<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>

<!--XBRL Document Created with the Workiva Platform-->
<!--Copyright 2026 Workiva-->
<!--r:019e3a91-91f3-7e21-8abf-0b85ba82e6d2,g:24a24cdd-0f44-45c7-a3f9-fa5dc7ccf87d-->
<xs:schema xmlns:xs="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:sfl="http://www.sflcorp.com/20260630" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" xmlns:dtr-types="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2024-01-31" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" attributeFormDefault="unqualified" elementFormDefault="qualified" targetNamespace="http://www.sflcorp.com/20260630">
  <xs:import namespace="http://fasb.org/srt/2025" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2025/elts/srt-2025.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2025" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2025/elts/us-gaap-2025.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-instance-2003-12-31.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2024-01-31" schemaLocation="https://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2024-01-31/types.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2025" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2025/dei-2025.xsd"/>
  <xs:annotation>
    <xs:appinfo>
      <link:linkbaseRef xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="sfl-20260630_pre.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple"/>
      <link:linkbaseRef xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="sfl-20260630_def.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/definitionLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple"/>
      <link:linkbaseRef xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="sfl-20260630_lab.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/labelLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple"/>
      <link:linkbaseRef xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="sfl-20260630_cal.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/calculationLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple"/>
      <link:roleType id="Cover" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/Cover">
        <link:definition>0000001 - Document - Cover</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="UNAUDITEDCONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFOPERATIONS" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/UNAUDITEDCONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFOPERATIONS">
        <link:definition>9952151 - Statement - UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="UNAUDITEDCONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCOMPREHENSIVEINCOMELOSS" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/UNAUDITEDCONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCOMPREHENSIVEINCOMELOSS">
        <link:definition>9952152 - Statement - UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="UNAUDITEDCONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDBALANCESHEETS" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/UNAUDITEDCONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDBALANCESHEETS">
        <link:definition>9952153 - Statement - UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="UNAUDITEDCONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCASHFLOWS" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/UNAUDITEDCONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCASHFLOWS">
        <link:definition>9952154 - Statement - UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="UNAUDITEDCONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCHANGESINSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITY" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/UNAUDITEDCONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCHANGESINSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITY">
        <link:definition>9952155 - Statement - UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="UNAUDITEDCONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCHANGESINSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITYParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/UNAUDITEDCONDENSEDCONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTSOFCHANGESINSTOCKHOLDERSEQUITYParenthetical">
        <link:definition>9952156 - Statement - UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - Parenthetical</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="INTERIMFINANCIALINFORMATION" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/INTERIMFINANCIALINFORMATION">
        <link:definition>9952157 - Disclosure - INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="GAINONSALEOFVESSELS" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/GAINONSALEOFVESSELS">
        <link:definition>9952158 - Disclosure - GAIN ON SALE OF VESSELS</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="EARNINGSLOSSPERSHARE" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/EARNINGSLOSSPERSHARE">
        <link:definition>9952159 - Disclosure - EARNINGS/(LOSS) PER SHARE</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OTHERFINANCIALITEMS" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/OTHERFINANCIALITEMS">
        <link:definition>9952160 - Disclosure - OTHER FINANCIAL ITEMS</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="INVESTMENTSINDEBTANDEQUITYSECURITIES" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/INVESTMENTSINDEBTANDEQUITYSECURITIES">
