"At OCIMF Day, we shared the launch of our refreshed mission, scope and brand. Members and industry colleagues joined us to hear both the outcome of the project and the thinking behind it."
Director's Log
At OCIMF Day, we shared the launch of our refreshed mission, scope and brand. Members and industry colleagues joined us to hear both the outcome of the project and the thinking behind it.
The project started with a straightforward question: as the industry evolves, how do we ensure OCIMF remains relevant, practical, and effective in supporting safe operations for today, and for the future?
What we heard consistently from members and stakeholders was that OCIMF is a trusted collaborator, bringing members and industry together to build shared understanding and operational best practice.
We confirmed that we will maintain a balance of remaining focused on today’s hazards – particularly the safe carriage and handling of hydrocarbons and the associated operational risks – while also keeping an eye on the horizon as emerging threats and new activities emerge.
This is captured in our mission statement: United in purpose to drive maritime safety in the energy sector. It reflects OCIMF’s collective strength and our ability to build alignment through consensus, with a clear focus on preventing harm to people, assets and the environment across traditional and emerging activities.
My thanks to everyone who contributed to this work. I invite you to view our webinar that tells more of our brand story here.
Karen Davis
Director OCIMF
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OCIMF Day – London
On 20 May 2026, OCIMF hosted more than 90 attendees, comprising OCIMF members and industry partners, for OCIMF Day – London, held at the Institute for Engineering and Technology and launched OCIMF’s refreshed mission, scope and visual branding.
We were pleased to be joined by OCIMF Executive Committee members, Heidi Aakre (Equinor) and Dr. Waddah Ghanem (ENOC) who gave their perspectives on how the revised mission and scope will ensure OCIMF remains relevant as a maritime industry leader in the rapidly evolving energy sector.
OCIMF Managing Director, Karen Davis and Engineering Adviser, Alexys Nielsen, participated in a well-received panel discussion moderated by Human Factors Adviser, Maartje Wibrew-Forster, that explored real-world examples of Human Factors considerations from Karen’s and Alexys’s experiences from sailing onboard tankers as Master and Chief Engineer, respectively.
Additionally, panellists representing OCIMF members and industry partners shared insights about developments in two of our key focus areas: Offshore Operations and the Programmes Modernisation Project.
OCIMF Days are a great way to stay up to date on OCIMF’s activities, meet the Secretariat and network with industry peers.
OCIMF attends CAT 3 SIRE Inspector Conference
BP's CAT 3 SIRE Inspector Conference in Houston on 12 May brought together inspectors, industry representatives, and assurance professionals to strengthen consistency, quality and safety in inland barge inspections.
The event provided a focused forum to align expectations, share practical insights, and reinforce the importance of high-quality inspections in managing marine risk. OCIMF Quality Assessor Jenny Long delivered sessions on ethics, compliance and inspection submission best practices. Her contributions reinforced the importance of consistent application of SIRE principles and alignment with OCIMF expectations across the inspector community. This engagement reflects OCIMF's continued commitment to working closely with industry partners to improve inspection standards, enhance transparency, and support safe, reliable maritime operations.
For more information, contact Jenny Long, OCIMF Quality Assessor,
OCIMF exhibits at OTC – Houston
OCIMF highlighted its offshore publications and programmes activities as an exhibitor, sharing its space with Witherbys (OCIMF’s publisher) at OTC – Houston, 04 – 07 May 2026.
OCIMF was represented by Offshore Adviser, Christopher Holland and Publications and Advocacy Director, Darron L. Biddle. Exhibiting at an offshore energy sector flagship tradeshow event meant OCIMF could share its offshore activities with a broader range of attendees; promote the use of OCIMF guidance to key stakeholders; and encourage member participation in upcoming work groups. Attendance at OTC – Houston gave local member representatives, who are not normally able to interact with the secretariat, the opportunity to share their experiences of using OCIMF programmes and publications.
We would specifically like to thank the representatives from bp, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Equinor, ExxonMobil, Shell, Woodside Energy and TotalEnergies who helped us communicate OCIMF’s impact and make this event a success.
OVID User Forum
OCIMF hosted an OVID User Forum in Houston, TX, USA on 7 May, giving users the opportunity to discuss the programme.
The agenda covered publications updates, OVID User Survey results, OVID inspection statistics, planned improvements to the OVID Programme, and Q&A with Inspectors, Vessel Operators, and OCIMF Members.
OCIMF plans to hold similar sessions later in 2026 in southeast Asia.
