A fuel transfer system is used for transporting spent fuel from a first room to a second room. The system includes a carriage configured for travel between the first room and the second room, and a boom assembly that extends and retracts between the first room and the second room, wherein the boom assembly facilitates travel of the carriage. The system also includes a hoist system positioned in the first room. The hoist system includes at least one boom cable interconnected with the boom assembly to extend and retract the boom assembly. The hoist system also includes at least one carriage cable interconnected with the carriage to move the carriage.