        <link:definition>9952161 - Disclosure - INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="VESSELSRIGSANDEQUIPMENTNET" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/VESSELSRIGSANDEQUIPMENTNET">
        <link:definition>9952162 - Disclosure - VESSELS, RIGS AND EQUIPMENT, NET</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CAPITALIMPROVEMENTSINPROGRESSANDNEWBUILDINGS" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/CAPITALIMPROVEMENTSINPROGRESSANDNEWBUILDINGS">
        <link:definition>9952163 - Disclosure - CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS IN PROGRESS AND NEWBUILDINGS</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SHORTTERMANDLONGTERMDEBT" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/SHORTTERMANDLONGTERMDEBT">
        <link:definition>9952164 - Disclosure - SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FINANCIALINSTRUMENTS" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/FINANCIALINSTRUMENTS">
        <link:definition>9952165 - Disclosure - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SHARECAPITALADDITIONALPAIDINCAPITALANDCONTRIBUTEDSURPLUS" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/SHARECAPITALADDITIONALPAIDINCAPITALANDCONTRIBUTEDSURPLUS">
        <link:definition>9952166 - Disclosure - SHARE CAPITAL, ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL AND CONTRIBUTED SURPLUS</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SHAREOPTIONPLAN" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/SHAREOPTIONPLAN">
        <link:definition>9952167 - Disclosure - SHARE OPTION PLAN</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RELATEDPARTYTRANSACTIONS" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/RELATEDPARTYTRANSACTIONS">
        <link:definition>9952168 - Disclosure - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="COMMITMENTSANDCONTINGENTLIABILITIES" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/COMMITMENTSANDCONTINGENTLIABILITIES">
        <link:definition>9952169 - Disclosure - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SUBSEQUENTEVENTS" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/SUBSEQUENTEVENTS">
        <link:definition>9952170 - Disclosure - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="INTERIMFINANCIALINFORMATIONPolicies" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/INTERIMFINANCIALINFORMATIONPolicies">
        <link:definition>9955511 - Disclosure - INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Policies)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="GAINONSALEOFVESSELSTables" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/GAINONSALEOFVESSELSTables">
        <link:definition>9955512 - Disclosure - GAIN ON SALE OF VESSELS (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="EARNINGSLOSSPERSHARETables" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/EARNINGSLOSSPERSHARETables">
        <link:definition>9955513 - Disclosure - EARNINGS/(LOSS) PER SHARE (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OTHERFINANCIALITEMSTables" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/OTHERFINANCIALITEMSTables">
        <link:definition>9955514 - Disclosure - OTHER FINANCIAL ITEMS (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="VESSELSRIGSANDEQUIPMENTNETTables" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/VESSELSRIGSANDEQUIPMENTNETTables">
        <link:definition>9955515 - Disclosure - VESSELS, RIGS, AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CAPITALIMPROVEMENTSINPROGRESSANDNEWBUILDINGSTables" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/CAPITALIMPROVEMENTSINPROGRESSANDNEWBUILDINGSTables">
        <link:definition>9955516 - Disclosure - CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS IN PROGRESS AND NEWBUILDINGS (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SHORTTERMANDLONGTERMDEBTTables" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/SHORTTERMANDLONGTERMDEBTTables">
        <link:definition>9955517 - Disclosure - SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FINANCIALINSTRUMENTSTables" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/FINANCIALINSTRUMENTSTables">
        <link:definition>9955518 - Disclosure - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SHARECAPITALADDITIONALPAIDINCAPITALANDCONTRIBUTEDSURPLUSTables" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/SHARECAPITALADDITIONALPAIDINCAPITALANDCONTRIBUTEDSURPLUSTables">
        <link:definition>9955519 - Disclosure - SHARE CAPITAL, ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL AND CONTRIBUTED SURPLUS (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RELATEDPARTYTRANSACTIONSTables" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/RELATEDPARTYTRANSACTIONSTables">
        <link:definition>9955520 - Disclosure - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="COMMITMENTSANDCONTINGENTLIABILITIESTables" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/COMMITMENTSANDCONTINGENTLIABILITIESTables">
