INTERCARGO convened shipowners, charterers, insurers, and service providers in Athens on March 31 to address the increasing prevalence of ship-to-ship (STS) transfers in dry bulk shipping. As larger vessels and limited port infrastructure necessitate offshore cargo movement, STS operations have become routine. However, the industry lacks a unified method for conducting these transfers safely and efficiently.
Unlike tanker shipping, which has followed established STS practices for over two decades, dry bulk operations have evolved differently due to varying cargo types and local conditions. The session commenced with remarks from INTERCARGO Chairman John Xylas, followed by a presentation from Technical Committee Chair Dimitris Monioudis and insights from various industry stakeholders, including NYK Group and Britannia P&I Club.
The discussions centered on INTERCARGO’s newly developed “Ship to Ship Transfer Guidelines for Bulk Carriers,” which aim to provide a foundational framework for a more consistent approach to STS operations. By uniting diverse stakeholders within the maritime value chain, INTERCARGO seeks to foster a collaborative strategy for STS transfers, promoting greater uniformity in industry practices.
