"OCIMF recently agreed an action to develop a global barge guide to further our ambition to support a global barging industry that causes no harm to people or the environment."
Director's Log
This month I am proud to share news that OCIMF launched the second edition of the International Safety Guide for Inland Navigation Tank-barges and Terminals (ISGINTT 2), produced in collaboration with the Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine (CCNR) in association with relevant European barging organisations.
I would like to congratulate the members of the Barges Expert Group, the Publications and Advocacy (P&A) Tankers, Barges and Terminal Interfaces Committee, the ISGINTT steering committee and CCNR, and thank them for their efforts in driving safety in the barging sector. You can read more about the publication and its successful launch in Antwerp below.
Our work in promoting barge safety does not stop with ISGINTT 2. OCIMF recently agreed an action to develop a global barge guide to further our ambition to support a global barging industry that causes no harm to people or the environment.
On a sober note, the increasing number of attacks by drones against merchant ships has not gone unnoticed. OCIMF has commissioned work to investigate how these operations are conducted and we hope the results will offer insights to mitigate this growing risk.
I hope you enjoy reading more about our ongoing work in this month’s newsletter.
Karen Davis
Director OCIMF
Successful launch for updated inland barging guide
The auditorium of the breathtaking Port of Antwerp harbour house was the venue for an event to launch the second edition of the International Safety Guide for Inland Navigation Tank-barges and Terminals (ISGINTT 2).
On 13 February, OCIMF’s Publications and Advocacy Director Saurabh Sachdeva, Inspector and Accreditation Manager Ajay Gour and Barge Adviser Ton Mol spoke to an audience of EU-based OCIMF members, operator representatives, CAT3 inspectors, port authorities and other industry stakeholders. As well as explaining the revisions to ISGINTT, they gave an update on the release of the new Barge Inspection Questionnaire Europe version 6, which is planned for release in July. The day ended with a reception in the harbour house. It was a successful event, which facilitated useful discussions and feedback from attendees was very positive.
OCIMF would like to thank Mr Ed Wijbrands (Vemobin), Mr Remy Bouman (Verenigde Tankrederij) and Mr Dave Mertens (TotalEnergies) who joined the panel discussion. Finally, we would like to thank the Port of Antwerp for their hospitality.
ISGINTT 2 provides updated recommendations for inland tanker and terminal personnel on the safe carriage and handling of liquid inland tanker cargoes. It has been made available as a free download. It is relevant to petroleum, chemicals or liquefied gas inland tankers, as well as the terminals handling those inland tankers. The second edition carries updated safety practice guidance on the operation of tank-barges and terminals. It includes safety checklists for ship/shore and ship/barge interfaces (and vice versa) and transhipment of cargo and slops. The guide has been produced by OCIMF and the Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine (CCNR) in association with relevant European organisations.
Please delete the old version from 2010 and download the 2nd edition here.
OCIMF develops greenhouse gas position paper
OCIMF has developed a position paper on the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions and Air Pollution.
This paper highlights OCIMF’s continued commitment to support the IMO’s greenhouse gas reduction strategy and vision. It sits alongside OCIMF’s ongoing activities in this area, including:
- Developing new information papers on best practice for onshore power supply and applying for emissions control technologies, and the risks associated with shaft/engine power limitation, minimum power guidelines and speed reduction zones.
- Reviewing and strengthening controls related to GHG emissions and air pollution reduction within OCIMF’s inspection programmes.
- Advocating the use of OCIMF best practices and publications with policy makers, regulators and the IMO.
The paper is available to download on OCIMF's website here
SIRE 2.0 technical training videos available now
OCIMF is issuing the first five of a series of short training videos on the technical aspects of SIRE 2.0.
This initiative is part of OCIMF’s commitment to provide ongoing support for inspectors, officers, crew, vetters and operators during the transition to SIRE 2.0.
These videos will help stakeholders develop a clearer understanding of the inspection programme and of the processes within a SIRE 2.0 inspection. In doing so they will promote safety and excellence across all operations.
The videos are aimed at vetters in OCIMF member organisations, as well as staff based in operators’ offices ashore, however, to get a full picture, all stakeholders should view them. The videos can also be downloaded and circulated to ships for viewing by staff as part of a regular discussion and training programme onboard.
These videos can be accessed from https://www.ocimf.org/programmes/sire-2-0/sire-2-0-technical-videos and can be either viewed on the webpage or downloaded for offline viewing.
