Abstract: A composite crane is disclosed which may be used to enable cargo handling at sea to move cargo from one ship to another ship. The composite crane may comprise a micro crane assembly, adapted to control motion of a lifting device; a macro crane assembly adapted to be in communication with and control motion of the micro crane; and a controller, operatively in communication with at least one of (i) the micro crane assembly or (ii) the macro crane assembly, the controller adapted to maintain a predetermined portion of the composite crane in a substantially steady state relative to inertial space. Using a control algorithm accessible to the controller, the controller may maintain a support platform for the micro crane assembly in a substantially steady state relative to inertial space or moving to compensate for some of the movement of the target platform.