STS OPERATIONS
STS or ship to ship transfer refers to the transfer of ship’s cargo, which can be oil or gas cargo between two merchant tanker vessels positioned alongside each other.
.Either the ships can be stand still or the STS operation can also be performed while ships are underway. But it requires proper coordination, equipment and approval to perform such operation. Both the masters of the ships are responsible for the entire STS operation.
.Following are the requirements for conducting Ship to Ship transfer operation:
• Adequate training of oil tanker’s staff carrying out the operation.
• Proper STS equipment to be present on both the vessels and they should be in good condition.
• Pre planning of the operation with notifying the amount and type of cargo involved.
• Proper attention to the difference in free board and listing of both the vessel while transferring oil.
• Taking permission from the relevant port state authority.
• Properties of Cargo involved to be known with available MSDS.
• A proper communication and communication channel to be set up between the ships.
• Firefighting and oil spill equipment to be present and crew to be well trained to use them in emergency.
• All guidelines to be followed as per MEPC 59, MARPOL Annex 1 chapter 8, SOPEP, SMPEP, STS transfer guide and operational plan.
MOORING MASTER
We have a Mooring Master with a diverse range of experience in marine activities. He is all highly versed in ship handling with many years of experience in STS operations. The company maintains a regular programme of familiarization and updating of knowledge and Mooring Master is subject to regular performance audits. Specialist training for emergency operations is also undertaken.
Our Mooring Master is well trained and meet all MARPOL requirements, qualifying them to be PAOC:-
• Having valid Medical Certificates.
.Having Endorsement for Advanced oil tanker as a master ticket.
.Having Port Facility Security Officer Certificate.
.Having Maritime Pilot Ship Handling Simulator Certificate.
• Having completed an STS Simulator Course (Industry recognized)
• Advanced Training for Oil Tanker Cargo Operation Certificate.
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• Having a STCW Certification Standard
• Have a Masters License
.Having over 9 years as a pilot experience.
Fenders used in STS transfer operations are divided into two categories:
- Primary fenders,which are positioned along the parallel body of the ship to afford the maximum protection while alongside. They are also designed to absorb energy as the vessels berth alongside.
- Secondary fenders which are used to protect the bow and stern plating from inadvertent contact if the ships get out of alignment during mooring or unmooring.In general, fenders are placed on either:
- Port side of the maneuvering ship
• Starboard side of the receiving ship
Fenders used in STS transfer operation
Care must be taken to ensure that the fenders are maintained at their design pressure during STS usage. The fenders in Gothenburg are normally ‘Pneumatic 50’ and have an internal pressure of 0.5 Bar (0.5 kg f/cm2). Maximum allowed displacement for maneuvering ship is 125 000 tonnes and maximum berthing speed is 0.2 knots.
If ‘Pneumatic 80’ fenders are ever used, they are inflated to 0.8 Bar (0.8 kg f/cm2). The increased pressure and the higher fender specifications, result in higher guaranteed energy absorption and reaction forces.
Details of the energy absorption capabilities for fenders of varying dimensions can be found in the manufacturer’s handbook.
sts operation
Secondary fenders are always utilized in accordance with OCIMF recommendations.
Fender moorings must be tended during transfer operations.
During multiple transfers the STS equipment must be checked after each transfer in the best manner available.
Fenders used in sts operation
Click below to learn more about JIER Pneumatic Rubber Fenders and Foam Filled Fenders which are the two main fender type for STS operation:
Pneumatic Rubber Fender
Pneumatic Rubber Fenders have been in use for around 50 years. The development of the Pneumatic Fender has progressed through …
Foam Filled Fender
Foam Filled Fenders are versatile, robust and suitable for almost all applications. The manufacturing process allows for virtually any size of fender to be…
Ship to Ship Transfer (STS) Services
Ship to Ship (STS) Transfers
Marine Pilot provides ship-to-ship (STS) services to the oil and shipping industries. We provide Yokohama Brand Fenders and Hoses for all our STS Operations. Transfers can take place between vessels of any size and a variety of cargoes including crude oil, white and black products, LPG , as well as bulk cargoes.
We are always forward thinking in order to find ways of expanding and improving our services, ensuring high quality and cost effectiveness.
All our operations are performed in strict accordance with the world leading standards ICS/OCIMF STS Transfer Guide (Petroleum) and STS Transfer Guide (Liquefied Gases), in a consistently safe and efficient manner.