How to ship a yacht internationally
A complete, step-by-step guide for owners — from choosing the right transport method and preparing your yacht, to customs, costs, and what happens on loading day. Managed end-to-end by Peters & May since 1973.
Shipping a yacht internationally is a complex but well-established process — one that Peters & May has managed for private owners, race teams and marine companies since 1973. Whether you're relocating a sailing yacht to the Caribbean, moving a racing boat to a Mediterranean regatta, or shipping a motorboat across the Atlantic, this guide walks you through every step.
Choosing your transport method
There are four main methods for shipping a yacht internationally. The right choice depends on your yacht's size, beam and height, your route, and your budget. Peters & May will recommend the most appropriate method as part of your quotation.
Planning your shipment
Choosing a route & sailing schedule
Peters & May operates regular charter sailings on established trade routes. Book early — space on popular routes such as the UK–Caribbean Transatlantic fills months ahead, particularly around major events like the ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers).
For routes not covered by charter sailings, Peters & May arranges transport on regular liner services — offering flexible scheduling with frequent departures.
Timing
Most shipments can be accommodated, subject to space and documentation being in order for customs. For complex or oversized yachts, allow more lead time. Transit varies significantly by route.
Insurance
Yacht transport insurance is separate from your standard annual yacht hull policy. Peters & May participates in an open cover marine cargo insurance programme, enabling protection to be arranged for your yacht during transit.
Preparing your yacht for shipping
Proper preparation is critical for a safe transit and is a requirement of most shipping companies. Our loadmaster and technical teams provide detailed guidance as part of every shipment. Use the checklist below to track your progress.
For LoLo, Flo-Flo and flat-rack shipments the yacht must be supported on a bespoke cradle. Our in-house technical team designs and fabricates a custom steel cradle for each yacht, ensuring correct load distribution and stability throughout the voyage.
Customs & documentation
International transport involves customs compliance in both the country of departure and arrival. Peters & May has a dedicated in-house Customs Manager and team who handle requirements for clients in the UK, plus a global network of agents.
Export documentation
Departure country
- ·Bill of Lading — the primary shipping document, issued by the carrier
- ·Commercial invoice / declaration of value — the yacht's value for customs
- ·Export declaration — required for yachts leaving any country
- ·Certificate of origin — for some destinations (new boats only, for preferential duty)
- ·Registration & proof of ownership
- ·Pre-shipment survey report — for insured shipments
Import documentation
Destination country — requirements vary
- ·Import declaration
- ·Temporary admission — for yachts staying less than 18–24 months, if applicable
- ·Permanent import entry — and payment of applicable duties and taxes
- ·Phytosanitary / biosecurity inspection — Australia, New Zealand & some Pacific destinations; hull must be clean and barnacle-free
Costs: what to budget for
Costs vary considerably with yacht size, route, method and timing. The following is a general framework — Peters & May provides a tailored quote for your specific requirements.
Freight charges
The base cost of transporting the yacht by sea, calculated primarily on LOA (length overall) and beam. For liner shipments, air draft (height) is also a factor. Our all-in LoLo charter rate includes loading from water, discharge to water, professional loadmaster attendance and cradle hire — services others may charge separately.
| LOA | Beam | Indicative USD | GBP (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12m | 3.75m | $18,900 | £14,300 |
| 18m | 5.40m | $40,800 | £30,800 |
| 19m | 5.37m | $42,850 | £32,300 |
| 25m | 5.95m | $62,475 | £47,200 |
GBP figures are approximate, based on the exchange rate at time of writing. Rates are quoted in USD; the GBP equivalent is confirmed at booking. Liner service rates differ from charter rates — contact us for a tailored quote.
Not included in the charter freight rate
Marine cargo insurance for the transit is arranged by Peters & May, generally at 0.25%–0.3% of the insured value (yacht value plus freight), under our open cover programme.
Documentation, customs entry, port agency and any overland transport vary by destination. We provide a clear breakdown for your route and yacht as part of the quotation.
Timeline: what to expect
On loading day
Our loadmasters manage every aspect of the loading operation on our charter vessels. A typical charter loading day looks like this.
Loadmasters arrive at the marina or port ahead of the yacht
A pre-loading survey is conducted, documenting the yacht's condition
The yacht is moved to the crane or float-on position
The cradle is positioned and the yacht is carefully lifted or floated onto the ship
Loadmasters supervise stevedores and the ship's crew throughout
The yacht is secured and lashed to the ship's satisfaction
A loading completion report is issued
Peters & May provides live tracking and progress updates throughout the voyage, with a discharge notification issued when the yacht arrives at the destination port.
Frequently asked questions
Why choose Peters & May
Transporting yachts internationally since 1973 — over 50 years of specialist experience. With offices across Europe, the USA, the Middle East and Asia, and full-time professional loadmasters, we provide an end-to-end managed service from initial enquiry through to delivery. We are active members of the yachting community and understand the unique requirements of yachts and their owners in a way general freight companies cannot match.
Ready to move your yacht?
Tell us your yacht, your route and your timing, and our team will recommend the right method and prepare a tailored quotation.