For any enquiries, please contact Christopher Holland, OCIMF Offshore Adviser,
Singapore Maritime Week 2026
Javed Bhombal, OCIMF’s Nautical Adviser, attended the 20th Singapore Maritime Week (SMW), which brought global industry leaders together to discuss the key challenges facing the maritime sector amid rising geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
The event was opened by Acting Minister for Transport Mr. Jeffrey Siow, with the Singapore Maritime Lecture delivered by Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Gan Kim Yong under the theme “Action in Ambition.”
Discussions highlighted three converging pressures shaping the sector:
- Increasing geopolitical influence on trade flows and fragmentation of the global trading system
- The dual transition to digitalisation (including AI) and low-carbon energy
- Persistent gaps in regulatory alignment, particularly for alternative fuels
Implications for industry:
- Resilience: Greater agility required to manage increasing disruptions
- Energy transition: Progress constrained by fragmented standards and fuel availability
- Digitalisation: Advancing but uneven and underfunded across the sector
- Security: Critical trade routes remain vulnerable
Key gaps and uncertainties:
- Limited global coordination on alternative fuel frameworks
- Lack of a clear roadmap for AI adoption
- Ongoing geopolitical risks affecting trade stability
Overall, the maritime sector is entering a period of sustained transformation, where success will depend on the ability to adapt to geopolitical shifts, accelerate digital and energy transitions, and operate within a stable, rules-based global framework.
OCIMF attends IAPH Technical Committee Days
OCIMF’s Nautical Advisor, Javed Bhombal, attended the IAPH Technical Committee Days in Singapore on 22–24 April 2026, which brought together global port experts to address key challenges across sustainability, digitalisation, risk, and operations.
Discussions highlighted rising cybersecurity threats, increasing adoption of digital technologies, progress in decarbonisation, and ongoing improvements in port efficiency, emphasising the need for climate action, data standardisation, and infrastructure investment.
Workshops during the event emphasised strengthening resilience through improved crisis management, infrastructure planning, and nature-based solutions, alongside better data sharing and more comprehensive climate adaptation reporting.
OCIMF Annual Report 2026 out now
OCIMF's Annual Report, covering the organisation's work over the past year, is now available.
The report gives a round-up of the activities of each committee and expert group, as well covering publications and our work at the IMO. Focus areas in this year's report include human factors, maritime security and wellbeing, engaging our members and industry, Ship to Ship Transfer Guide second edition, and SIRE 2.0 in its first full year.
Members' discount on OCIMF publications
OCIMF members get a 20% discount on our publications from Witherbys.
Contact
Congratulations to OCIMF IT Manager Fabiano Dias
Congratulations to OCIMF IT Manager Fabiano Dias, who recently graduated with a Master of Science in Cyber Security with Distinction at the University of London, Royal Holloway
Everyone at OCIMF sends their best wishes.
Innovation and Technology Expert Group
18th meeting: 12 May 2026
Lead: Zillur Rahman
Secretary: Fabiano Dias
The Innovation and Technology Expert Group (ITEG) recently convened its 18th meeting. The session included updates from the Secretariat on mission scope and branding implementation and the SIRE Bring Your Own Device project (BYOD), highlighting ongoing developments in the inspection programmes and processes.
The meeting also focused on strengthening collaboration and enhancing ITEG’s role in supporting OCIMF’s programmes through forward-looking insight and technical expertise. A key outcome was the recognition of opportunities for ITEG to increase its engagement with external industry forums and working groups, enabling both knowledge sharing and alignment with emerging technologies and cyber risk trends. These initiatives directly support ITEG’s mandate to monitor technological developments, advocate best practices, and contribute to OCIMF programmes.
The meeting concluded with agreement to develop these ideas into a formal proposal. It also decided to meet quarterly in future, to enable more meaningful progress and delivery between sessions, reinforcing ITEG’s commitment to supporting the industry in navigating an evolving technology and cybersecurity landscape.
For more information, contact Fabiano Dias, OCIMF IT Manager,
Structures Expert Group
18th Meeting: 12 May 2026 (virtual)
Lead: Jeff Bayham (ExxonMobil)
Co-lead: Gerard Spaan (Shell)
Secretary: Lexy Nielsen (OCIMF Engineering Adviser)
The SEG meeting in May aligned the group’s 2026 workplan and priorities. The group reviewed feedback provided by the Principal Committee in March, with a focus on prioritising major publication efforts. This included advancing the Multi Buoy Mooring (MBM) Guidance revision and initiating the Mooring Equipment Guidelines (MEG) revision, while also evaluating the deferral of other SEG-led publications and agreeing updated review timelines.
The MBM Guidance revision team reported steady progress with a final face-to-face meeting planned for early October, and drafting targeted for completion by late October. SEG members continue to contribute to the development of harmonised maritime standards through participation in PIANC and BSI working groups.
