"We believe that incremental changes lead to significant progress and are pleased to support the IMO"
Director's Log
In February, OCIMF made progress on multiple fronts while keeping a close eye on maritime events unfolding globally and developments at the IMO.
Global events significantly impact the maritime industry, causing rippling effects. Incidents in the Red Sea region have posed unprecedented challenges to operations at sea and remind us of the profound impact these events have on the seafarers and their families. In response, OCIMF has prioritized collaborative communications and accurate info sharing with industry stakeholders and governments to safeguard seafarers and assets. Insights gained from these experiences will be incorporated into the next update of our Best Management Practices (BMP).
Recently, I had the privilege of meeting Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez during his briefing to consultative NGOs at the IMO. Leading a newly elected, technically adept, and diverse leadership team, he is dedicated to a proactive, transparent, and outward-looking IMO. He advocates for member States to prioritise the well-being and safety of seafarers and the environment. It’s evident that the Secretary General’s focus on seafarers’ welfare, and his approach and dedication will yield benefits for the maritime industry.
OCIMF remains a proud consultative partner of the IMO. We believe that incremental changes lead to significant progress and are pleased to support the IMO and the broader maritime community through close partnerships, member collaboration and advocacy work.
I hope you enjoy reading more about what we were up to this February.
Karen DaviDirector OCIMF
OCIMF holds industry workshop on enclosed space fatalities
More than 20 industry organisations were represented at the day-long workshop, which took place in a hybrid format at OCIMF’s London office on 1 February.
Enclosed space fatalities are still happening at an alarming rate, and the first half of the day was dedicated to setting this scene and the objectives of the workshop. This was followed by presentations from InterManager, the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST), International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP), HiLo Maritime Risk Management and the OCIMF Human Factors Committee. The afternoon saw participants split into teams for brainstorming sessions, then come back together for plenary discussions.
There was no shortage of passion, energy and commitment in the room. The workshop generated some key steps towards an action plan for the industry on this urgent issue. The group agreed to reconvene soon to build a roadmap to action. This was a very important milestone on our road to accident-free enclosed space entries. OCIMF would like to thank all the participants for their time, effort and for sharing their expertise.
For those organisations that would like to be part of this journey or for further enquiries, contact Kevin Coelho, OCIMF Nautical Adviser, Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!.
OCIMF and International Marine Contractors Association collaborate on environmental matters
In a landmark move towards strengthening safety and environmental sustainability within the offshore sector, OCIMF and the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) have solidified their commitment by signing a Memorandum of Understanding.
Following this pivotal agreement, representatives from both organisations met to explore synergies in environmental initiatives, underscoring a mutual dedication to advancing sustainable practices within the industry. With a shared enthusiasm for the promising avenues of collaboration identified, both parties eagerly anticipate their next meeting in April, where they will continue to develop their joint environmental agenda.
For enquiries, contact Filipe Santana, OCIMF Engineering Adviser, Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!.
OCIMF and International Association of Ports and Harbors discuss common interests
In February, OCIMF was pleased to host Patrick Verhoeven, Managing Director of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH).
The purpose of the meeting with OCIMF's Director Karen Davis and Publications and Advocacy Director Saurabh Sachdeva was to explore opportunities for the two organisations to work more closely together. Shared areas of interest include data collaboration, climate and energy linked initiatives. OCIMF shared its current work developing best practice for tankers for the use of onshore power, as well as highlighting the Marine Terminal Information System (MTIS), a programme which has been in place since 2011. OCIMF asked for IAPH's support in promoting the launch of SIRE 2.0 and tablet-based inspections. IAPH shared its strategic vision to deliver on four key priorities linked to climate and energy, Clean Energy Marine Hubs (CEM-Hubs), data collaboration and risk and resilience. The two organisations agreed to hold regular meetings in future to discuss common work.
For more information contact Saurabh Sachdeva, OCIMF Publications and Advocacy Director, Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!.
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OCIMF and International Association of Oil and Gas Producers reflect on a year of collaboration
OCIMF and IOGP leaders met to review joint work since the two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding early last year.
