The implementation of bulk cargo transportation through ship-to-ship transfer system can effectively reduce the construction costs of ports and waterways.The operation of ship-to-ship transfer system is affected by factors such as the ability of transfer operations,channel conditions,number of transfer ships,navigation and avoidance of transfer ships.Therefore,the reasonable number of transfer ships cannot be determined only by the calculation of standardized formulas.Based on practical engineering cases,the production operation process of the transfer system is analyzed,a simulation model for the transfer system is established,its operation process is simulated,and sensitivity research on the configuration scale of transfer ships is conducted.The results show that as the number of transfer ships increases,the average waiting time per ship increases and the average operating time decreases.In addition,the minimum number of barge configurations for different periods is determined based on meeting the demand for transportation volume.The system simulation analysis method can provide certain support for the design and subsequent operation of the transshipment system.