"You’ll see in the newsletter an increased effort in developing contacts to populate MTIS terminal particulars. In addition to our members, we are also extending the request for assistance to other organisations and independent companies working in this space. The goal is to add as many terminals as we can over the next 12 months."
Managing Director's Log
I’ve mentioned external stakeholder engagement being one of OCIMFs objectives before.
In March, I visited the China Maritime Safety Agency in Beijing where we discussed various hot topics such as greenhouse gas emissions and 2020 sulphur limits for fuels, and we also touched on some China specific areas such as inland navigation and terminal interfaces, where we could potentially work together to improve safety and environmental performance. I also met with our China Focus Group, made up of both OCIMF members and industry observers, who concentrate on where we can add value by sharing lessons and best practices. OCIMF will be speaking at the China Oil Tanker Safety Forum in Ningbo on 11th/12th July and we are hosting a terminal interface safety workshop on the 10th. You may not be aware but OCIMF has its own Weibo account – click here if you would like to follow us.
Staying in China, our Asia Pacific Regional Marine Forum is scheduled in Shanghai on 7th November this year – more details available from our website. The first Regional Marine Forum of the year in Houston was very well attended – others are scheduled for Athens in June, Dubai in September and Cartagena de Indias in October.
You’ll see in the newsletter an increased effort in developing contacts to populate MTIS terminal particulars. In addition to our members, we are also extending the request for assistance to other organisations and independent companies working in this space. The goal is to add as many terminals as we can over the next 12 months.
Lastly (but certainly not least) is to say farewell to Tony Wynne, our Technical Adviser Nautical, who is heading back to Shell at the end of May after more than three years seconded to OCIMF. Tony has done a stellar job during his time here and I want to thank him publicly for all of his hard work. I also want to welcome Sanchay Srivastava (also from Shell), who is replacing Tony.
I wish you a happy, safe and healthy June.
Rob Drysdale
Director OCIMF
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OCIMF North America Regional Marine Forum
OCIMF’s third North America Regional Marine Forum took place in Houston on 21 May 2019.
Among the 90 attendees were OCIMF members, the US Coast Guard, ship and terminal operators, specialist engineering companies and other organisations from the ship and barge industry.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the speakers from the American Waterways Operators, Chevron, Kirby Corporation, MIS Marine, OSG, SeaRiver Maritime Inc, Shell and the US Coast Guard, as well as the North America Regional Marine Champion Jan Ziobro from Shell for their help organising the event.
The next Regional Marine Forum will be held in Athens, Greece on 25 June.
Register for the Europe and Africa Regional Marine Forum
South and Central America Inland and Coastal Barge Focus Group
The 11th meeting of the South and Central America Inland and Coastal Barge Focus Group was held on the 21-23 November in Sao Paulo, Brazil (hosted by Braskem).
Topics discussed at the meeting included:
- Health of the SIRE CAT 3 inspection programme for S. & C. America reviewed.
- General S. & C. America barge safety and environmental matters discussed.
- Completed initial draft review of SIRE variant guidance.
- Undertook CAT 3 re-sit examinations.
The next meeting is 19-21 November 2019 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Singapore Information Fusion Centre
OCIMF was represented by Capt Hemant Berry (AMPOL) at events to mark the 10th anniversary of the Republic of Singapore Navy's Information Fusion Centre (IFC) at Changi Naval Base on 14 May.
Established for countries and stakeholders to share maritime security information, the IFC has established itself as a trusted center of excellence.
A keynote address was delivered by Senior Minister of State for Defence Maliki Osman who said; "There are many 'unknown unknowns' in the maritime environment, such as unidentified vessels, unreported illegal activities and smuggling routes. In fact, what happens in your immediate waters could invariably affect the security of mine.
"Information sharing can bridge these information and time gaps, by providing actionable information to the correct parties for operational responses. This is why the IFC was established 10 years ago."
Maritime Security Sub Committee
The 16th meeting of Maritime Security Sub Committee (MSSC) was held on the 7-8 May in Rio, Brazil (hosted by Petrobras).
This meeting was a first in Latin America for the MSSC providing the opportunity to engage with the regional members to better understand their security concerns. The committees discussion on threats posed to barges operating on inland waterways was notable.