IOGP's newly appointed CEO Graham Henley and HSE Director Steve Norton and OCIMF's Karen Davis and Saurabh Sachdeva reflected on the strong collaboration and good progress made since then. OCIMF is promoting IOGP’s Life Saving Rules across the broader maritime sector, including at its recent workshop on enclosed space fatalities. Progress on the collaboration between OCIMF’s Principal Committees and IOGP’s Safety Committee includes the recent publication of guidance for management of survival craft on offshore installations, new work on the FPSO asset integrity assurance review, and work to further safety initiatives with ship husbandry and diving support issues. Human performance and the energy transition were also important areas of discussion.
For further information, contact Saurabh Sachdeva, OCIMF Publications and Advocacy Director, Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein! or Graham Coles, OCIMF Offshore Adviser, Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!.
SIRE 2.0 workshop reviews progress
On 22 February the SIRE 2.0 project team, along with our partners at Navigate PR, came together in a SIRE 2.0 workshop to review the progress of Phase 3.
This was an opportunity to review the positive uptake from all corners of the industry, including a large uptake in vessel operators requesting SIRE 2.0 inspections, and recipients accessing the library of anonymised SIRE 2.0 reports for training and familiarisation purposes. The workshop also provided an opportunity to review the status of the Phase 3 Critical Success Factors as we head towards the launch of SIRE 2.0.
Further details on the SIRE 2.0 launch will be communicated in due course, however in the meantime we continue to strongly encourage all programme users to review the SIRE 2.0 material on the OCIMF website SIRE 2.0 (ocimf.org) to ensure readiness.
For further details, please contact Aaron Cooper, OCIMF Programmes Director, Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!.
OCIMF engages with stakeholders on port decarbonisation
In a concerted effort to drive forward port decarbonisation, OCIMF has actively engaged with key stakeholders across the maritime sector.
A highlight was the presentation given at the Green Shipping Summit in Rotterdam, Netherlands, last month, where OCIMF shared the stage with industry leaders. Panellists discussed the latest in sustainable maritime practices and the urgent need for industry wide decarbonisation. Beyond the summit, there were also productive discussions with VOPAK and the Port of Rotterdam, focused on the practical implementation of onshore power supply (OPS), a critical component in reducing emissions from port operations. OCIMF also has a relationship with Green Award, the Rotterdam based certification scheme for ships that go above and beyond the industry standards in terms of safety, quality and environmental performance. This emphasises the integration of environmental standards into operational practices, highlighting the importance of recognising and rewarding efforts towards sustainability in the maritime industry.
By leveraging strategic partnerships to implement effective sustainability initiatives, OCIMF aims to pave the way for a more sustainable maritime future.
For enquiries, contact Filipe Santana, OCIMF Engineering Adviser, Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!.
Meeting reports
Onshore Power Supply Working Group
Date: 17 January 2024 (Virtual)
Chair: Jeff Bayham (ExxonMobil)
Vice-chair: Robert Bridges (TotalEnergies)
Secretary: Filipe Santana (OCIMF)
The Onshore Power Supply (OPS) Working Group promoted a workshop with original equipment manufacturers to discuss the challenges of establishing a flexible HV-rated power cable suitable for use in hazardous locations. Elements discussed include:
- Minimum technical requirements.
- Differences in certification requirements between ship and shore.
- Compatibility with national codes.
- Special technical requirements and associated testing.
The OPS WG will meet again virtually in March and in-person in April in Long Beach, California.
For enquiries, contact Filipe Santana, OCIMF Engineering Adviser, Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!.
Emissions Capture and Control Working Group
Date: 25 January 2024 (Virtual)
Chair: Vineet Plaha (Chevron)
Vice-chair: Eric Harrier (ConocoPhillips)
Secretary: Filipe Santana (OCIMF Engineering Adviser)
The Emissions Capture and Control Working Group (ECC WG) virtual meeting was dedicated to progress on the creation of an extensive map of threats and associated barriers under the group’s scope. This risk-based approach will allow the group to develop targeted guidance to cover HSSE risks and recommended practices for design, operations and maintenance of emissions capture and control systems.
