"Everyone involved rose to the challenge and I’m pleased its development is now complete. I’d like to thank everyone involved for their hard work in helping us get to this point."
Director's Log
I’d like to focus this month’s log on the SIRE 2.0 project. Work on SIRE 2.0 is moving at pace. From the outset OCIMF recognised that modernising SIRE would be a significant change for programme users and industry and a huge undertaking for the OCIMF team.
Everyone involved rose to the challenge and I’m pleased its development is now complete. I’d like to thank everyone involved for their hard work in helping us get to this point.
Managing a large-scale project is challenging. With ExCom we agreed to switch our focus from a go-live date to adopting a phased-approach to the roll-out to embed testing of the new regime with different parties, before it went live. This ‘readiness-driven’ approach rigorously tests the system and measures its success against a set of ‘critical review factors’ before moving to the next phase. There are four phases in total.
Alongside this work, the team has also been producing various familiarisation materials to prepare different participant groups for SIRE 2.0. These include documentation, factsheets, and videos covering the technical and human factors aspects of SIRE 2.0. These tools can be downloaded from https://www.ocimf.org/programmes/sire-2-0 and used onboard ships or integrated into in-house training programmes.
I urge you to view, download and share these materials with your colleagues to ensure you are best prepared for this new inspection regime.
I hope you will enjoy reading the many reports of our other activities throughout May in this newsletter.
Karen Davis
Director OCIMF
OCIMF sponsors event to mark International Day for Women in Maritime
OCIMF's Karen Davis speaks on the panel, alongside Deborah Layde and Holly Midwinter-Porter.
Attendees gathered at Trinity House on 18 May to celebrate International Day for Women in Maritime. Hosted by OCIMF, Maritime UK’s Women’s Network, Trinity House and WISTA UK, the event was themed ‘Empowering Women in Maritime: Unlocking Opportunities and Driving Change’.
The event focused on celebrating the contributions and achievements of women within the maritime industry, while recognising the challenges they face. Baroness Vere and Petra Wilkinson gave opening addresses followed by a panel discussion, which included Capt. Karen Davis, OCIMF, Deborah Layde, The Seafarers Charity, Guy Platten, International Chamber of Shipping, Holly Midwinter-Porter, Mandara Capital, Monica Kohli, WISTA UK and Shireen Ali-Khan, Women in Transport, and Chaired by Sue Terpilowski OBE.
Alongside the panellists, members of the audience were invited to share their stories, strategies and examples of good leadership and inclusive cultures. The discussion ended with everyone agreeing to a shared responsibility to create inclusive workplace environments and was followed by a networking reception.
Inland barging visit to Brazil
OCIMF was welcomed to Manaus, Brazil, in May to meet members, visit barges and barge operators, as well as the terminal of OCIMF member company Raízen.
Thanks to Erik Frank and his team at Raízen, who organised an engagement day to discuss inland barging-related topics. This included BIRE inspections, the new edition of the International Safety Guide for Inland Navigation Tank-barges and Terminals (ISGINTT 2), closed loading operations and security issues. With more than 120 attendees, the day was a great success.
OCIMF would also like to thank YPF and CNA (Amazon Shipping Company) for their hospitality.
For more information, contact Ton Mol, OCIMF Barge Adviser, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
European Harbour Masters’ Committee Seminar
OCIMF, represented by Nautical Adviser Kevin Coelho, attended the European Harbour Masters’ Committee (EHMC) seminar on the theme of ‘New Fuels and the Harbour Master’.
Held in Algeciras, Spain, on 4–5 May 2023, this was the 11th Biennial Seminar of the EHMC, part of the International Harbour Masters’ Association. New IMO and EU legislation will impact the current fleet of ships over the next few years. New fuels are being made available for the first ships of the future fleet. Given this fuel transition phase, the seminar discussed how Harbour Masters and ports can prepare to support ships.
On the first day, presentations were given by representatives of attending bodies, including the EU and IMO, classification society, manufacturers, bunker fuel supplier, port authorities and industry organisations Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel and OCIMF. Topics presented and discussed include:
- International legislation and incentives for voluntary action.