Maritime Security Meeting
Taking advantage of the MSSC meeting in Rio, OCIMF held a maritime security meeting for interested stakeholders. The event held on 08 May attracted 70 delegates from the maritime industry, INTERPOL and the Brazilian Navy.
The agenda, although focused on regional maritime security issues also explored the future of Brazilian energy and an overview to the workings of the Brazilian Navy reporting centre, CISMAR. Admiral José Luiz Ribeiro Filho Brazilian Navy, Superintendent of Waterway Traffic Safety and Ibrahim Madawaki from INTERPOL provided insightful presentations on local issues. The meeting was supported by stakeholders unable to attend using social media.
OCIMF joins Ex Buoy 2019
BELL BUOY is the annual exercise series held by the naval Pacific and Indian Oceans Shipping Working Group (PACIOSWG).
This exercise aims to generate and enhance interoperability among member nations to respond to threats to seaborne trade and merchant shipping. This exercise was major nationwide effort run by the Australians involving officers from New Zealand, USA, UK, Republic of Korea, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and Singapore. OCIMF was invited to attend as the industry adviser. The exercise conducted over two weeks was held across six regional areas, Newcastle, Port Kemble, Brisbane, Port Botany, Tauranga NZ and Auckland NZ. It was the first time since WW2 that they have had industry participation on this scale.
OCIMF participated as a player in the exercise scenario and provided a number of presentations on industry issues and cooperation around the world. Events in the Gulf added high interest, focus and urgency. OCIMF, represented by Alex Walker, played and discussed a number of interactions the main thrust of our messaging was that partnership with Industry should revolve around:
- Mariner safety.
- Maritime security.
- Environmental protection.
- Training of merchant and military people.
- Information sharing (unclassified).
- Communication processes.
- Improving standard operating procedures.
Commercial issues about individual ships and companies should be avoided but macro issues such as routing alternatives, impacts to trade and effects on world markets can be discussed.
You cannot “surge trust” and these relationships must be ongoing, transparent and developed over time. Cooperation with is a force multiplier ( low cost, high value). Information Flow is vital and to ensure mariner safety we must work together to reduce the cycle time of information release from event to disclosure:
As part of the exercise, the Australian Navy hosted their first Industry day which was well attended by 70 participants. This inaugural event facilitated executive-level interaction from across industry with appropriate Navy representatives and select Defence related organizations to discuss the evolving exercise scenario. Importantly, the session afforded an ideal opportunity to articulate any potential real-world implications for industry that might be associated with having maritime trade to and from Australia disrupted. This interaction involved the Navy's war fighting community and representatives from industry. It included participation by key Defence and non-Defence stakeholders, including members of the Australian Maritime Defence Council.
MTIS Active Discovery Project
With a goal of creating a free-to-access, comprehensive list of oil and gas ports and terminals, OCIMF is requesting the help and support of its members and all with involvement in the area.
The MTIS Active Discovery project invites you to share your knowledge and help to drive Terminal Portal in collecting a complete global list of oil and gas ports and terminals.
Find out more and get involved.
Welcome Sanchay Srivastava
Sanchay Srivastava joined OCIMF as Technical Adviser (Nautical) 16 May 2019.
Sanchay joined OCIMF from Shell, he began his seagoing career as a Deck Cadet on an oil tanker carrying clean products and later on crude carriers before qualifying as a Junior Navigating Officer in 2001.He joined Shell in 2004 and was promoted to Chief Officer in 2006 before moving to the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) fleet in 2009, as part of the new LNG carrier building delivery teams from Korean shipyards.
Since receiving his command in 2011, Sanchay sailed on a variety of LNG ships before moving ashore in 2014. Starting as an Operations Superintendent within Shell’s Ship Management team, he has developed expertise in maritime downstream fleet operations. Sanchay has been a continuous improvement champion, delivering savings through a variety of efficiency projects and improved contract management. He has led projects including LNG ship-to-ship operations, new LNG terminal assessment which included commissioning cargoes, transition to paperless navigation and reduction in methane emissions.
Sanchay has also been a Team Lead managing a diverse cross-functional team of Superintendents as part of the LNG Fleet Management team in London.
Please join OCIMF in welcoming Sanchay to his new role.