The ECC WG will meet again virtually in March and in-person in April in Long Beach, California.
For enquiries, contact Filipe Santana, OCIMF Engineering Adviser, Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!.
Environment Committee
Intersessional: 24 January 2024 (Virtual)
Chair: Maartje Wibrew-Forster (Shell)
Vice-chair: Maria Polakis (BP)
Secretary: Filipe Santana (OCIMF)
During the intersession period, the Environment Committee (EC) met to follow up on the status of the environmental targets for 2024–25. Updates were discussed on EC initiatives related to the four OCIMF strategic pillars of publications, programmes, advocacy, and member collaboration. The group discussed the progress of the following goals, among others:
- Information paper on the use of Onshore Power Supply.
- Information paper on the risks associated with propulsion power limitation.
- Information paper on Emissions Capture and Control.
- Advocacy via IMO Correspondence Groups on Alternative Fuels.
- TMSA 3 environmental review.
- Collaboration with other industry organisations, including IPIECA, SGMF, and IACS.
The group will meet once more before the next face-to-face meeting in California.
Next meeting: 11-12 August 2023 in Long Beach, California, USA.
For enquiries, contact Filipe Santana, OCIMF Engineering Adviser, Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!.
Engineering Expert Group
10th meeting: 20 February 2024 (virtual)
Secretary: Filipe Santana (OCIMF Engineering Adviser)
Active discussions and updates on ongoing projects and planning of future actions marked the 10th Engineering Expert Group (EEG) meeting.
Publications: In collaboration with the Environment Committee, the EEG is actively developing guides on Emissions Capture and Control and using onshore power supply for tankers. Completed work includes the review of the Guide for Implementation of Sulphur Oxide Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems and the draft publication on the Risk Associated with Propulsion Power Limitations.
Advocacy: The meeting also featured a key discussion on the IMO correspondence groups on the safety and on the regulatory framework of alternative fuels. The EEG is currently leading OCIMF’s contribution to both workstreams.
Members collaboration: The EEG planned the engagement with IACS Joint Industry Working Group on Safe Decarbonisation.
Programmes: The EEG discussed the upcoming collaboration with the Barge Expert Group to review the Barge Inspection Questionnaire (BIQ).
For enquiries, contact Filipe Santana, OCIMF Engineering Adviser, Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!.
Structures Expert Group
11th Meeting: 22 February 2024 (virtual)
Lead: Jeff Bayham (ExxonMobil)
Co-lead: Gerard Spaan (Shell)
Secretary: Filipe Santana (OCIMF Engineering Adviser)
Active discussions and updates on ongoing projects and planning of future actions marked the 11th Structures Expert Group (SEG) meeting.
The group discussed publications being developed via internal collaboration with Floating Systems EG and the Environment Committee, and via external collaboration with PIANC, British Standards, SIGTTO, and ISO.
SEG’s upcoming reviews include:
- Recommendations for Oil and Chemical Tanker Manifolds and Associated Equipment
- Transfer of Personnel by Crane between Vessels
- Recommendations for Liquefied Gas Carrier Manifolds
- Safe Access on Ships with Exposed or Raised Deck Structures
For enquiries, contact Filipe Santana, OCIMF Engineering Adviser, Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!.
Barges Expert Group
10th meeting: 7 February 2024
Lead: Bjorn Ternoey (TotalEnergies)
Co-Lead: Lanny Mason (Marathon Petroleum)
Secretary: Ton Mol (OCIMF Barge Adviser)
On 7 February the Barges Expert Group had its first meeting of this year. Over twenty members and seven OCIMF Secretariat representatives joined the meeting. Items discussed included Smart Shipping, translations of ISGINTT 2, planning for 2024, development of the Global Barge Guide, and revisions of the Barge Inspection Questionnaire (BIQ) for the South and Central America region and the North American region.
Next meeting: 8 August
For any queries, contact Ton Mol, OCIMF Barge Adviser, Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!.
