Outlook for Ship-to-Ship (STS) Operations to 2036 – James Fisher Fendercare
Company Information
James Fisher Fendercare (JF Fendercare) is a world-leading provider in ship-to-ship (STS) transfers and a major global supplier of premium quality marine equipment. We serve the global marine, energy and defence industries, with over 30 years of experience delivering marine products and expert ship-to-ship solutions.
Project Overview
James Fisher Fendercare (JFF) is a world-leading provider of ship-to-ship (STS) transfer services and marine equipment. STS transfers involve moving cargo between ships at sea, often oil, gas, or other bulk fuels. As the global shipping industry moves towards lower-carbon and alternative fuels, the demand for different types of STS operations may change.
This project explores how STS operations could develop over the next 10 years as shipping decarbonises and alternative fuels such as LNG (liquified natural gas), ammonia, and potentially methanol or hydrogen become more widely used.
Project Aim
To assess how ship-to-ship (STS) demand, operating locations, and equipment requirements may change up to 2036 as global shipping transitions towards more sustainable fuels, and to develop a practical readiness roadmap for the business.
Key Research Questions
• How might global shipping fuel use change over the next decade?
• How could this effect demand for STS transfers?
• What changes occur when cargoes shift from oil to LNG, ammonia, or other alternative fuels?
• How might transfer equipment, safety systems, and crew training need to change?
• What regulatory, insurance, and liability factors could influence STS operations?
• Where is STS growth or decline most likely, based on trade routes, energy flows, and operational conditions?
What You Will Do
• Carry out desk-based research into global shipping trends and decarbonisation policies
• Research alternative marine fuels such as LNG and ammonia
• Analyse how transfer methods, safety procedures, and equipment differ between fuel types
• Consider market drivers such as fleet renewal, sanctions, trade flows, and refinery patterns
• Examine operational realities such as weather, offshore vs port limits, and local permissions
• Discuss findings with market experts within the business
• Develop a clear, evidence-based forecast of STS demand and operating changes
• Produce a practical “readiness roadmap” identifying capability gaps, investment needs, and key risks
Science, Engineering and Technical Understanding
• Learning how marine fuel systems operate
• Understanding properties of different fuels (e.g. LNG, ammonia) and associated safety considerations
• Analysing global energy transition trends
• Linking engineering requirements to changing market demand
• Evaluating risk in complex operational environments
Planning and Organisation
You will:
• Break the project into stages (research, analysis, forecasting, roadmap development)
• Organise and record sources clearly
• Justify conclusions using evidence
• Manage your time independently
Skills Developed
• Research and data analysis
• Strategic thinking and forecasting
• Understanding global energy systems
• Risk assessment and problem solving
• Professional report writing and presentation skills
• Independent working and communication
Final Outputs
• A written report
• A forward-looking analysis of STS operations to 2036
• A practical readiness roadmap identifying capability gaps, investment needs, and risks
• A professional presentation summarising findings and recommendations
Reflection and Evaluation
Your report may include:
• What you learned about marine operations and fuel transition
• Key uncertainties or risks affecting forecasts
• How confident you are in your conclusions and why
• What you would explore further if the project continued
https://www.crestawards.org/resources/crest-gold-student-guide