Issued jointly by the International Chamber of Shipping Oil Companies International Marine Forum Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators Ltd First Published 1980 Reprinted 1993 Second Edition 1995 © International Chamber of Shipping, London Oil Companies International Marine Forum, Bermuda 1980, 1995 ISBN 85609 082 British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data International Chamber of Shipping Oil Companies International Marine Forum Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators Ltd Ship to Ship Transfer Guide (Liquefied Gases) I Title 2nd Ed ISBN 85609 082 The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is a voluntary organisation of national shipowners' associations Established in 1921, it represents more than half of world merchant tonnage The interests of ICS cover all aspects of maritime affairs, but it is particularly active in the field of marine safety, ship design and construction, pollution prevention and maritime law ICS has consultative status with several intergovernmental organisations, including the International Maritime Organization The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) is a voluntary association of oil companies having an interest in the shipment and terminalling of crude oil and oil products OCIMF is organised to represent its membership before, and consult with, the International Maritime Organization and other government bodies on matters relating to the shipment and terminalling of crude oil and oil products, including marine pollution and safety The Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO) is a non-profit-making association dedicated to the protection and promotion of the interests of its members in the safe operation of liquefied gas tankers and liquefied gas loading and receiving terminals The Society was founded in 1979 and was granted consultative status at IMO in November 1983 The Society has over 90 companies in membership who own or operate over 80% of world LNG tankers and terminals and 50% of world LPG tankers and terminals Notice of Terms of Use While the advice given in this guide has been developed using the best information currently available, it is intended purely as guidance and to be used at the user's own risk No responsibility is accepted by the International Chamber of Shipping, the Oil Companies International Marine Forum, the Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators Ltd, or by any person, firm, corporation or organisation who or which has been in any way concerned with the furnishing of information or data, the compilation, publication, or authorised translation, supply or sale of this guide, for the accuracy of any information or data, for the accuracy of any advice given herein or for any omission herefrom or for any consequences whatsoever resulting directly or indirectly from compliance with or adoption of guidance contained herein even if caused by a failure to exercise reasonable care Published & Printed by WITHERBY&CO LTD 32/36 Aylesbury Street, London EC1R GET, England Tel No: 0171-251 5341 Fax No: 0171-2511296 International Tel No: +44171251 5341 International Fax No: +441712511296 Foreword This guide was first published in 1980 It was based on best industry advice and was well received Since then it has been used by some governments as the basis for national regulations on Ship-to-Ship (STS) transfer operations covering liquefied gas STS transfer operations have now become routine in many parts of the world and further experience has been built up Accordingly, in this new edition the guide has been substantially updated to reflect current good operating practice The layout has also been improved and greater attention has been given to presenting the advice in a more logical manner The guide is aimed at providing advice for masters, marine superintendents and others responsible for planning STS transfer operations It is primarily directed to the transfer of liquefied gas between ocean-going ships In general, it is aimed at operations taking place at sea (and therefore often beyond normal port services) However, it will also be of relevance in inshore waters or within harbour limits, although in such cases special regard will have to be taken of local regulations Similarly, the guide does not refer directly to ship movements where one ship may be brought alongside another that is already at a jetty Such operations, sometimes known as double-banking, should be subject to local regulation and will normally be conducted with the full benefit of all port services As before, the guide does not deal specifically with transfers between ships and barges or estuarial craft but can be used as guidance for such operations The guide does not cover STS transfer operations at offshore production units Here it can be expected that local regulations will be enforced by terminal operators However, the guide may be of benefit to operators of such facilities as they formulate their own regulations By and large, the guide is limited in its scope to STS transfer operations involving Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and similar cargoes The transfer