Ship to Ship Transfer Guide for Petroleum, Chemicals and Liquefied Gases, 2nd Edition, 2025

The second edition has been fully revised and updated and contains new guidance on:

• A dedicated chapter on human factors, emphasising the importance of human performance and decision-making in STS operations. Chapter 2 introduces the concept of alternative, emerging and innovative technology in STS operations, with guidance on evaluation, implementation, and risk management
• updated protocols for personnel transfer, including best practices derived from OCIMF's 'Transfer of Personnel by Crane Between Vessels' information paper, promoting a risk-based approach to safe transfers (Chapter 5)
• enhanced guidance on STS-specific equipment, including fenders, cargo hoses, vapour hoses and mooring equipment. This includes state-of-the-art fender-sizing calculations representing current industry best practices
• consolidated cargo operations guidelines within Chapter 10, which is divided into four distinct sections: Oil, Chemicals, LPG, and LNG. All four supporting appendices from the first edition are now seamlessly integrated into the main content, offering streamlined, comprehensive reference
• revised Ship to Ship Safety Checklists aligned with ISGOTT, reflecting best practices for procedural integrity and risk mitigation. The checklists are organised into six sections, covering the entire STS operation step by step.

The Guide also outlines key operator responsibilities, including adherence to Flag State and Port State Control requirements, maintaining liability insurance, and implementing Safety Management Systems (SMS) with best practice STS Operations Plans. Additionally, it introduces terminology updates for enhanced clarity, replacing 'Mother Ship' and 'Daughter Ship' with 'Constant Heading Ship (CHS)' and 'Manoeuvring Ship (MS).'

Intended for use by ship operators, Masters, Marine Superintendents, STS service providers, local administrations and other stakeholders, the Guide serves as a benchmark for safety and compliance during both routine and emergency STS transfers. It supports the requirements of MARPOL Annex I and is recommended to be kept on board every vessel and terminal involved in STS operations.

This edition reaffirms the industry's commitment to safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible STS operations, aligning with global maritime regulations and best practices. With its standalone structure, it provides all necessary information for safe STS operations and references authoritative industry publications, ensuring operators are fully equipped to meet modern regulatory requirements.

The checklists and forms in the Appendices, including a Ship to Ship Safety Checklist, crane plan, and LNG STS compatibility questionnaire, are available in an electronic, fillable format from the OCIMF website.

About the Author

Chemical Distribution Institute (CDI) is a non-profit and non-commercial organisation funded by the chemical industry to continuously improve the safety and quality performance of marine transportation and storage of bulk liquid chemicals. CDI manage global inspection schemes, providing consistent inspection data for the international chemical industry to use in their risk assessment processes. CDI is incorporated under the law of the Netherlands as the Stichting Chemical Distribution Institute and operates from a registered office in the United Kingdom.

ICS

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is the global trade association representing national shipowners? associations from Asia, Africa, the Americas and Europe and more than 80% of the world merchant fleet. Established in 1921, ICS is concerned with all aspects of maritime affairs particularly maritime safety, environmental protection, maritime law and employment affairs. ICS enjoys consultative status with the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Labour Organization (ILO).

https://www.ics-shipping.org/about-ics/

OCIMF

The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) is a voluntary association of oil companies with an interest in the shipment and terminalling of crude oil, oil products, petrochemicals and gas. OCIMF focuses exclusively on preventing harm to people and the environment by promoting best practice in the design, construction and operation of tankers, barges and offshore vessels and their interfaces with terminals. Learn more: https://www.ocimf.org/about

SIGTTO

The Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO) is an international body established for the exchange of technical information and experience, between members of the industry, to enhance the safety and operational reliability of gas tankers and terminals.

https://www.sigtto.org/about-us/