Intercargo Launches New STS Standards for Bulk Carriers

Global dry bulk carrier body Intercargo has published the world’s first dedicated ship-to-ship (STS) transfer guidelines for the dry bulk sector, entitled ‘Ship to Ship Transfer Guidelines for Bulk Carriers’.

STS transfers are an established part of dry bulk operations and growing year-on-year in areas where ports cannot accommodate the vessel size, required draft, cargo volumes or with limited infrastructure. However, bulk carriers have been carrying out STS transfers without a dedicated standard that introduce challenges such as increased operational interfaces, greater personnel involvement and less margin for error when operating conditions change.

The new guidelines from Intercargo are built around the practical realities of conducting STS operations at sea. They address planning, risk assessment, manoeuvring, fendering, cargo handling, and emergency response procedures, with practical checklists and operational responsibilities. Together, they bring a consistent framework to operations that until now have had none.

“Ship to ship transfers in dry bulk are already happening across the industry, and they are increasing. However, a published standard for dry bulk shipping wasn’t available for consistent application and safe operations. As STS becomes more widely used, we expect to see greater alignment across operators, charterers, insurers, and regulators, so that a more consistent approach becomes the norm for dry bulk operations,” said John Xylas, Chair of Intercargo.

The guidelines were unveiled to ship owners, operators and technical specialists from the dry bulk industry as part of a wider discussion on safety, security, environmental stewardship, sustainability, decarbonisation, operational standards including DryBMS, vetting issues, regional port state control requirements, and the human element in dry bulk shipping.

According to Intercargo, the STS publication was developed through the collective operational experience and technical input of shipowners, operators, marine and technical specialists throughout the sector, reflecting both operational experience and the realities crews face on the water.

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