- IMO’s efforts in phasing out GHG emissions from shipping and the role of ports.
- Safety guidance for the ship/shore interface.
- Port readiness for the multi-fuel future.
Delegates toured Algeciras Port on the second day.
For enquiries, contact Kevin Coelho, OCIMF Nautical Adviser, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
OCIMF attends the Dunlop Oil and Marine Technical Seminar
OCIMF's Kevin Coelho presents at Dunlop Oil and Marine Technical Seminar
OCIMF was invited to present at the event held in Hull, UK, from 24–26 May. Attendees included OCIMF members, Terminal Operators and distributors. Technical presentations were given by Dunlop Oil and Marine as well as third parties including Clarkson Research Services, Ocean Point Terminals and SBM Offshore/IMODCO.
A tour of the Dunlop factory at Grimsby allowed attendees to witness the hose manufacturing process and the testing that ensures the final hose product meets either GMPHOM or API 17K standards.
OCIMF Nautical Adviser Kevin Coelho gave an introduction to OCIMF and a summary of work currently ongoing. He also informed the audience of the upcoming revision of three important publications:
- Guide to Manufacturing and Purchasing Hoses for Offshore Moorings (GMPHOM) (2009).
- Ship to Ship Transfer Guide for Petroleum, Chemicals and Liquefied Gases (2013).
- Guidelines for the Design, Operation and Maintenance of Multi buoy Moorings (2010).
OCIMF will be engaging with industry, including hose manufacturers, to help update these publications.
For enquiries, contact Kevin Coelho, OCIMF Nautical Adviser This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
ITOL Ship to Ship Regional Forum in Houston
ITOL Ship to Ship Regional Forum.
The Industry Taskforce on Offshore Lightering (ITOL) conducted its yearly Ship to Ship (STS) Regional Forum for North America at the MOTIVA office in Houston, US, on 10 May.
The meeting was well attended by OCIMF’s members based in North America, the United States Coast Guard, some local Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and STS Service Providers, and some European STS Service Providers and OEMs.
Open discussions took place on STS operational matters, sharing of incidents and lessons learned, windfarms in relation to STS locations, and personnel transfer – basket transfer versus pilot ladders.
Kevin Coelho from OCIMF explained the organisation’s structure, highlighted operational topics currently being worked on, and provided an update on the Ship to Ship Expert Group. He also announced the forthcoming revision of the Ship to Ship Transfer Guide for Petroleum, Chemicals and Liquefied Gases.
After the ITOL meeting, Kevin was invited to the offices of OCIMF member Excelerate Energy to meet the team and get an overview of its operations. Kevin in turn gave a high-level overview of the work OCIMF is involved in.
For enquiries, contact Kevin Coelho, OCIMF Nautical Adviser, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Maritime security snippets
Members will be closely following events in the Middle East and the impact regional tension is having on the passage of merchant vessels. The Maritime Security Committee is keeping a close eye on these activities; if non-committee members need guidance or updates, please do not hesitate to contact the Security Adviser, Russell Pegg This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
In Nigeria, members have had difficulties ensuring that vessel and cargo movements have been approved by the appropriate authority. OCIMF, as co-chair of the Nigeria/Industry Joint Working Group, is actively looking into this to ensure clarity and transparency for all owners and operators.
OCIMF was delighted to accept an invitation to join industry representatives at a Senior Leadership Programme organised by the Information Fusion Centre (IFC) Singapore. This was part of a package of events which also included IMDEX Asia, a maritime security conference and the biennial Maritime Information Sharing Exercise (MARISX). These events provided unique access to many Chiefs of Navies and international stakeholders to discuss the importance of safe and secure shipping and the global security challenges faced. The MARISX involved more than 160 personnel from 37 countries, including OCIMF members who were tested by several maritime security vignettes to promote information sharing and collaborative solutions.
Industry representatives with Chief of Navy, Singapore
Annual Report available now
OCIMF's Annual Report, covering its work and activities throughout 2022, is now available to download here.
Hard copies will also be available from the OCIMF office. For queries, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Withdrawn publication notice
Following a publication review, the Publications and Advocacy Committee for Tankers, Barges and Terminal Interfaces has approved the withdrawal of the book Clean Seas Guide for Oil Tankers, 4th edition (1994). As the content is no longer current, please remove copies from your records and digital library. This title is no longer available for sale from Witherby’s.
For more up-to-date guidance, see International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals (ISGOTT 6), OCIMF and ICS, Crude Oil Tanker Basics – The Theory and Practice of Crude Oil Cargo Operations, Witherby’s, Shipping and the Environment: A Code of Practice, ICS, Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions, ICS, Engine Room Procedures Guide, ICS.
Meeting reports
Offshore Vessel Operations Expert Group
Lead: Alex Morton (Harbour Energy)
Secretary: Graham Coles (Offshore Adviser)
10th Meeting: 11 May 2023
The Offshore Vessel Operations Expert Group (OVOEG) met last month for its tenth meeting. Following a safety share, the group held a great discussion on challenges faced by crew to ship handling and best practices to promote and maintain manual shiphandling competence across member organisations. The Expert Group then reviewed ongoing work against the approved multi-year plan, with particular focus on active working groups.
Working group – Offshore Vessel Inspection Questionnaire (OVIQ) update
The group gave an update on progress of remaining work. The working group is currently processing feedback on MODU and Small Craft templates. Once updates of these inspection questionnaires are completed, the group will review OVPQ and OVID crew matrix.
Working group – Management of Attending Vessels
The group was formed in January to carry out a review of existing barriers, in relation to the safe management of vessels within offshore safety zones. The workgroup has now met three times and is making good progress on reviewing the critical activities and barriers supporting this activity. The group remains on track to provide initial feedback to the principal Offshore Committee in Q2 2023.
OVOEG then reviewed and discussed status of offshore marine industry engagement and current collaboration with industry associations.
Next meeting: 15 August 2023 (TBC)
For any enquiries, please contact Graham Coles, OCIMF Offshore Adviser, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Engine Power Limitation Working Group
Chair: Maria Polakis (BP)
Vice-chair: Rohit Abrol (ADNOC)
Secretary: Filipe Santana (OCIMF Engineering Adviser)
On 15 May, OCIMF hosted the sixth Engine Power Limitation (EPL) WG meeting in London, with optional virtual participation.
The EPL WG completed drafting the first version of the information paper that aims to address the HSE risks and associated best practices for reduced engine power due to energy efficiency regulations.
The document is now entering the final stages of the publication process.
For enquiries, contact Filipe Santana, OCIMF Engineering Adviser, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Onshore Power Supply Working Group
Chair: Jeff Bayham (ExxonMobil)
Vice-chair: Robert Bridges (TotalEnergies)
Secretary: Filipe Santana (OCIMF)
The sixth Onshore Power Supply (OPS) Working Group meeting was held in London and discussed the following aspects of work:
Table of Contents: The group progressed on the guide sections containing specific recommendations for tankers and marine terminals. A detailed outline for each section was developed, and chapter leads were identified. The group agreed on the delivery milestones and deadlines for updating the OPS WG work plan.
Power survey: The OPS WG developed a questionnaire to gather power requirements onboard tankers while in port. With the support of INTERTANKO, more than 500 tankers completed the questionnaire and submitted the data to the OPS WG. The results of the power survey were discussed, and members agreed on a recommendation regarding the voltage, the number of cables and electrical connections considering the data collected.
Position of the shore power connection: The group completed a detailed risk and feasibility assessment of electrical connection at two positions onboard: close to the stern or midship. After an in-depth assessment, the group decided to develop and provide technical guidance on both position options.
The OPS WG will meet again virtually in June.
For enquiries, contact Filipe Santana, OCIMF Engineering Adviser, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Structures Expert Group
10th meeting: 19 May 2023 (virtual)
Lead: Rabinder Manku (BP)
Co-leads: Jeff Bayham (ExxonMobil), Gerard Spaan (Shell)
Secretary: Filipe Santana (OCIMF Engineering Adviser)
Active discussions and updates on ongoing projects and planning of future actions marked the 10th Structures Expert Group (SEG) meeting.