Access SIRE 2.0 technical training videos
Meeting reports
VIP Steering Committee
7–9 February 2023
Chair: Raj Shetty (ENOC)
Vice-chair: Deb Cobb (Marathon)
Secretary: Aaron Cooper (OCIMF)
OCIMF was pleased to host the SIRE 2.0 VIP Steering Group in the London office from 7–9 February. This was the first time that the steering group was able to meet in person since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. It was an opportunity for the group to convene along with the secretariat as we move closer to the roll out of SIRE 2.0. The project team provided a number of updates related to the SIRE 2.0 project, including roll-out strategy, training and accreditation, tablet security, industry communications and the management of change process. Additionally, a number of key decisions were made, related to policy and procedures.
For more information, contact Aaron Cooper, Programmes Director, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Environment Committee
Intersessional: 7 February 2023 (Virtual)
Chair: Sebastien Roche (TotalEnergies)
Vice-chair: Maartje Wibrew-Forster (Shell)
Secretary: Filipe Santana (OCIMF)
During the intersession period, the Environment Committee (EC) met to follow up on the status of the environmental targets for 2022–2023. Updates were discussed on EC initiatives related to the four OCIMF strategic pillars of publications, programmes, advocacy, and member collaboration.
The group discussed the progress of the following goals, among others:
- Information paper on the use of Onshore Power Supply.
- Information paper on the risks associated with shaft/engine power limitation, minimum power guidelines and speed reduction zones.
- Discussion about Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) on the Pollution Prevention and Response Sub-committee.
- Engagement in the Marine Fuels Life Cycle Assessment Correspondence Group.
- Engagement in the Safety of Alternative Fuels Correspondence Group;
The group used the occasion to organise the subsequent in-person meeting.
Next meeting: 8–9 March 2023 (Houston)
For enquiries, contact Filipe Santana, OCIMF Engineering 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)
The third Engine Power Limitation (EPL) WG meeting was held virtually on 3 February.
The work is progressing on time and the group discussed the initial versions of the sections covering aspects on the design, maintenance, and crew training to mitigate the risk from reduced engine or shaft power because of Energy Efficiency Regulations.
The EPL WG will meet again in March 2023.
For enquiries, contact Filipe Santana, OCIMF Engineering Adviser, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Ship to Shore Interfaces Expert Group
7th meeting: 14 February 2023 (virtual)
Lead: Anne Beverwijk (Shell)
Co-leads: Mohammed Majdali (Aramco) and Mohd Hanafi (MISC)
Secretary: Kevin Coelho (OCIMF)
The Ship to Shore Interfaces Expert Group met virtually for its seventh meeting to discuss various agenda items, including those listed below:
- The group welcomed Anne Beverwijk (Shell) as the new Lead and thanked outgoing Lead Bharat Bhatia for his excellent contribution and guidance.
- The Communities of Practice (CoP) Champion updated the team on the topics of discussion and the level of engagement. Members are encouraged to use this platform to share and learn from each other. Feedback is encouraged.
- The Marine Terminal Information System (MTIS) programme is seeing an increase in the number of berths and terminals being registered, but this needs to speed up. The chair encouraged the team to continue promoting the use of MTIS within their organisations and with their terminal stakeholders.
- To note, currently in trial phase with SIRE 2.0 tablets, there have been no reported issues.
- Following guidance from the P&A TBT Committee to identify key risks, the team continued mapping these risks and stakeholders.
- The Expert Group plans to start work on two document revisions: Manning at Conventional Marine Terminals and the Marine Terminal Management and Self-Assessment.
- Noting the Memorandum of Understanding recently signed between IOGP and OCIMF, the Secretary gave a short introduction on IOGP’s Life Saving Rules.
- The expert group welcomed new nominees to the group and thanked all for their continued support to industry.
Next meeting: Tentatively scheduled for May 2023 – TBC (virtual/face to face if working on documents).
For enquiries, contact Kevin Coelho, OCIMF Nautical Adviser, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Ship to Ship Expert Group
7th meeting: 22 February (virtual)
Lead: Patricia Clark (Aramco)
Co-leads: Hemant Berry (Ampol), Bill Kappelman (Chevron)
Secretary: Kevin Coelho (OCIMF)
The Ship to Ship Expert Group (STS EG) met virtually for its seventh meeting in February 2023. The following topics were discussed and progressed:
- The Lead welcomed new joiner from Exxon Mobil/IMT.
- The Communities of Practice (CoP) Champion updated the team on the topics of discussion and the level of engagement. Members are encouraged to use this platform to share and learn from each other. Feedback is encouraged.
