STS Marine Solutions expands support for cleaner fuels
Posted on 01 October 2026
Whether it’s oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG) or cleaner fuels, our energy infrastructure increasingly depends on the safe, reliable movement of hazardous products at sea.
For more than 40 years, STS Marine Solutions (STSMS) has helped operators move conventional oils and gases between vessels and terminals – and that same expertise is now being applied to the next generation of fuels.
Headquartered in Sunderland but operating across 24 bases worldwide, the business has built its reputation through expert marine services, including complex ship‑to‑ship transfers, LNG project support and marine consultancy.
Today, it is using that experience to support emerging energy markets, from cleaner fuels and ammonia to future carbon capture chains.
“Our role has always been to make our services safe, efficient and dependable,” said managing director Jason Hendry.
“What’s changing is the mix of products and projects we are supporting. We are using the skills we’ve developed over decades in oil and gas to help new and existing customers in their energy transition journey.”
Looking at the whole picture
Covering transfer operations, consultancy, equipment sales and wider energy sector support, STSMS can step in at any point in the project lifecycle – from early concept and risk assessment through to long‑term operations and maintenance.
One of its market-leading services remains ship‑to‑ship transfer, where oil, LNG or chemicals are moved between two vessels positioned alongside each other at sea.
These operations demand meticulous planning and an exemplary safety culture, something the company has developed through more than 1,500 LNG transfers and 10 floating storage regasification unit (FSRU) commissioning projects worldwide, laying foundations for LNG bunkering and wider floating storage support.
“We’re proud of the work we’ve done in traditional markets – it’s given us a very strong technical foundation,” said Jason.
“The same principles apply whether we’re moving crude, LNG, ammonia or other cleaner fuels: you must have the right equipment, the right people and the right procedures in place.”
Beyond transfer operations, the company delivers turnkey terminal management for LNG and oil facilities, covering security, training, utilisation and data programmes.
It also sells and maintains key items of marine equipment, including fenders and hoses, and offers specialised consultancy services that support operational strategy, risk management and marine assurance for complex projects.
“Our customers increasingly want a partner that can look at the whole picture,” Jason added.
“We can help them select equipment, design operating procedures, train teams and then manage day‑to‑day operations.
“That end‑to‑end capability is a big advantage when you’re introducing new fuels or technologies.”
Supporting evolving energy markets
With demand for cleaner energy sources rising, STSMS is focusing on how its skills can support emerging fuels across the UK and further afield.
This includes work on LNG as a transition fuel, as well as growing interest in ammonia and the infrastructure that will underpin future carbon capture projects.
“We’re seeing more enquiries around how to safely handle alternative products, including ammonia and CO₂, and manage the specific risks associated with their use,” said Jason.
“Because we’ve worked with so many different cargoes and configurations, we can advise on what works, what needs adapting and how to keep safety at the centre of any changes.”
To underpin this work, the company has introduced new regional leadership across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and North America, ensuring dedicated teams can respond to local market needs while sharing best practice across the organisation.
“Energy projects are increasingly global in scope, but they’re delivered in very specific local contexts,” Jason explained.
“Having regional leaders who understand those nuances helps us tailor our support – whether that’s around regulatory requirements, logistical challenges or simply the way people prefer to work.”
Last year, STSMS launched an industry‑first customer portal that allows clients to monitor operations in real time.
The system provides 24/7 live updates, including weather information, and offers a straightforward route for submitting quote requests and tracking activity across multiple locations.
“The portal gives customers instant visibility over what’s happening offshore,” said Jason.
“It means decision‑makers can see exactly how projects are performing and make informed choices about future investments.”
Looking ahead
As the UK accelerates its journey towards net zero and global LNG markets continue to expand, STSMS expects to play a growing role in supporting new forms of energy.
The company’s long‑standing client base is already leaning into STSMS’s expertise for guidance on how to manage operational, regulatory and geopolitical risk in cleaner fuel projects.
“Energy transition doesn’t mean leaving our heritage behind – it means building on it,” Jason concluded. “We’ll continue to deliver the safe, reliable transfer services we’re known for, supporting customers as they navigate increasing complexity in LNG and as they bring new fuels and technologies to market.
“Our aim is simple: to be the first‑choice marine partner for whatever form of energy our clients are using – today and tomorrow.”
