"One of my priorities is to build a diverse and professional team whose behaviours prove our values: Respect, Engage, Efficient, Deliver."
Director's Log
One of my priorities is to build a diverse and professional team whose behaviours prove our values: Respect, Engage, Efficient, Deliver.
After a meeting recently, someone told me they can see our values shining through. I’d like to share some guidance that has helped us shine.
We have learned that effective cultural communication is a cornerstone for successful global interactions. By understanding and respecting cultural differences, organisations can enhance business success, build stronger teams, improve customer relationships, and navigate global operations more effectively. For individuals, it promotes personal growth and better interpersonal relationships.
We educate ourselves by researching cultural norms, listening to people and showing genuine interest in others’ experiences. In this way, we can ensure that we show respect for cultural practices and religious beliefs. As well as listening to what people say, we aim to be mindful of body language and other non-verbal cues. We strive to communicate clearly and respectfully, acknowledge mistakes and seek feedback, and be patient with others.
Following these guidelines not only helps in avoiding unintentional offence, but also fosters mutual respect and understanding, enriching interactions and relationships.
And it helps our team shine.
Karen Davis, Director OCIMF
OCIMF shares updates at SIRE 2.0 seminar in Japan
Aaron Cooper, OCIMF Programmes Director, was very pleased to be invited to present at a seminar focused on SIRE 2.0 hosted by the Petroleum Industry Marine Association of Japan (PIMA).
The event was well attended by a number of regionally based shipowners, operators and charterers. This gave OCIMF an opportunity to present the rationale behind the transition to SIRE 2.0, share updates and lessons learned during Phase 3 and provide guidance on how to prepare for go-live. This was followed by a lively and interactive Q&A session, which provided OCIMF with valuable feedback as we continue to refine SIRE 2.0. Thanks to PIMA and all those present for the opportunity and continued support.
For more information, contact Aaron Cooper, OCIMF Programmes Director, Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!.
International Lessons Learned Workshop
OCIMF participated in this year's International Lessons Learned Workshop in Santiago, Chile. The workshop involved leading oil companies and terminal operators who shared insights from past operational experiences to enhance safety and operational efficiency.
The event, organised by the Society of Marine Oil Terminals and Monobuoy Operators (SLOM), a key partner of OCIMF, took place over two days, from 6–7 June. This gathering was an exclusive platform for oil companies and terminal operators, including many OCIMF member companies. The primary objective was to discuss past incidents, analyse them, and extract valuable lessons to improve future operations.
Throughout the workshop, representatives from OCIMF, SLOM, The Nautical Institute and the Oil Spill Response Group provided their expertise to facilitate in-depth discussions. OCIMF’s presentation was focused on the safe decarbonisation of marine terminals. This presentation highlighted the challenges and opportunities associated with the decarbonisation of the maritime sector and the important role played by marine terminals.
The workshop underscored the collective commitment of industry players to learn from past experiences and implement best practices continually.
For further information or enquiries, please contact Filipe Santana, OCIMF Engineering Adviser, Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!.
Maritime security snippets
Fifteenth Industry Strategic Meeting
On 30 May, OCIMF's Maritime Security Committee (MSC) Chairs joined other association representatives at the 15th Industry Strategic Meeting in Madrid. The meeting focuses on the Maritime Security Dialogue, organised by the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA. The event was co-chaired by EUNAVFOR ASPIDES and the Combined Maritime Forces, with Operation AGENOR as guests. The forum discussed the current threats in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, concluding that industry needs streamlined communication and, ideally, a ‘single point of contact’ for accessing information and requesting assistance.
Maritime Security Committee
The MSC had a full agenda for its third formal meeting of the year on 5 June. While the focus was very much on Red Sea activities, time was also spent finalising inputs to industry cyber security guidelines and planning the next phase for updating BMP. Sincere appreciation to the military authorities who took time to update and engage with members. The committee also welcomed members from the Barge Expert Group, who reported back on their visit to Peru where they engaged with maritime authorities to better understand security challenges on inland waterways.
For more information, contact Russell Pegg, OCIMF Security Adviser, Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!.
OCIMF updates position paper on greenhouse gas emissions
The revised position paper on Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Air Pollution is now available online.
The position paper, first published in February 2023, was reviewed by the Environment Committee (EC) following the launch of the IMO’s Revised GHG Strategy. The EC took the opportunity to refine the key principles of OCIMF’s position and include additional context to demonstrate how OCIMF’s vision and mission align with its commitment to support the IMO Strategy.
Click here to download the position paper
Inland barging news
OCIMF organises workshop on smart shipping
The workshop for members of OCIMF's EU working group on smart shipping took place in Gorinchem, Netherlands, on 28–29 May. It included input from suppliers of Track Guidance Assistance for Inland Navigation (TGAINs) and representatives of Platform Zero Incidents. It was a great opportunity for OCIMF to discuss the safe implementation and use of semi-autonomous devices such as TGAINs on board. In Europe there are currently around 1,500 barges equipped with these devices, expected to rise to almost 2,000 by the end of 2024. The workshop will feed into the group's preparation of an information paper on this topic.
