Ship-to-ship (STS) transfers of LNG are becoming increasingly commonplace as a more liquid marketplace develops for the LNG cargoes and the floating regasification sector expands.

However, LNG industry specialists in this area are questioning whether there is sufficient equipment in place globally to allow these operations to become more available for commercial jobs.

Providers say that while the bulk of operations are based on term business, largely relating to the operations of floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs), LNG STS transfers are also being used for a variety of other reasons.