        <link:definition>9955521 - Disclosure - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="INTERIMFINANCIALDATANarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/INTERIMFINANCIALDATANarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>9955522 - Disclosure - INTERIM FINANCIAL DATA - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="GAINONSALEOFVESSELSRealizedGainLossonDisposalofAssetsandTerminationofVesselsDetails" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/GAINONSALEOFVESSELSRealizedGainLossonDisposalofAssetsandTerminationofVesselsDetails">
        <link:definition>9955523 - Disclosure - GAIN ON SALE OF VESSELS - (Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Assets and Termination of Vessels) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="EARNINGSLOSSPERSHAREComponentsofEPSDetails" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/EARNINGSLOSSPERSHAREComponentsofEPSDetails">
        <link:definition>9955524 - Disclosure - EARNINGS/(LOSS) PER SHARE (Components of EPS) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OTHERFINANCIALITEMSSummaryofOtherFinancialItemsDetails" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/OTHERFINANCIALITEMSSummaryofOtherFinancialItemsDetails">
        <link:definition>9955525 - Disclosure - OTHER FINANCIAL ITEMS (Summary of Other Financial Items) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OTHERFINANCIALITEMSNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/OTHERFINANCIALITEMSNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>9955526 - Disclosure - OTHER FINANCIAL ITEMS (Narrative) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="INVESTMENTSINDEBTANDEQUITYSECURITIESNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/INVESTMENTSINDEBTANDEQUITYSECURITIESNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>9955527 - Disclosure - INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES (Narrative) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="VESSELSRIGSANDEQUIPMENTNETSummaryofVesselsandEquipmentNetDetails" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/VESSELSRIGSANDEQUIPMENTNETSummaryofVesselsandEquipmentNetDetails">
        <link:definition>9955528 - Disclosure - VESSELS, RIGS AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Summary of Vessels and Equipment, Net) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="VESSELSRIGSANDEQUIPMENTNETNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/VESSELSRIGSANDEQUIPMENTNETNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>9955529 - Disclosure - VESSELS, RIGS AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Narrative) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CAPITALIMPROVEMENTSINPROGRESSANDNEWBUILDINGSScheduleofCapitalImprovementsNewbuildingsandVesselPurchaseDepositsDetails" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/CAPITALIMPROVEMENTSINPROGRESSANDNEWBUILDINGSScheduleofCapitalImprovementsNewbuildingsandVesselPurchaseDepositsDetails">
        <link:definition>9955530 - Disclosure - CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS IN PROGRESS AND NEWBUILDINGS (Schedule of Capital Improvements, Newbuildings and Vessel Purchase Deposits) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CAPITALIMPROVEMENTSINPROGRESSANDNEWBUILDINGSNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/CAPITALIMPROVEMENTSINPROGRESSANDNEWBUILDINGSNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>9955531 - Disclosure - CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS IN PROGRESS AND NEWBUILDINGS (Narrative) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SHORTTERMANDLONGTERMDEBTSummaryofLongTermDebtDetails" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/SHORTTERMANDLONGTERMDEBTSummaryofLongTermDebtDetails">
        <link:definition>9955532 - Disclosure - SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT (Summary of Long-Term Debt) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SHORTTERMANDLONGTERMDEBTNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/SHORTTERMANDLONGTERMDEBTNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>9955533 - Disclosure - SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT (Narrative) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SHORTTERMANDLONGTERMDEBTInterestRateInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/SHORTTERMANDLONGTERMDEBTInterestRateInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>9955534 - Disclosure - SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT (Interest Rate Information) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SHORTTERMANDLONGTERMDEBTUSFloatingRateDetails" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/SHORTTERMANDLONGTERMDEBTUSFloatingRateDetails">
        <link:definition>9955535 - Disclosure - SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT (US Floating Rate) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SHORTTERMANDLONGTERMDEBTLeaseDebtFinancingFacilitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/SHORTTERMANDLONGTERMDEBTLeaseDebtFinancingFacilitiesDetails">
        <link:definition>9955536 - Disclosure - SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT (Lease Debt Financing Facilities) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FINANCIALINSTRUMENTSScheduleofFairValuesofDerivativeInstrumentsDesignatedandNotDesignatedasCashFlowHedgesDetails" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/FINANCIALINSTRUMENTSScheduleofFairValuesofDerivativeInstrumentsDesignatedandNotDesignatedasCashFlowHedgesDetails">