Nautical Expert Group
9th meeting: 21 Feb 2024 (virtual)
Lead: Nitin Malik (Chevron)
Co-leads: Ken Fernandes (Cepsa) and Nitin Chaudhary (BP)
Secretary: Kevin Coelho (OCIMF Nautical Adviser)
The Nautical Expert Group (NEG) met virtually in February for its 9th meeting. Discussions included the following:
- The Lead and Secretary thanked Co-lead Ken Fernandes, who has decided to leave the NEG following his move from Cepsa. We also thanked Mohan Dhinakaran for taking on the role of champion for the NEG Community of Practice. Garron Edjington from HESS was welcomed to the NEG as a new member.
- The group ran through IOGP’s Life Saving Rules and encouraged all to share within their teams.
- Rafal Kosmal, INTERTANKO’s Nautical Manager, provided an update on their nautical activities and discussed navigational safety, anchoring and mooring management.
- Maartje W Forster, Chair of OCIMF’s Environment Committee, spoke about the European Union’s Emissions Trading System.
- Progress was shared on investigations into shipping activity in the Danish Straits. The NEG thanked Laurent Routisseau for conducting a gap analysis, which was shared with the group. The NEG will now make an informed decision on whether an information paper is required to close any gaps.
Next meeting: Intersessional in June (TBC).
For enquiries, contact Kevin Coelho, OCIMF Nautical Adviser, Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!.
Ship to Ship Interfaces Expert Group
9th meeting: 07 Feb 2024 (virtual)
Lead: Bill Kappelman (Chevron)
Co-leads: Hemant Berry (Ampol), James Scalli (Shell)
Secretary: Kevin Coelho (Nautical Adviser)
The Ship-to-Ship Interfaces Expert Group (STS EG) met virtually for its ninth meeting in Feb 2024. Below are some of the topics that were discussed and progressed:
- Progress update on the revision of the Ship to Ship Transfer Guide: Close to 1,000 comments have been received from industry. The working group is split into subgroups to manage sections and address all comments. This is a joint industry publication with CDI, ICS and SIGTTO.
- STS Regional Forums: Engagement resumed successfully in 2023. OCIMF intends to organise a forum in London mid-year, inviting representatives from all three forums to share learnings and best practices.
- Publications and advocacy: Update given on publications being reviewed and revised, and update on IMO advocacy work.
Next meeting: July 2024 (TBC)
Ship Shore Interfaces Expert Group
9th meeting: 24 Jan 2024 (virtual)
Lead: Anne Beverwijk (Shell)
Secretary: Kevin Coelho (Nautical Adviser)
The Ship Shore Interfaces Expert Group (NEG) met virtually for its ninth meeting. Discussions included the following:
- Robert Serewa shared a safety moment regarding Marine Loading Arms and the lack of maintenance on hard-to-reach areas, which generated a lot of interest and discussion.
- Noted the OCIMF interim paper on Onshore Power Supply published in December.
- Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions using Engine Power Limitation: this is linked to less propulsion power available – what does it mean for Terminal/Port Authorities?
- Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS): impact on ports and terminals. The team is not seeing much activity in their ports/terminals. The Secretary reported that IMO’s aim is to finalise a non-mandatory MASS Code by 2024/25 and then adopt a mandatory Code by 2026 for it to enter into force by 2028.
- New technology/new fuels: SSEG discussed the changing risk profile and issues such as vessel acceptance, impact on ports and terminals.
- The group agreed to conduct a high-level review of the OCIMF information paper Manning at Conventional Marine Terminals. The OCIMF publication Marine Terminal Management and Self Assessment (MTMSA) will be reviewed later this year.
Next meeting: Intersessional tentatively scheduled for May/June 24.
For enquiries, contact Kevin Coelho, OCIMF Nautical Adviser, Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!.
IMO News
Secretary General briefing for NGOs
OCIMF met with the IMO Secretary General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez in late January at the IMO headquarters in London. Mr. Dominguez shared the strategic priorities and focus areas of the organisation for the next four-year period, which included:
- Regulating international shipping.
