Intercargo publishes first STS transfer standard for bulk carriers

Intercargo has officially released the Ship-to-Ship Transfer Guidelines for Bulk Carriers, marking a significant milestone as the first dedicated industry standard for dry bulk operations. These guidelines address the complexities of STS transfers, which are increasingly utilized when ports cannot accommodate large vessel drafts. By establishing a unified framework, Intercargo aims to enhance safety and efficiency for bulk carrier operators worldwide, providing a structured approach to cargo handling procedures that were previously governed by fragmented regional or company-specific protocols.

The implementation of these guidelines aligns with the broader safety frameworks established under the IMO’s International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter V, which governs the safety of navigation. Furthermore, these standards support compliance with MARPOL Annex I requirements regarding the prevention of pollution during oil transfer operations. For compliance departments and vessel operators, adopting these standardized procedures is essential to mitigate operational risks, ensure insurance coverage, and demonstrate adherence to international maritime safety standards during port state control inspections.

For masters and navigating officers, these new guidelines necessitate a comprehensive review of onboard STS transfer manuals and risk assessment protocols. These officers must ensure that all mooring arrangements, communication procedures, and emergency contingency plans are updated to reflect the new Intercargo standards. By integrating these practices into daily operations, navigating officers can significantly reduce the risk of structural damage or environmental incidents during complex ship-to-ship cargo transfers in open waters or sheltered anchorages.