        <link:definition>9955537 - Disclosure - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Schedule of Fair Values of Derivative Instruments Designated and Not Designated as Cash Flow Hedges) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FINANCIALINSTRUMENTSMovementsintheConsolidatedStatementofOperationsDetails" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/FINANCIALINSTRUMENTSMovementsintheConsolidatedStatementofOperationsDetails">
        <link:definition>9955538 - Disclosure - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Movements in the Consolidated Statement of Operations) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FINANCIALINSTRUMENTSNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/FINANCIALINSTRUMENTSNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>9955539 - Disclosure - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Narrative) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FINANCIALINSTRUMENTSScheduleofCarryingValueandEstimatedFairValueofFinancialAssetsandLiabilitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/FINANCIALINSTRUMENTSScheduleofCarryingValueandEstimatedFairValueofFinancialAssetsandLiabilitiesDetails">
        <link:definition>9955540 - Disclosure - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Schedule of Carrying Value and Estimated Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SHARECAPITALADDITIONALPAIDINCAPITALANDCONTRIBUTEDSURPLUSSummaryofShareCapitalDetails" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/SHARECAPITALADDITIONALPAIDINCAPITALANDCONTRIBUTEDSURPLUSSummaryofShareCapitalDetails">
        <link:definition>9955541 - Disclosure - SHARE CAPITAL, ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL AND CONTRIBUTED SURPLUS (Summary of Share Capital) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SHARECAPITALADDITIONALPAIDINCAPITALANDCONTRIBUTEDSURPLUSNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/SHARECAPITALADDITIONALPAIDINCAPITALANDCONTRIBUTEDSURPLUSNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>9955542 - Disclosure - SHARE CAPITAL, ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL AND CONTRIBUTED SURPLUS (Narrative) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SHAREOPTIONPLANDetails" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/SHAREOPTIONPLANDetails">
        <link:definition>9955543 - Disclosure - SHARE OPTION PLAN (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RELATEDPARTYTRANSACTIONSScheduleofAmountsDuefromandtoRelatedPartiesExcludingDirectFinancingLeaseBalancesDetails" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/RELATEDPARTYTRANSACTIONSScheduleofAmountsDuefromandtoRelatedPartiesExcludingDirectFinancingLeaseBalancesDetails">
        <link:definition>9955544 - Disclosure - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Schedule of Amounts Due from and to Related Parties, Excluding Direct Financing Lease Balances) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RELATEDPARTYTRANSACTIONSNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/RELATEDPARTYTRANSACTIONSNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>9955545 - Disclosure - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Narrative) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="COMMITMENTSANDCONTINGENTLIABILITIESAssetsPledgedDetails" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/COMMITMENTSANDCONTINGENTLIABILITIESAssetsPledgedDetails">
        <link:definition>9955546 - Disclosure - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Assets Pledged) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="COMMITMENTSANDCONTINGENTLIABILITIESNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/COMMITMENTSANDCONTINGENTLIABILITIESNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>9955547 - Disclosure - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Narrative) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SUBSEQUENTEVENTSDetails" roleURI="http://www.sflcorp.com/role/SUBSEQUENTEVENTSDetails">
        <link:definition>9955548 - Disclosure - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
    </xs:appinfo>
  </xs:annotation>
  <xs:element id="sfl_TimeCharterRevenues" abstract="false" name="TimeCharterRevenues" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_VoyageCharterAndPoolRevenues" abstract="false" name="VoyageCharterAndPoolRevenues" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_DrillingContractRevenues" abstract="false" name="DrillingContractRevenues" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_ProfitSharingRevenues" abstract="false" name="ProfitSharingRevenues" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_ShipAndRigOperatingExpenses" abstract="false" name="ShipAndRigOperatingExpenses" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_AdministrativeExpenses" abstract="false" name="AdministrativeExpenses" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_InterestIncomeWhichAreDerivedFromLoansToAssociates" abstract="false" name="InterestIncomeWhichAreDerivedFromLoansToAssociates" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentOther" abstract="false" name="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentOther" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_VesselsRigsAndEquipmentNet" abstract="false" name="VesselsRigsAndEquipmentNet" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_CapitalImprovementsNewbuildingsAndVesselPurchaseDeposits" abstract="false" name="CapitalImprovementsNewbuildingsAndVesselPurchaseDeposits" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_ShortTermDebtAndLongTermDebtCurrentMaturities" abstract="false" name="ShortTermDebtAndLongTermDebtCurrentMaturities" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_AmortizationOfCharterRelatedDeferredAssetAndStraightLiningOfOperatingLeases" abstract="false" name="AmortizationOfCharterRelatedDeferredAssetAndStraightLiningOfOperatingLeases" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_CapitalizedLeaseDebtFinancingInterestOperatingActivities" abstract="false" name="CapitalizedLeaseDebtFinancingInterestOperatingActivities" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_PurchaseOfVesselsCapitalImprovementsNewbuildingsAndDeposits" abstract="false" name="PurchaseOfVesselsCapitalImprovementsNewbuildingsAndDeposits" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_CashElementOfProceedsFromPaymentsOfSaleOfVessels" abstract="false" name="CashElementOfProceedsFromPaymentsOfSaleOfVessels" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherInvestments" abstract="false" name="ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherInvestments" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_RepaymentsOfShortTermAndLongTermDebt" abstract="false" name="RepaymentsOfShortTermAndLongTermDebt" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesCancelled" abstract="false" name="StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesCancelled" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_INTERIMFINANCIALDATAAbstract" abstract="true" name="INTERIMFINANCIALDATAAbstract" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_GainOnSaleOfAssetsAndTerminationOfChartersTextBlock" abstract="false" name="GainOnSaleOfAssetsAndTerminationOfChartersTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_OtherFinancialItemsAbstract" abstract="true" name="OtherFinancialItemsAbstract" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_CapitalImprovementsNewbuildingsAndVesselPurchaseDepositsTextBlockTextBlock" abstract="false" name="CapitalImprovementsNewbuildingsAndVesselPurchaseDepositsTextBlockTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_RealizedGainLossOnDisposalOfAssetsAndTerminationOfVesselsTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="RealizedGainLossOnDisposalOfAssetsAndTerminationOfVesselsTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_ScheduleofOtherFinancialItemsnetTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleofOtherFinancialItemsnetTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_VesselsAndEquipmentTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="VesselsAndEquipmentTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_ScheduleOfCapitalImprovementsNewbuildingsAndVesselPurchaseDepositsTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleOfCapitalImprovementsNewbuildingsAndVesselPurchaseDepositsTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_InterestRateInformationTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="InterestRateInformationTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_FloatingRateDebtNewFacilitiesAndRedemptionsTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="FloatingRateDebtNewFacilitiesAndRedemptionsTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_ScheduleOfLeaseDebtFinancingFacilitiesOutstandingTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleOfLeaseDebtFinancingFacilitiesOutstandingTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsAmountsDueFromAndDueToRelatedPartiesTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsAmountsDueFromAndDueToRelatedPartiesTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_ScheduleOfAssetsPledgedTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleOfAssetsPledgedTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_OtherIncomeAndExpensesTable" abstract="true" name="OtherIncomeAndExpensesTable" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_ContainerVesselMember" abstract="true" name="ContainerVesselMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_SFLThelonMember" abstract="true" name="SFLThelonMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_AsianAceMember" abstract="true" name="AsianAceMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_SFLYukonMember" abstract="true" name="SFLYukonMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_OtherIncomeAndExpensesLineItems" abstract="true" name="OtherIncomeAndExpensesLineItems" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_NetSalesProceedsFromSaleOfVessels" abstract="false" name="NetSalesProceedsFromSaleOfVessels" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_NumberOfVesselsSoldUnderFinanceLease" abstract="false" name="NumberOfVesselsSoldUnderFinanceLease" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_SeniorUnsecuredConvertibleBondsDue2021Member" abstract="true" name="SeniorUnsecuredConvertibleBondsDue2021Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_SeniorUnsecuredConvertibleBondsDue2023Member" abstract="true" name="SeniorUnsecuredConvertibleBondsDue2023Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_BasicEarningsLossPerShareAbstract" abstract="true" name="BasicEarningsLossPerShareAbstract" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_OwnShareLendingArrangementSharesTotalIssuedUnderAllShareLendingArrangement" abstract="false" name="OwnShareLendingArrangementSharesTotalIssuedUnderAllShareLendingArrangement" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_AllowanceForExpectedCreditLossesIncomeAndLoss" abstract="false" name="AllowanceForExpectedCreditLossesIncomeAndLoss" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_OtherItemsSundryIncomeOrExpense" abstract="false" name="OtherItemsSundryIncomeOrExpense" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_CommonStockNorAmDrillingMember" abstract="true" name="CommonStockNorAmDrillingMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_VesselsRigsAndEquipmentMember" abstract="true" name="VesselsRigsAndEquipmentMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_VesselsRigsAndEquipmentCapitalUpgradesMember" abstract="true" name="VesselsRigsAndEquipmentCapitalUpgradesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_VesselsRigsAndEquipmentSpecialPeriodicSurveyMember" abstract="true" name="VesselsRigsAndEquipmentSpecialPeriodicSurveyMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_VesselTypeAxis" abstract="true" name="VesselTypeAxis" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_VesselTypeDomain" abstract="true" name="VesselTypeDomain" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_ChemicalTankersMember" abstract="true" name="ChemicalTankersMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_CarCarrierMember" abstract="true" name="CarCarrierMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_SuezmaxVesselsMember" abstract="true" name="SuezmaxVesselsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_DryBulkVesselsMember" abstract="true" name="DryBulkVesselsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentCapitalUpgrades" abstract="false" name="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentCapitalUpgrades" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_NumberOfVesselsBeingUpgraded" abstract="false" name="NumberOfVesselsBeingUpgraded" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_NumberOfTankersBeingUpgraded" abstract="false" name="NumberOfTankersBeingUpgraded" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_NumberOfRigs" abstract="false" name="NumberOfRigs" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_NumberOfCarriersBeingUpgraded" abstract="false" name="NumberOfCarriersBeingUpgraded" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_NumberOfTankersSold" abstract="false" name="NumberOfTankersSold" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_NumberOfContainerVesselsSold" abstract="false" name="NumberOfContainerVesselsSold" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_NumberOfDryBulkVesselsSold" abstract="false" name="NumberOfDryBulkVesselsSold" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_CapitalImprovementsInProgress" abstract="false" name="CapitalImprovementsInProgress" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_NewbuildingCosts" abstract="false" name="NewbuildingCosts" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_NumberOfContainerVesselsUnderConstruction" abstract="false" name="NumberOfContainerVesselsUnderConstruction" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_NumberOfCarriersUnderConstruction" abstract="false" name="NumberOfCarriersUnderConstruction" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_A725SeniorUnsecuredSustainabilityLinkedBondsDue2026Member" abstract="true" name="A725SeniorUnsecuredSustainabilityLinkedBondsDue2026Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_USDollarDenominatedFixedRateDebtDue2026Member" abstract="true" name="USDollarDenominatedFixedRateDebtDue2026Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_A8.875SeniorUnsecuredSustainabilityLinkedBondsDue2027Member" abstract="true" name="A8.875SeniorUnsecuredSustainabilityLinkedBondsDue2027Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_A8.25SeniorUnsecuredSustainabilityLinkedBondsDue2028Member" abstract="true" name="A8.25SeniorUnsecuredSustainabilityLinkedBondsDue2028Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_NOK750MillionSeniorUnsecuredFloatingRateBondsDue2029Member" abstract="true" name="NOK750MillionSeniorUnsecuredFloatingRateBondsDue2029Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_A7.75SeniorUnsecuredSustainabilityLinkedBondsDue2030Member" abstract="true" name="A7.75SeniorUnsecuredSustainabilityLinkedBondsDue2030Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_FloatingRateDebtMember" abstract="true" name="FloatingRateDebtMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_LeaseDebtFinancingMember" abstract="true" name="LeaseDebtFinancingMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_LongTermDebtFloatingInterestRate" abstract="false" name="LongTermDebtFloatingInterestRate" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_A150MillionRevolvingCreditFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="A150MillionRevolvingCreditFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_UnsecuredFixedRateBondsPrincipalAmountsResold" abstract="false" name="UnsecuredFixedRateBondsPrincipalAmountsResold" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_FixedRateDebtMember" abstract="true" name="FixedRateDebtMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSOFRClosingRate" abstract="false" name="SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSOFRClosingRate" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_EffectiveFederalFundsRateEEFRClosingRate" abstract="false" name="EffectiveFederalFundsRateEEFRClosingRate" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:pureItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_ThreeMonthNorwegianKronerNiborRate" abstract="false" name="ThreeMonthNorwegianKronerNiborRate" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_A35MillionTermLoanFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="A35MillionTermLoanFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_A107.3MillionTermLoanFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="A107.3MillionTermLoanFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_A100MillionTermLoanFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="A100MillionTermLoanFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_A144.6MillionTermLoanFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="A144.6MillionTermLoanFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_A60MillionLoanFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="A60MillionLoanFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_A79.8MillionTermLoanFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="A79.8MillionTermLoanFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_A163.8MillionTermLoanFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="A163.8MillionTermLoanFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_A150MillionTermLoanFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="A150MillionTermLoanFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_A226MillionTermLoanFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="A226MillionTermLoanFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_A235MillionTermLoanFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="A235MillionTermLoanFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_A81.6MillionTermLoanFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="A81.6MillionTermLoanFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_A100MillionRevolvingCreditFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="A100MillionRevolvingCreditFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_U.S.DollarFloatingRateMember" abstract="true" name="U.S.DollarFloatingRateMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_A60MillionReverseStockLoanFacilityMember" abstract="true" name="A60MillionReverseStockLoanFacilityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_NumberOfWhollyOwnedSubsidiariesOfCompanyThatEnteredIntoLoanFacilityAgreement" abstract="false" name="NumberOfWhollyOwnedSubsidiariesOfCompanyThatEnteredIntoLoanFacilityAgreement" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_A65MillionLeaseDebtFinancing1Member" abstract="true" name="A65MillionLeaseDebtFinancing1Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_A65MillionLeaseDebtFinancing2Member" abstract="true" name="A65MillionLeaseDebtFinancing2Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_A120MillionLeaseDebtFinancing1Member" abstract="true" name="A120MillionLeaseDebtFinancing1Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_A120MillionLeaseDebtFinancing2Member" abstract="true" name="A120MillionLeaseDebtFinancing2Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_A45MillionLeaseDebtFinancingMember" abstract="true" name="A45MillionLeaseDebtFinancingMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_A38.5MillionLeaseDebtFinancingMember" abstract="true" name="A38.5MillionLeaseDebtFinancingMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_A72.2MillionLeaseDebtFinancing1Member" abstract="true" name="A72.2MillionLeaseDebtFinancing1Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_A72.2MillionLeaseDebtFinancing2Member" abstract="true" name="A72.2MillionLeaseDebtFinancing2Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_A77.5MillionLeaseDebtFinancing1Member" abstract="true" name="A77.5MillionLeaseDebtFinancing1Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_A77.5MillionLeaseDebtFinancing2Member" abstract="true" name="A77.5MillionLeaseDebtFinancing2Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_A37MillionLeaseDebtFinancingMember" abstract="true" name="A37MillionLeaseDebtFinancingMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_A43MillionLeaseDebtFinancingMember" abstract="true" name="A43MillionLeaseDebtFinancingMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_A40.5MillionLeaseDebtFinancingMember" abstract="true" name="A40.5MillionLeaseDebtFinancingMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_SalesPriceOfVessel" abstract="false" name="SalesPriceOfVessel" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_TermOfLeaseOrCharter" abstract="false" name="TermOfLeaseOrCharter" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossDueToCashMovementAndSettlement" abstract="false" name="DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossDueToCashMovementAndSettlement" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_CrossCurrencyContractMember" abstract="true" name="CrossCurrencyContractMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_FinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" abstract="true" name="FinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_FinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" abstract="true" name="FinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_NonDerivativesAbstract" abstract="true" name="NonDerivativesAbstract" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_DerivativesAbstract" abstract="true" name="DerivativesAbstract" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_SwapContractsLongTermPayablesFairValueDisclosure" abstract="false" name="SwapContractsLongTermPayablesFairValueDisclosure" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_AuthorizedCommonStockValue" abstract="false" name="AuthorizedCommonStockValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_DripArrangementMember" abstract="true" name="DripArrangementMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_SharesIssuedPremiumOnIssuance" abstract="false" name="SharesIssuedPremiumOnIssuance" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_RiverBoxHoldingIncMember" abstract="true" name="RiverBoxHoldingIncMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_FrontlineLtdMember" abstract="true" name="FrontlineLtdMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_SeatankersMember" abstract="true" name="SeatankersMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_FrontOceanMember" abstract="true" name="FrontOceanMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_ParatusMember" abstract="true" name="ParatusMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_NorthernOceanOperationsLtd.Member" abstract="true" name="NorthernOceanOperationsLtd.Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_NorAmDrillingMember" abstract="true" name="NorAmDrillingMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_OtherRelatedPartiesMember" abstract="true" name="OtherRelatedPartiesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_FrontlineCharterersMember" abstract="true" name="FrontlineCharterersMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_AmountsDueFromAndToRelatedPartiesAbstract" abstract="true" name="AmountsDueFromAndToRelatedPartiesAbstract" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_GoldenOceanMember" abstract="true" name="GoldenOceanMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_NorthernOceanMember" abstract="true" name="NorthernOceanMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_LessorNumberOfLeasedVessels" abstract="false" name="LessorNumberOfLeasedVessels" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_VesselManagementFeesToRelatedParties" abstract="false" name="VesselManagementFeesToRelatedParties" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_PurchaseOptionsExercisedNumberOfLeasedVessels" abstract="false" name="PurchaseOptionsExercisedNumberOfLeasedVessels" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_PurchaseOptionsExercisedAggregateAmount" abstract="false" name="PurchaseOptionsExercisedAggregateAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_NotesReceivablesFromRelatedPartiesInterestRate" abstract="false" name="NotesReceivablesFromRelatedPartiesInterestRate" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_NotesReceivablesFromRelatedPartiesTerm" abstract="false" name="NotesReceivablesFromRelatedPartiesTerm" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_ManagementFeePercentage" abstract="false" name="ManagementFeePercentage" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_NumberOfSuezmaxTankersOperatingInTheSpotMarketForWhichCompanyPaysManagementFee" abstract="false" name="NumberOfSuezmaxTankersOperatingInTheSpotMarketForWhichCompanyPaysManagementFee" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_DividendIncomeFromRelatedParties" abstract="false" name="DividendIncomeFromRelatedParties" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_NewbuildingDualFuelContainerVesselsMember" abstract="true" name="NewbuildingDualFuelContainerVesselsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_NewbuildingDualFuel7000CEUCarCarrierMember" abstract="true" name="NewbuildingDualFuel7000CEUCarCarrierMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_ContainerVesselsAndCarCarriersMember" abstract="true" name="ContainerVesselsAndCarCarriersMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_InstallationOfOptimizationUpgradesMember" abstract="true" name="InstallationOfOptimizationUpgradesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_CapitalUpgradesMember" abstract="true" name="CapitalUpgradesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_ContainerVesselsMember" abstract="true" name="ContainerVesselsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_SeadrillMember" abstract="true" name="SeadrillMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_NumberOfContainerVessels" abstract="false" name="NumberOfContainerVessels" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_NumberOfDualFuelCarCarriers" abstract="false" name="NumberOfDualFuelCarCarriers" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_DividendReinvestmentPlanDripMember" abstract="true" name="DividendReinvestmentPlanDripMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_NumberOfNewbuildCarCarriers" abstract="false" name="NumberOfNewbuildCarCarriers" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_NumberOfNewbuildCarCarriersLongTermCharters" abstract="false" name="NumberOfNewbuildCarCarriersLongTermCharters" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="sfl_NumberOfNewbuildCarCarriersNotYetChartered" abstract="false" name="NumberOfNewbuildCarCarriersNotYetChartered" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
</xs:schema>
