This method of transportation relies on vessels with ramps for loading and discharging (Roll-on/Roll-off, Ro/Ro). Since most Ro/Ro vessels are designed to carry cars and trucks, there are limits to the height of cargo. However, even when they are on a trailer, many boats and yachts remain below the maximum height of five to six meters. The Ro/Ro method suits boats and yachts of up to 60 feet in length.

Liner services of container shipping companies are cost-effective and allow for weekly departures to all parts of the world. In order to be able to transport yachts on container vessels, the boats are secured in so-called flat racks. The racks have the footprint of a container, but they are able to carry out of gauge (OOG) cargo. This method of transportation is suited for motor and sailing yachts up to a length of 45 feet.

The abbreviation Lo/Lo stands for Lift on/Lift off: The yacht is lifted out of the water with the help of cranes and then placed on deck of the cargo vessels, where it is carefully secured. For yachts over 60 feet, this is the best method of transportation. Since Global Boat Shipping is a member of EMS-Fehn-Group, we have direct access to our own fleet of seagoing vessels, which are perfectly suited for Lo/Lo transports. In addition, we collaborate with renowned heavy lift shipping companies.

In case of the Flo/Flo method, the yachts are transported by special submersible vessels that lower themselves for loading operations. Once the loading deck is underneath the surface, the yacht can sail into the dock ship all by itself. Hence the name of this method of transportation: Flo/Flo stands for Float on/Float off. Once the yacht is in place, the ballast tanks of the dock ship are emptied. The vessel rises out of the water, and the yacht stands – carefully secured – on deck. For the unloading, the dock ship submerges again – and the yacht can leave it on its own keel.

Smaller boats can be safely and cost-effectively transported in containers. Special equipment is used to carefully stow them in the boxes. Transit times are brief on most of the routes of container shipping companies. In addition, there are weekly departures. The containers have room for boats of up to 45 feet in length and 8,6 feet in width. Depending on their size, even several boats will find place in one container.

B/B stands for break bulk. The yachts are placed and thoroughly secured between other pieces of cargo aboard of vessels of container and break bulk shipping companies. This method of transportation suits boats and yachts between 40 and 70 feet.