It’s not every day you see a 200-foot floating mansion getting hoisted onto a heavy-lift ship. If you’ve ever wondered how to ship a superyacht across oceans without a scratch, you’re not alone. These vessels are also sometimes referred to as megayachts or even gigayachts, depending on their size, which can get massive.
The global superyacht market is booming, with the SuperYacht Times 2025 Market Report noting more than 1,000 yachts currently under construction and over 5,900 vessels measuring 30 meters or more in operation. As more owners commission builds from prestigious manufacturers like Feadship, Lürssen, Benetti, Oceanco, and Heesen, the demand for safe and reliable superyacht transport continues to rise.
At Cross Chartering Yacht Transport, this is what we do every day. We focus exclusively on yacht logistics and are the largest yacht carrier in North America. Our experienced team specializes in providing secure, efficient, and cost-effective shipping solutions tailored to each vessel, no matter where in the world it needs to go.
Why Superyacht Shipping Isn’t Like Moving a Regular Vessel
A superyacht is not just a boat; it’s a multi-million-dollar asset with a one-of-a-kind design, luxurious materials, and custom finishes throughout. That makes every detail of transport a high-stakes operation.
From oversized beams to delicate underwater lights and folding balconies, superyachts require specialized handling. The lift points, weight distribution, and hull protection need to be mapped precisely. Custom cradles are built for each yacht, and load plans are reviewed down to the centimeter.
“We treat every yacht as if it were our own,” says Paul Haber, President of Cross Chartering Yacht Transport. “There’s no margin for error when you’re lifting a 400-ton vessel out of the water and placing it on deck.”
Method to Ship a Superyacht Safely
When learning how to ship a superyacht, it’s important to understand that not all methods are the same. The approach depends on the vessel’s dimensions, engineering, and destination.
Superyachts are typically moved by us using a lift-on/lift-off method with cradle support. This best approach requires expert planning and the right equipment.
In lift-on/lift-off shipping, the yacht is lifted out of the water using shore-side cranes or ship-mounted gear and placed on a custom cradle on the deck of a transport vessel. The cradle is engineered to distribute weight safely, taking into account the yacht’s hull shape and structural points.
Choosing a Trusted Superyacht Shipping Service
Shipping a yacht of this size and value takes more than just deck space. It takes experience, precision, and a logistics team that understands what’s at stake.
Cross Chartering specializes in superyacht transport, which means every vessel gets the attention of seasoned specialists. Our team evaluates structural drawings, designs cradle solutions, and manages every aspect of the move from permits to port coordination.
We ship to and from the most popular yacht port destinations in the world, including the Mediterranean, the US West Coast, Europe, and Asia. Whether your superyacht is heading to Monaco, Fort Lauderdale, or Singapore, we have the routes and relationships to get it there safely and on schedule.
“With every project, we bring in the right people, the right ship, and the right plan,” explains Christophe Thienpont, CEO of Cross Chartering. “That’s why so many of the world’s leading brokers and captains rely on us.”
You’re in Expert Hands
For owners, brokers, and captains, knowing how to ship a superyacht comes down to one thing: trusting the right partner. It takes a dedicated superyacht shipping service that understands the nuances of each build, from the sleek lines of a Sanlorenzo to the towering profile of a Royal Huisman.
At Cross Chartering Yacht Transport, our mission is simple: make superyacht transport stress-free, safe, and predictable. With decades of experience and a global footprint, we’re ready to move your yacht wherever it needs to go.
Planning a seasonal relocation or a transoceanic move? Click here to contact our team today and let us show you how to ship a superyacht the right way.
✆+1 954‑686‑6902 ✉ inquiries@crosschartering.com
⚲ We ship globally and specialize in routes across North America, Europe, and the Caribbean.