The group welcomed two new members: Benson Onyebueke (First Exploration and Petroleum) and Tom Hale (BP).
For enquiries, contact Alexys Nielsen, OCIMF Engineering Adviser
Engineering Expert Group
17th Meeting: 27th April 2026 (virtual)
Lead: Dave Deltano (Marathon)
Co-lead: Kevin Lappage (BP)
Secretary: Lexy Nielsen (OCIMF Engineering Adviser)
April’s EEG meeting focused on Principal Committee feedback for the proposed 2026 work plan, with the EEG prioritising workload and member availability across several key initiatives. These included support to the Tanker Management and Self Assessment (MTMSA) revision Working Group, the Management and Self Assessment alignment project, the IMO Correspondence Group on Engine Control Room Alert Management (ECRAM), and the Mooring Equipment Guidelines revision Working Group. A small sub-working group will also provide engineering support to the Programmes team for updates to the SIRE Questionnaire Guidance document.
Members provided updates on ongoing activities, including contributions to the IMO Correspondence Group on alternative fuels safety for CCC 12, feedback to the IACS Safe Decarbonisation Panel on their drafted Gas Dispersion Analysis Guidelines, and progress towards publishing the Information Paper Safety Critical Equipment and Spare Parts Guidance.
The EEG also welcomed a new member, Benson Onyebueke from First Exploration and Petroleum.
For enquiries, contact Alexys Nielsen, OCIMF Engineering Adviser
IMO News
84th session of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84)
MEPC 84 took place during 27 April to 1 May 2026 at the IMO headquarters in London, following the 21st intersessional five-day working group on GHG matters (ISWG-GHG 21). Developments of interest to the OCIMF membership are highlighted below.
GHG-related matters
- ISWG-GHG 21 progressed work on guidelines to support the “IMO Net-Zero Framework (NZF)”
- Measured discussion on GHG suggested mixed views of the mid-term measures and the wider NZF, as currently drafted.
- Resumption of MEPC Extraordinary Session to adopt a GHG regulatory framework is planned for December 2026, subject to agreement by MEPC 85 in the same month.
- Further discussion on methane and nitrous oxide emissions, and onboard carbon capture and storage to continue intersessionally via a correspondence group.
Matters relating to air pollution and energy efficiency
- NOx emissions: Amendments to the NOx Technical Code to include methodologies for calculating emissions from engines using carbon-free fuels were approved and awaiting adoption at MEPC 85.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Approval of amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, Regulation 15 requiring P/V valves on newly constructed tankers carrying crude oil to have a minimum opening pressure of 0.2 bar. This will be considered for adoption at MEPC 85.
- Second phase review for CII and SEEMP framework has commenced, with general support for further improvement of ships’ carbon intensity.
The aquatic environment
- Carriage of plastic pellets: MEPC 84 agreed to develop a Code to address pollution by pellets when carried in freight containers. The finalised Code will be linked to MARPOL Annex III and/or SOLAS.
- Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention: Amendments requiring enhanced survey, testing and verification requirements were approved, subject to adoption at MEPC 85.
111th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 111)
MSC 111 took place from 13 to 22 May 2026 with the following developments relevant to OCIMF.
Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS)
- A three-part non-mandatory MASS Code has been adopted: Applies to cargo ships under SOLAS Chapter 1 and will enter into effect from 1 July 2028.
- Next steps: MSC 112 in December 2026 will discuss the development of a framework for an experience-building phase which will inform a mandatory MASS Code and a target adoption by 1 July 2030.
Matters relating to Statutory Conventions and Codes
- Introduction of VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) requirements in SOLAS Chapter V and their performance standards for ships as an alternative to the Automatic Identification Systems (AIS).
- The International Life-Saving Appliances (LSA) Code: Several amendments related to lifejacket performance; lifeboat fall and hook systems and lifeboat ventilation adopted.
- Adoption of amendments to allow the use of remote inspection techniques, such as drones, during surveys of oil tankers and bulk carriers subject to the Enhanced Survey Programme.
Gas Ship Code and safety of ships using alternative fuels
- Clarification inserted in SOLAS regulation II-1 to align with the “one ship, one code” policy, i.e., the IGF Code does not apply to gas ships using alternative fuels.
- Several amendments to the IGC Code for gas ships were finalised and approved, with a view to adoption by MSC 112.
Summary reports with further detail will be issued in due course to OCIMF members. For enquiries regarding IMO matters and meeting participation, contact Risk and Regulatory Affairs Adviser, Abhijit Aul