"OCIMF is committed to widening its circle of collaboration, with operators, service providers, manufacturers, regulators, educators and others, so that safe practice keeps pace with change."
Director's Log 
The industry is evolving in ways that test even the most mature systems. Innovative technologies, fuels, operating models, and new interfaces between stakeholders are emerging. We must keep pace. As expectations rise and industry adapts, OCIMF’s focus remains the same – supporting safer operations and continuous improvement across the maritime energy sector.
In recent years, OCIMF’s role as a collaborative facilitator has become more pronounced – and necessary. OCIMF delivers value to the industry through its publications and programmes, and by creating space for open, constructive dialogue between members and industry partners. Through these engagements, participants share experience, learn from one another, and align on practical safety practices that work in real operations. OCIMF’s convening role becomes even more important as risk shifts across connected systems – shipping, terminals, offshore operations, and the wider supply chain – where the decisions of one party can affect the outcomes of many.
In January, OCIMF hosted a well-attended online listening and learning event to discuss onshore power. This event brought together key stakeholders and subject matter experts to collectively share their understanding and learnings. With positive feedback, we look forward to scheduling future sessions.
OCIMF is committed to widening its circle of collaboration, with operators, service providers, manufacturers, regulators, educators and others, so that safe practice keeps pace with change. I welcome you to the discussions.
When we are united in purpose, we can move faster from insight to action, and from action to sustained improvement.
Karen Davis
Director OCIMF
Do you have news that you'd like to share with our readers? If so email
OCIMF meets IMO General Secretary
Colleagues from OCIMF Secretariat met with IMO Secretary General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez in January for a productive discussion.
The Secretary General was updated on recent OCIMF activity, including publications and advocacy work around safety, security, human factors and the environment; partnerships with other industry bodies; and OCIMF's strategic plans for 2026. Mr. Dominguez noted and encouraged OCIMF’s continued support as a trusted consultative NGO on technical matters at the IMO.
L-R: OCIMF IMO Representative and Adviser, Abhijit Aul; Chair, Lambros Klaoudatos; IMO Secretary General, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez; Managing Director, Capt. Karen Davis; P&A Director, Darron Biddle.
OVID and SIRE 2.0 Reports published
OCIMF commissioned a series of user surveys to gather feedback across the OVID and SIRE 2.0 programmes for 2024/25.
The reports provide valuable insight into overall programme quality, including report accuracy, communications, and IT helpdesk support. They also cover tools and services such as the questionnaire and database, programme integrity including inspectors, policies and procedures, as well as areas for future improvement.
Feedback was gathered from all four user groups: Submitting Companies, Programme Recipients, Vessel Operators, and Inspectors. The results show strong overall satisfaction, with users rating both programmes as ‘High’ or ‘Very High’.
The data and results are essential to supporting continuous improvement. Regular feedback between OCIMF and users plays a key role in developing the programmes, helping to deliver a more transparent, efficient, and insightful inspection process that reflects the realities of the tanker and offshore industries.
Click on the links to download the reports:
SIRE 2.0 Programme Survey 2024/25 Summary Report
OVID Programme Survey 2024/25 Summary Report
Onshore Power Listening and Learning Group holds first meeting
January marked the launch of OCIMF’s first Onshore Power Supply (OPS) Listening and Learning Group, with an hour‑long virtual session bringing industry stakeholders together to share insights and experiences.
The new forum is designed as a collaborative space focused on learning, discussion, and knowledge‑sharing around the adoption and implementation of onshore power systems.
The session included updates on the latest draft of the IEC/IEEE 80005‑1 standard for high‑voltage shore connection (HVSC) systems, with particular attention to the requirements outlined in Annex F for oil and chemical tankers.
Participants also heard a presentation from ABS on their recent publication, Powering Near‑Shore FLNG Installations from an External Source. The guidance outlines key design considerations for electrical power systems and a goal‑based framework to support shore power installations on manned, near‑shore FLNG facilities.
To take part in future OPS Listening and Learning meetings, please contact Lexy Nielsen, OCIMF Engineering Adviser,
OCIMF welcomes new staff member
Liz Hippolyte joined OCIMF's secretariat as Training and Accreditation Administrator (OVID & CAT 3) in January.
Liz brings over a decade of experience in client account management, accumulated across diverse industries. Her expertise includes client relationship management, business development, and strategic account growth, with a background in overseeing client portfolios in the energy, pharmaceutical, medical and public sectors before specialising in the maritime industry.
Please join us in welcoming Liz and wishing her success in her role at OCIMF.
Members' discount on OCIMF publications
OCIMF members get a 20% discount on our publications from Witherbys.
Contact
Buy OCIMF publications at Witherbys
Maritime Security Committee
The International Chamber of Commerce’s International Maritime Bureau (IMB)reported an increase in global maritime piracy and armed robbery incidents in 2025 in its annual report launched on 15 January 2026. The Annual Piracy and Armed Robbery Report recorded 137 incidents against ships in 2025 compared to 116 in 2024 and 120 in 2023. 121 vessels were boarded; four vessels were hijacked and two fired upon as well as ten attempted attacks. Although most incidents were categorised as low level, violence against crew continues, with 46 crew members taken hostage in 2025 compared to 126 in 2024 and 73 in 2023. Twenty-five crew were reported kidnapped, compared to 12 in 2024 and 14 in 2023. A further 10 crew were threatened, four injured and three assaulted in 2025. The growing trend of perpetrators using guns continues to rise.
The ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO said: “The rise in reported maritime incidents highlights the importance of protecting seafarers and securing key shipping routes not only for crew safety, but for the stability of global supply chains and the economies that depend on them. Ensuring safe passage at sea requires sustained cooperation, with regional and international partners working together to safeguard maritime commerce.”
The ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre (ISC) launched its 2025 Annual Report at a Nautical Forum meeting in Singapore on 9 January. “The sharp increase in the number of incidents in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) in 2025 does not indicate a corresponding increase in threat to maritime trade passing through the SOMS. The higher number of incidents largely corresponds to minor petty theft cases. In fact, there were no severe CAT 1 incidents in the SOMS in 2025,” said ReCAAP ISC Executive Director, Mr Vijay D Chafekar.
A total of 132 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia were reported to ReCAAP ISC from January to December 2025. This marks a 23% increase over the 107 incidents reported in 2024. Of the 132 incidents recorded, 127 were actual incidents and five were attempted incidents. The full report can be found here.
Members are encouraged to look at the guidance and reporting procedures in the latest version of the Best Management Practices – Maritime Security.
IMO news
12th Sub-committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC 12)
SDC 12 took place at the IMO headquarters in London from 19 to 23 January 2026. The meeting was held in hybrid mode. The following developments are of relevance to OCIMF membership.
GHG safety
Discussions focused on nuclear, wind-assisted power and propulsion and lithium-ion batteries. An intersessional correspondence group reporting to SDC 13 (2027) will work to the following terms of reference:
Nuclear power
- Gather information on relevant hazard identification workshops.
- Prepare an inventory of challenges related to use of nuclear power on board merchant ships.
Wind
- Review of the Intact Stability (IS) Code and associated second generation guidelines with respect to wind power installations.
- Consideration of possible amendments to other IMO instruments to aid development of interim guidelines for wind/wind-assisted propulsion.
Lithium-ion batteries
- Consideration towards possible amendments to SOLAS regulations to allow batteries to be used as the main source of electrical power.
Machinery space alert management
SDC 12 developed a roadmap for the development of performance standards for engine room alert management, as directed by the 110th Maritime Safety Committee. The standards will be goal-based, ship-agnostic and follow a human-centric approach. Work will commence via an intersessional correspondence group reporting to SDC 13.
Other safety and environmental matters
- Reduction of underwater radiated noise from shipping – extension of experience-building phase recommended.
- Remote Inspection Techniques – finalisation of new guidance.
A full summary report will be issued to members in due course.
For enquiries regarding IMO matters and meeting participation, contact Abhijit Aul, Risk and Regulatory Affairs Adviser,