooring bollards shall be installed to keep the fixed heading of the vessel.

Depending on the location and purpose of the transshipment anchorage and depending on the legislation of a particular country, the package of required permits and documentation is significantly different. These may be environmental impact analysis, approved transshipment technologies, permissions from the Harbor Master's and vessel traffic regulation services, the opening of customs and emigration control points, and more.

If you have a need to arrange the ship-to-ship transshipment of goods, both in the port and at open sea, please contact us, and we will help you comprehensively solve this issue or assist in any of its topics:

• performance of surveys for the opening of the transshipment anchorage area
• fulfillment of the necessary justifications and obtaining permits
• selection and purchase of the necessary floating transloaders
• provision of experienced staff and assistance in the startup of transshipment services