Ship To Ship Transfer Operation

A ship-to-ship (STS) transfer operation is the transfer of cargo between seagoing ships positioned alongside each other, either while stationary or underway. Cargoes typically transferred via STS methods include crude oil, liquefied gas (LPG or LNG), bulk cargo, petroleum products, and general cargoes.

Most of cargo operations are taking place between a ship and a land-based terminal. Nevertheless it sometime can be useful to transfer cargo from one ship to another in open sea and this is called a ship-to-ship operation. At that moment, one of them will act as the terminal where the other one will moor. The receiving ship is called the mother vessel.

The Ship to ship transfer operations if not properly regulated and controlled, can pose hazardous and catastrophic impacts to the safety of the vessels, people, harbour and port environment.

This activity is being regulated and must be properly permitted to ensure safety and security of the harbour and port environment.

Permit Requirement

Those who wish to conduct ship-to-ship transfer operations must apply to the PNGHMS and obtain a permit 76 hours prior to the ETA of the vessel. 

Application Requirements

The application should include and meet the following requirements:

1.  Complete an application form which can be obtained from the Port Manager.
2. Full details of the owner or agent of the vessels with clear description of
   (a) the names and the description of the two vessels;
   (b) the deepest draft of the two vessels;
   (c) the last port of call for both vessels;
   (d) the manifest copy of the cargo
   (e) declare any Dangerous Cargo on board the vessels.
3. The emergency response and evacuation plans for both vessels.
4. Waste management plans.
5. Safety and security plans include ISPS Code requirements.
6. 6. Provide evidence of meeting NMSA requirements.
7. Name of the licensed stevedore to be engaged in the ship-to-ship transfer.
8. Number of tugs to be used/employed.
9. Permit issued is per ship-to-ship transfer operation per port of call and does not extend to other ship-to-ship transfer operations on other ports.

Regulatory Requirement

Upon approving of the application and issuing of a ship-to-ship transfer operations permit, the vessel owners or agents are required to comply with the operations requirements, before  the transfers and during the transfer operations.

Before the Transfer Operations

(a) The transfer areas must be secured and safe.

(b) Ensure that all working equipments are functional and working.

(c) Pre-planning of mooring arrangements.

(d) The use of approved Check Lists at all stages.

(e) The preparation of necessary emergency plans for both vessels.

(f) Decisions on initial and subsequent cargo transfer rates.

(g) Language of the operations must be agreed.

(h) Berthing and mooring procedures are agreed, including fender positions and number/ tp of ropes to be provided by each ship.

(i) The ships are upright and at a suitable trim without any overhanging projections.

(j) Engines, steering gear and navigational equipment have been tested and are running in good order.

(k) Whether forecasts have been obtained and confirmed that the whether is suitable for ship-to-ship transfer operations.

During the Transfer Operations 

(a) A clear and effective communication is maintained between the two ships.

(b) Continuous monitoring during cargo transfer operation.

(c) Ensure proper management of waste, pollution and discharges  of any harmful substances.

(d) Operation is to cease immediately in the event that a transfer equipment has broken down or become malfunctioning during the operations.

(e) The engines of both vessels must be off during the entire operation.

(f) Be careful and safely uncouple and unmoor.

(g) Refer and use OCIMF Guidelines to ensure safe and trouble free operations.

(h) Operations are to take place only within an approved anchorage and designated anchorage zone.

Conditions of Permit

The permit must be used  consistent with the conditions issued  together with the permit.

Ship to ship (STS) Transfer Operration Charges

Regulatory fees applicable for this operation (STS) and applies according to container types and size of each cargo transferred as assessed by Port Manager.

Penalties and Liabilities

Appropriate penalties will be applied if  operators, vessel owners or agents fail to comply with the requirements.

“Consult PNGHMS for more information”