Second Edition of Ship to Ship Transfer Guide Published

The Chemical Distribution Institute (CDI), International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) and the Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO) have released the second edition of ‘Ship to Ship Transfer Guide for Petroleum, Chemicals and Liquefied Gases’.

Originally published by OCIMF in 1975, the STS Transfer Guide was consolidated in 2013 through the combined expertise of CDI, ICS, OCIMF and SIGTTO. Recognized globally by the tanker industry and IMO Member States as the definitive reference for safe and effective STS operations, this new second joint edition, released in the 50th anniversary year of the original, reflects current best practices, regulatory developments and technical innovations.

The guide provides guidance on planning and executing STS transfers of petroleum, chemical and liquefied gas cargoes. Applicable to all vessels and referenced within Annex 1 of the MARPOL Convention, it serves as a key resource for vessel Masters, Marine Superintendents, STS service providers and regulatory authorities.

This edition features a foreword by Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Domínguez, recognizing the guide’s role in supporting the implementation of MARPOL and reinforcing the shared responsibility for safety through consideration of human factors.