Biofuel STS Transfer Services | James Fisher and Sons

Safe, efficient ship-to-ship transfers for emerging and low-carbon fuels

As the global energy mix shifts toward cleaner, more sustainable alternatives, James Fisher supports the transition with safe, efficient ship-to-ship (STS) transfer solutions for new and established low-carbon fuels.

Our expertise spans biofuels and LNG, supported by specialist equipment, experienced STS teams, and one of the world’s largest networks of approved transfer locations.

Whether responding to growing demand or enabling new trade routes, we provide the operational capability, safety assurance, and technical confidence required to move the fuels that will power the future.

Our team works closely with customers to fully understand their requirements allowing us to provide services tailored to their cargo needs. When regular STS operations fall outside our existing base network we strive to find safe locations, secure the necessary licences and permissions and deliver the highest standards of expertise, equipment and support.

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LNG STS operations

Alongside our new biofuel capability, James Fisher continues to lead the LNG market, delivering safe, reliable STS operations for one of the world’s most important transition fuels.

World-leading expertise supporting the sustainable energy transition

James Fisher is a global leader in liquefied natural gas (LNG) ship-to-ship transfer services, supporting customers across the entire LNG supply chain. As LNG remains a critical lower-carbon fuel supporting the shift to cleaner energy, we provide safe, efficient, and expertly managed transfer operations worldwide.

With market-leading equipment, highly trained personnel, and the largest global network of approved LNG STS locations, we deliver 24/7 operational readiness to maximise cargo efficiency and support our customers’ commercial objectives.

Specialist LNG support for developing markets and offshore projects

We also supply specialised equipment and technical services for offshore LNG developments, including FLNG, FSRU, and floating storage projects. Our marine engineering teams provide seamless support from concept through project delivery.

Experience you can trust

With over a decade of LNG import and transfer operations across multiple regions, James Fisher has supported some of the world’s most significant LNG milestones.

In 2022 alone, we successfully transferred more than 800,000m³ of LNG, including:

The first LNG STS in Brazil
The first LNG STS in Greece
The first LNG STS at Victoria Bay, Labuan, Malaysia

Ammonia as a future marine fuel

As the maritime industry accelerates toward net-zero emissions, ammonia is emerging as a promising low-carbon fuel that could transform global shipping.

Safe and efficient handling is critical to its adoption at scale. STS transfers play a pivotal role enabling flexible movement between vessels, terminals and storage facilities while maintaining operational safety. These operations require carefully engineered procedures, robust monitoring and trained personnel to mitigate risks associated with ammonia’s toxicity and volatility.

Leveraging decades of STS experience, James Fisher develops practical transfer protocols and works with customers to explore end-to-end logistics solutions, assess operational risks and support future ammonia trading. From evaluating vessel compatibility to implementing emergency response strategies, our expertise ensures ammonia can be moved safely, efficiently and reliably.

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Methanol transfers

Handling methanol requires careful planning and precise execution particularly in offshore environments where conditions can be challenging. STS transfers are a key solution enabling flexible movement between vessels and offshore facilities.

Drawing on extensive STS experience, James Fisher carries out methanol operations using the best transfer equipment in the world to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and operational excellence. Our teams plan and manage each transfer meticulously, from assessing vessel compatibility to monitoring flow rates and environmental factors.

Beyond the transfer itself we support customers with end-to-end operational planning, risk assessments and logistics coordination. This integrated approach allows operators to manage methanol supply chains efficiently, optimise schedules and overcome offshore challenges with confidence.

Biofuel STS transfers

New specialised capability to support the growth of alternative fuels

In response to increasing global demand, James Fisher has invested in dedicated equipment for the safe transfer of biofuels, strengthening the supply chain for sustainable marine fuels.

Our newly equipped biofuel transfer services are now operational and available for immediate spot operations from our established base in Nipah, Indonesia, with further regional expansion pending. This enhanced capability helps customers overcome logistical challenges as the biofuels market continues to grow.

Supporting a growing renewable fuel market

Biofuels are produced from renewable organic matter; such as waste oils and plant material, and offer a lower-carbon alternative to traditional fossil fuels. They can be blended with conventional fuels and, where infrastructure allows, used as direct replacements.

Although biofuels currently represent a small share of global consumption, technological progress, increased investment, and supportive governmental policies are driving rapid growth worldwide.