- Following a high-level review, work will begin this year on a revision of the Ship-to-Ship Transfer Guide (a joint industry publication with CDI, ICS and SIGTTO).
- Following guidance from the P&A TBT Committee to identify key risks, the team continued mapping these risks and stakeholders.
- The TOR for external third-party engagement has been approved. OCIMF will resume its engagement with the STS Regional Forums starting Q2 this year.
- Noting the Memorandum of Understanding recently signed between IOGP and OCIMF, the Secretary gave a short introduction on IOGP’s Life Saving Rules.
- The Lead announced that this would be her last meeting as she is set to retire. The STS EG members thanked Patricia for her immense contributions to the industry via this platform and through engagement with external stakeholders. The focus, excellent steer and the guidance given with all relevant matters will be greatly missed. The group wished her the very best in life.
Next meeting: May/June 2023 – TBC (Virtual/F2F if confirmed to be working on publications, TBC).
For enquiries, contact Kevin Coelho, OCIMF Nautical Adviser, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Nautical Expert Group
7th meeting: 24 February (virtual)
Lead: Nitin Malik (Chevron)
Co-leads: Ken Fernandes (Cepsa) and Ola Olubowale (Viva Energy)
Secretary: Kevin Coelho (Nautical Adviser)
The Nautical Expert Group (NEG) met virtually for its seventh meeting in February 2023. The following topics listed below were discussed and progressed:
- The Communities of Practice (CoP) Champion updated the team on the topics of discussion and the level of engagement. Members are encouraged to use this platform to share and learn from each other. Feedback is encouraged.
- The Publications Manager gave an overview of the Publications Plan, including documents that fall under the NEG. A working group will be formed to review the publication Anchoring systems and Procedures and the linked information paper, Estimating the Environmental Loads on Anchoring Systems.
- Following guidance from the P&A TBT Committee to identify key risks, the team continued mapping these risks and stakeholders.
- The Lead provided an update on the Ship Shore ECDIS voyage plan (route) exchange and invited the group to provide input. Benefits and concerns were noted for each information exchange route (Ship to Shore, Shore to Ship, and Ship to Ship). The Secretary has added this to the CoP platform to encourage discussion.
- The topic of alternative fuels was also discussed. INTERTANKO’s onboard familiarisation checklist was shared to the team. This will be shared to the CoP platform to encourage a discussion and to make companies aware of this document.
Next meeting: May/June 2023 – TBC (Virtual/F2F if confirmed to be working on publications, TBC).
For enquiries, contact Kevin Coelho, OCIMF Nautical Adviser, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Structures Expert Group
9th meeting: 17 and 23 February 2023 (virtual)
Lead: Rabinder Manku (BP)
Co-leads: Jeff Bayham (ExxonMobil), Gerard Spaan (Shell)
Secretary: Filipe Santana (OCIMF)
Engineering Expert Group
8th meeting: 9 and 15 February 2023 (virtual)
Lead: Ahmer Saeed (Shell)
Secretary: Filipe Santana (OCIMF)
The 9th meeting of the SEG and the 8th meeting of the EEG were dedicated to performing a deep dive into the safety and environmental priority threats for tankers, barges, and terminals. The risk prioritisation process involved three steps:
- A risk workshop was done in the previous meeting.
- A comprehensive survey to collect members’ input intersessionally on issues, proposals and associated supporting data sources.
- A discussion to get to a multi-year plan with proposed actions on all strategic pillars: publications, advocacy, programmes, and members collaboration.
The result of this exercise will be submitted for the approval of the Publications and Advocacy Committee.
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
IMO Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW 9)
IMO Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW 9)
HTW 9 was held at the IMO in London from 6–10 February 2023. The meeting was conducted in hybrid-mode, with facilities for registered delegates dialling-in remotely. The following is a summary of key developments.
Comprehensive review of the 1978 STCW Convention and Code:
- Establishment of the aims and principles for the review.
- Agreement on the need to amend the STCW Code to include provisions on bullying and harassment.
- Agreement on the need to address psychological safety within the maritime sector.
- Establishment of an intersessional correspondence group to identify areas within the regulation to be reviewed and prepare a roadmap.
IMO model courses:
- Validation of a number of new and revised model courses.
- Terms of reference established for revision of existing model courses, including on the prevention of piracy and armed robbery.
Other matters
The following discussions are expected to be further considered as part of the overall review of the STCW Convention and Code, in due course:
- Development of training provisions for safe operation of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships.
- Quality of onboard training and a review of mandatory seagoing service requirements.
For more information, contact Abhijit Aul, Risk and Regulatory Affairs Adviser, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..