INTERCARGO, the international association for dry bulk shipowners, has introduced the first specific industry standard for ship-to-ship (STS) transfers involving dry bulk cargo. This initiative comes as STS operations are becoming more common, especially in emerging trade lanes and regions where conventional port access is restricted by infrastructure limitations or shallow drafts.
Historically, STS transfers have been a routine aspect of dry bulk shipping, but the sector previously lacked a unified, dedicated set of guidelines for these complex maneuvers. The absence of such a standard posed potential risks, particularly with the expansion of STS activities into less familiar or developed maritime areas. The new standard aims to fill this gap, providing a structured framework for safe and efficient operations.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this new standard is significant. It provides a clearer operational framework for dry bulk STS transfers, potentially reducing risks and improving predictability for shipments involving these operations. While not directly impacting rates or capacity, enhanced safety protocols can lead to fewer incidents, which in turn can prevent delays and cargo damage, ultimately benefiting supply chain reliability. Forwarders should ensure their partners and carriers involved in dry bulk STS transfers are aware of and adhere to these new guidelines to mitigate operational risks.
The release of this standard is expected to promote safer practices and greater consistency across the dry bulk sector for STS transfers, supporting the continued growth of these operations in diverse maritime environments.