Revision of Barge Inspection Questionnaire continues
The North America working group met in Houston from 3–8 June for its second face-to-face meeting to revise the regional Barge Inspection Questionnaire (BIQ) and Barge Particulars Questionnaire (BPQ). The group completed the first draft of the new BIQ and is on schedule to deliver the final draft in August.
For more information, contact Ton Mol, OCIMF Barge Adviser, Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!.
Executive Committee
Chair: Nick Potter (Shell)
Vice-chairs: Waddah Ghanem (ENOC), Barbara Pickering (Chevron), Lambros Klaoudatos (BP)
93rd meeting: 23 May (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
OCIMF's Executive Committee (ExCom) held its 93rd meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. OCIMF is extremely grateful for the hospitality and logistical support provided by Luciano Maldonado and the Petrobras team. Work at ExCom 93 included:
- Receiving the Forum’s project updates and initiatives, including status reports on the SIRE 2.0 Project and related efforts.
- Reviewing performance, including audit outcomes, a financial update, and Member Engagement Plan overview.
- Overview of OCIMF Committees’ updates, including current and emerging work.
- Setting expectations for the 2025+ Member Engagement and Advocacy Plan.
- Staff planning.
The ExCom members highlighted the SIRE 2.0 Project's steady progress and encouraged the team to maintain the momentum. ExCom reviewed the extensive work underway and praised all who dedicate their efforts and expertise, across the Forum, to develop quality guidance and programmes that support OCIMF’s mission.
Innovation and Technology Expert Group
Chair: Zillur Rahman (STASCO - Shipping and Maritime Assurance)
Secretary: William J. Elkins (OCIMF)
Meeting date: 24 April
The Innovation and Technology Expert Group (ITEG) discussed several issues, including the following:
- The Programmes Committee endorsement of the ITEG recommendation for an independent third party to carry out a Programmes cybersecurity assessment in 2025. The ITEG is preparing the scope of work for the effort. The third-party assessor will be selected in 2025.
- The Programmes Committee supporting the inclusion of cybersecurity within the management self-assessment (MSA) frameworks in conjunction with efforts undertaken by Publications & Advocacy (P&A). The efforts will align with the P&A schedule for MSA reviews.
- As a follow-on task to the MSAs, the ITEG has proposed the inclusion of cyber elements in the inspection questionnaires and will provide resources to contribute to guidance for inspectors.
- The ITEG terms of reference are under review with the goal of strengthening and diversifying the cyber advisory function.
For more information, contact William J. Elkins, OCIMF Senior IT Manager, Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!
Offshore Vessel Operations Expert Group
Lead: Pat Dasgupta (Chevron)
Secretary: Graham Coles (Offshore Adviser)
14th meeting: 6 June 2024
The Offshore Vessel Operations Expert Group (OVOEG) met virtually for its 14th meeting. Highlights of the discussion included the following working group updates:
- Management of Attending Vessels: The working group is continuing to meet periodically and work is progressing well. A draft information paper is planned to be handed over to OCIMF publications in Q3 2024.
- Offshore Vessel Management and Self Assessment (OVMSA): A working group has been formed to update OVMSA and is currently gathering stakeholder feedback before collating comments and starting work in September 2024.
- Offshore data: A working group has been formed to look into opportunities to strengthen OCIMF's data in the offshore sector and will aim to complete this work by Q1 2025.
- DP Assurance: As OCIMF sits on the Steering Group along with IMCA and MTS, OVOEG received an update on the MTS Joint Development Paper on Unified approach to verification, validation and assurance of single fault tolerance in DP systems. The draft publication is now available for public consultation and final review is expected in December 2024, before publication in Q1 2025.
Next meeting: September 2024 (TBC)
For any enquiries, please contact Graham Coles, OCIMF Offshore Adviser, Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!.
IMO news
Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue
The 11th session of the Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR 11) was held at the IMO headquarters from 4–13 June 2024. The following provides an overview of topics that were discussed and of relevance to OCIMF.
Safety of navigation:
- Safety of pilot transfer arrangements:
- Agreement on amendments to SOLAS regulation V/23, subject to approval by the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 109) in December 2024.
- Finalisation of draft MSC resolution on performance standards for pilot transfer arrangements.
- Agreement of new areas to be avoided (ATBA) off the Brazilian coast Santos Basin to reduce the risk of collision between merchant ships and offshore installations and their supporting infrastructure. The ABTA is expected to come into effect six months after adoption by MSC 109 in December.
- Development of guidelines for the use of Electronic Nautical Publications (ENP), i.e. charts, to be undertaken by an intersessional correspondence group reporting to NCSR 12 in 2025.
Maritime communications
- Measures to prevent manipulation of Automatic identification System (AIS) transmissions – new draft performance standards for shipboard AIS agreed for adoption by MSC 109. This will revise resolution MSC.74(69).
- Detailed discussion on monitoring and verification of ship Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) system by Member States and potential for this measure to mitigate against unsafe maritime practices such as by the 'dark'/'shadow' fleet.
Search and rescue
- New performance standards for reception of Maritime Safety Information (MSI) and search and rescue (SAR) related information by medium and high frequency digital navigational data (NAVDAT) system, subject to adoption by MSC 109.
A summary report of NCSR 11 will be issued in due course.
For any enquiries, please contact Abhijit Aul, OCIMF Risk and Regulatory Affairs Adviser, Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!.