- Supporting Member States, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
- Increasing public awareness of the work of the IMO.
- Managing stakeholder relationships.
Highlighting the IMO World Maritime Theme for 2024, 'Navigating the future: safety first!', Mr. Dominguez noted the challenging circumstances to which the women and men at sea are increasingly exposed, from the impacts of Covid-19 to the current security incidents taking place in the Red Sea and other shipping lanes. On climate change, he highlighted that the IMO was the first UN agency to define a global strategy to minimise greenhouse gas emissions, including measures and indicative timelines for delivery of targets, but also the need to deliver this strategy safely. There was emphasis on working towards being a more transparent organisation and the new leadership team as elected by the Secretary General is certainly indicative of his commitment to diversity and inclusion.
11th Sub-Committee session on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR 11)
PPR 11 was held at the IMO headquarters in London from 19–23 February 2024. The following summarises some of the key discussions that took place that are relevant to OCIMF.
The aquatic environment
Management of discharge water from Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS)
- Extended discussion on the need for further development of representative emission factors for use in the environmental risk assessment of discharge water from EGCS (MEPC.1/Circ.899 refers).
- PPR 11 invited proposals for terms of reference for the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP) to conduct further work on emission factors.
In-water cleaning
An intersessional correspondence group to develop guidelines was set-up around the following:
- Planning, conducting and reporting on in-water cleaning operations.
- Verification and testing of in-water cleaning systems and compatibility with anti-fouling coatings.
- Inspections and verification of service providers.
Plastic pellets
- Finalisation of draft circular of recommendations for the carriage of plastic pellets by sea in freight containers. This is likely to be approved by Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) 81 during March 2024.
- Finalisation of the IMO guidelines relating to clean-up of plastic pellets from ship-source releases.
The Arctic environment
Black Carbon (BC) emissions
The following guidance is expected to be adopted by MEPC 82 later in 2024:
- Finalisation of guidance on best practice on goal-based measures to reduce the impact of BC emissions from international shipping in the Arctic region.
- Finalisation of guidance on measurement, monitoring and reporting.
Carriage of heavy fuel oil (HFO) for use as fuel
- Finalisation of guidance on mitigation measures to reduce the risks of use and carriage for use of HFO as fuel by ships in the Arctic, subject to approval by MEPC 82.
10th Sub-Committee session on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW 10)
HTW 10 was held at the IMO headquarters from 5–9 February 2024. The following summarises some of the key discussions that took place that are relevant to OCIMF.
Comprehensive review of the International Convention of Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW)
Recognising the need to adapt existing seafarer training to evolving maritime industry, IMO tasked the HTW sub-committee to conduct a comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code.
HTW 10 progressed work on the following key areas:
- Identification of 22 key areas for review. These include emerging technologies; digitalisation of documentation; psychological safety, bullying and harassment, including sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH); mental health; cybersecurity; and addressing outdated training requirements.
- A two-stage methodology for the comprehensive review was agreed; the first phase to be a review phase to identify gaps in key areas followed by phase two to revise the STCW Convention and Code by way of amendments.
- Development of a roadmap which would see completion of the first phase – and kick-off of Phase 2 – by February 2025. Approval, followed by adoption of regulatory amendments to take place by Spring and Autumn of 2027, respectively.
Addressing bullying and harassment:
- As part of the comprehensive review, and to work on including new competencies on bullying and harassment in the maritime sector, terms of reference for revision of Model Course 1.21 on Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities were finalised.
Training for seafarers on ships using alternative fuels
Separating this from the comprehensive review work, and as an indicator of priority, the sub-committee agreed to include this as a standalone topic in the agenda for HTW 11 in February 2025.
Fraudulent STCW Certification
Fraudulent STCW endorsements carried by personnel serving at sea was noted as a serious concern for the safety at sea and therefore parties to STWC Convention were urged to take concrete action to tackle this issue.
For any enquiries contact Abhijit Aul, OCIMF Risk and Regulatory Affairs Adviser, Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!.
