Ship to Ship Transfer

All Ship to Ship transfers (STS Operations) conducted and performed by Shipload Maritime Pte Ltd are completed in accordance with the latest ICS/OCIMF guidelines. The STS Operations management team consists of vessel Masters, pilots and the STS Advisors.

The overall control of an STS operation lies with the Master of each vessel involved. STS Advisors are responsible for ensuring a safe and co-ordinated STS transfer. Most Ship-to-ship (STS) transfer operations are conducted in three main phases.

Approach and Mooring of the Mother and Daughter Ships

The approach phase begins when the service vessel proceeds to the general area where the mother vessel is waiting. All approaches, manoeuvring and anchoring are conducted in consultation with the POAC. All berthings and un-berthings are subject to and necessarily dependant upon the prevailing weather conditions and is at the discretion of the Marine STS Advisor and Harbour Pilot. As the mother vessel approaches the designated anchorage area she will manoeuvre to suit the local tidal conditions and drop anchor appropriately. Once the mother vessel is anchored support vessels will approach and transfer equipment, fenders and personnel. Pre-mooring, each vessel confirms that all items in the designated checklists have been checked and verified. The STS Advisor advises both Masters of the mooring arrangements to be used based on the vessel size. The daughter ship approaches the mother vessel and manoeuvres alongside with tug assistance.

The Transfer Phase

The overall control and charge of operations is maintained by the Captain of the Mother Ship. The POAC oversees the transfer. The transfer is managed by tanker staff. Pre-transfer, the two vessels, in consultation with the STS Advisor, agree to a cargo transfer plan that identifies start-up procedures, flow rates, communications, topping off and stripping arrangements and completes all necessary checklists.

Post Transfer Phase

Once the STS transfer has completed, the POAC directs the un-mooring of the two vessels. Mooring lines are cast off in an agreed sequence.