Superyachts are secured using custom-engineered steel cradle systems designed to match the hull’s exact specifications. Our engineering team maps the cradle’s support pillars directly to your yacht’s internal structural bulkheads and frame points to eliminate point-load stresses. Once the yacht is resting in its custom cradle, the steel framework is welded directly to the high-tensile weather deck of the transport ship, and heavy-duty, tension-monitored lashing chains are secured to robust deck D-rings.

Lift-on/Lift-off (Lo-Lo) utilizes the transport vessel’s high-capacity deck cranes or shore-based heavy-lift cranes to lift the yacht out of the water using specialized spreader bars and soft slings, placing it directly onto its deck cradles.

Float-on/Float-off (Flo-Flo) uses semi-submersible ships. The carrier submerges its cargo deck, allowing yachts to be maneuvered into place by tugs or their own power over pre-submerged cradles. Once aligned by divers, the carrier de-ballasts, raising the deck and the yachts out of the water.

We arrange bespoke marine cargo insurance policies tailored for multi-million dollar hulls, operating under All-Risks terms from prestigious international underwriting syndicates. Coverage options include “Full Cover” (typically calculated at 1.75% of the yacht’s verified valuation) which covers physical damage, theft, and total loss during transit, as well as lower-cost “Total Loss Only” options. Coverage begins the moment the loading sequence commences and remains active until final signed delivery handoff at the destination port.

No, due to international maritime safety regulations (SOLAS) and carrier liability protocols, yacht crew are strictly prohibited from living or staying on board the yacht while the transport vessel is underway. The yacht must be locked and secured. However, we coordinate closely with your captain and crew so they can be present during loading operations to assist with lines and fenders, and meet the vessel at the discharge port to take immediate command upon offloading.

To ensure a safe voyage, owners and crews must complete several critical preparations: drain all holding tanks, reduce fuel levels to 10-15% of capacity, isolate batteries, and secure all interior loose items (artwork, cutlery, and electronics). On deck, bimini tops, tenders, and radars must be retracted or securely lashed. For sailing superyachts, masts may need to be unstepped depending on height clearances and the carrier deck layout. Our marine surveyors conduct a thorough pre-loading inspection to verify compliance.

International yacht transport involves complex customs frameworks. Our in-house customs brokers specialize in superyacht clearances, managing Temporary Admission (TA) procedures for yachts entering the European Union, which allows non-EU flagged vessels to cruise VAT-free for up to 18 months. We handle all export/import declarations, clearing of vessel registration documents, and coordination with local port authorities to guarantee smooth, legal transitions at every terminal.