Publications: In collaboration with the Environment Committee (EC), the SEG is actively developing a guide on Onshore Power Supply for tankers. The upcoming collaboration with EC to develop guidance on Emission Capture and Control Technologies was also discussed. SEG’s upcoming reviews include:
- Guidelines for the Design, Operation and Maintenance of Multi Buoy Moorings.
- Single Point Mooring Maintenance and Operations Guide (SMOG).
- Recommendations for Liquefied Gas Carrier Manifolds.
- Transfer of Personnel by Crane between Vessels.
Advocacy: The meeting discussed the IMO workstream on reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which is expected to start after MEPC 80. The SEG will support this work.
Members collaboration: Highlights included briefings on work being supported by SEG members related to PIANC, ISO, and SIGTTO. The group also agreed to review OCIMF bow ties under its remit to ensure they are up-to-date.
Finally, the SEG members welcomed an external guest who gave an insightful presentation on inspecting marine loading arms using acoustic emissions.
For enquiries, contact Filipe Santana, OCIMF Engineering Adviser, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
OCIMF, PIANC and British Standards discuss maritime fenders design
Members of OCIMF’s Structures Expert Group participate in several committees and work groups from the World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure (PIANC) and British Standards (BS). On 23 May, OCIMF hosted a meeting with PIANC WG 211 and BS6349 members to discuss elements related to maritime fender design.
PIANC WG 211 is tasked with updating the guidelines for designing fender systems, which are essential components in maritime infrastructure. These systems absorb vessels’ energy during berthing, protecting both the vessels and berth structures from damage. The previous guideline, PIANC WG 33, was published in 2002, and there have since been significant advances in design methods for fender systems. The objective of the meeting was to align the guidance being developed with existing standards and guides from the different organisations.
For enquiries, contact Filipe Santana, OCIMF Engineering Adviser, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
IMO news
The 10th session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR 10) was held at the IMO in London from 24–28 April 2023. The following discussions are relevant to OCIMF and its members:
The aquatic environment
- Approval of draft Revised Biofouling Guidelines: The revised 2023 guidelines, due for adoption at MEPC 80 in July 2023, strengthen requirements and aim to increase uptake. Guidance on in-water cleaning is expected to be developed in due course.
- Maritime transport of plastic pellets: A consensus that pellets should not be carried in bulk, but in more manageable, properly stowed good quality smaller packages. A circular on carriage of pellets was drafted and will be presented to the 8th Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC 8) this September, with a view to finalisation during PPR 11 in 2024.
Air pollution
- Black carbon: Development of draft guidelines on goal-based measures to reduce the impact of Black Carbon on the Arctic will continue intersessionally and report to PPR 11.
- Proposed amendments to Reg. 13.2.2 MARPOL Annex VI: To clarify that a marine diesel engine replacing a boiler shall be considered a “replacement engine” and meet the requirements of NOX Tier III or Tier II, as applicable. Amendments are subject to approval at MEPC 80. Draft 2023 guidelines amending resolution MEPC.230(65) to be approved by MEPC 80.
- Volatile Organic Compound emissions and management: Draft scope of work on reduction of VOC emissions agreed and subject to approval at MEPC 80. The work aims to investigate the role of VOC emissions in the context of the IMO Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction strategy.
Other environmental matters
- Ballast water: Draft protocol for verification of ballast water compliance monitoring devices agreed and subject to approval at MEPC 80.
- Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) and cybutryne: The 2023 guidelines on the development of the inventory of IHM follows the amendments to the Anti-fouling Systems Convention to include controls on the biocide cybutryne. The new guidelines are due for adoption at MEPC 80.
- Spills of Hazardous and Noxious Substances: Final draft of the operational guide on the response to spills of HNS, which offers guidance to first responders and other stakeholders, was agreed and is due for adoption at MEPC 80.
- Scrubber discharge water studies: Results and potential impact to be discussed during PPR 11.