of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) cargoes has not yet become commonplace and, as there are some different procedures to be followed, the transfer of such cargoes should only be considered after the additional risks have been addressed The guide is not a book of rules It contains recommendations on safety, minimum equipment levels and good operating practices, but it must always be remembered that more stringent international, national or local regulations must take precedence ICS, OC1MF and SIGTTO always welcome suggestions for improvements which can be considered for inclusion in future editions Comments may be addressed to these organisations at the following addresses: International Chamber of Shipping 12 Carthusian Street London EC1M6EB England Oil Companies International Marine Forum 15th Floor, 96 Victoria Street London SW1E 5JW England Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators Ltd 17 St Helen's Place London EC3A 6DE England Table of Contents CHAPTER CHAPTER Page FOREWORD III GLOSSARY VII GENERAL PRINCIPLES CHAPTER General Check Lists Safety During Cargo Transfer 7 General Language Voyage Instructions Initial Radio Contact Between Ships Navigational Warnings Communication During Approach, Mooring and Unmooring Communication During Cargo Transfer Operations Procedures for Communication Failure 11 11 11 11 11 12 12 12 OPERATIONAL PREPARATIONS BEFORE MANOEUVRING 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 CHAPTER 5 6 COMMUNICATIONS 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 CHAPTER Approval from Authorities Ship Compatibility Transfer Area Weather Conditions Night Berthing and Unberthing Operations SAFETY - GENERAL 3.1 3.2 3.3 CHAPTER 1 1 3 CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 CHAPTER Preamble Background Scope Parties Involved Control of Operations Safe Watchkeeping Manning for Salient Operations Final Checks on Ship Compatibility Preparation of Ships General Safety Requirements Mooring at Night Navigational Signals 15 16 16 16 16 MANOEUVRING AND MOORING 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 Basic Berthing Principles Positioning and Size of Fenders Mooring Equipment and Preparations Manoeuvring Alongside with Two Ships Under Power Manoeuvring Alongside with One Ship Already at Anchor Nautical Aspects Applicable to Cargo Transfer 17 17 18 19 20 20 CHAPTER PROCEDURES ALONGSIDE 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 CHAPTER 23 23 23 24 24 CARGO TRANSFER OPERATIONS 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 8.7 8.8 8.9 CHAPTER Pre-Transfer Procedures Tending of Fenders and Mooring Lines Planning for Cargo Transfer Transfer of Personnel Between Ships Hose Connection Hose Handling List and Trim Pre-Transfer Checks Cargo Flow Rates Vapour Return Cargo Transfer - General Requirements Accidental Cargo Release Cargo Documentation and Customs Requirements Operations After Completion of Cargo Transfer 25 25 25 25 26 26 26 26 26 Unmooring Procedure Unmooring Checks Procedure for Unberthing 29 29 29 Fenders Hoses Mooring Equipment Oil Pollution Control Equipment Gangway Lighting Portable Radios Representative List of Equipment - Two 65,000 dwt Ships 31 33 34 35 35 35 36 36 UNMOORING 9.1 9.2 9.3 CHAPTER 10 EQUIPMENT 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7 10.8 CHAPTER 11 EMERGENCIES 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 11.6 11.7 Emergency Signal State of Readiness for an Emergency Contingency Planning Emergency Situations Safety Drills Advice on some Emergencies Transfer Operations with a Ship Aground 41 REFERENCES APPENDIX Operational Safety Check Lists Check List Check List Check List Check List Check List APPENDIX 37 37 37 38 38 39 40 Pre-Fixture Information Before Operations Commence Before Run-in and Mooring Before Cargo Transfer Before Unmooring Part Reproduction of the International Ship/Shore Safety Check List 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 GLOSSARY Within this guide, the terms below have the following meanings: AT SEA The term "at sea" is used loosely throughout this guide It is intended to indicate off-shore waters or partially sheltered waters It may be, however, that an STS transfer operation "at sea" is to be conducted within the jurisdiction of a local (port) authority or national government In such cases reference has to be made to local regulations and it may also be necessary to obtain local approval BALLAST The term "ballast" covers water ballast carried in ships' tanks designated for this purpose DEDICATED SHIP A dedicated ship is a sea-going ship which is permanently fitted with all equipment necessary to carry out STS transfer operations on a regular and long-term (dedicated) basis A feature of such ships is their ability to move from location to location; accordingly it is common to find such ships able to secure all equipment safely for ocean passages DISCHARGING SHIP A discharging ship is a ship which transfers liquefied gases to another ship ESTABLISHED SHIP An established ship is a ship which has been contracted for a period, usually in a specific location, to act as a mother ship receiving other ships alongside An established ship is similar to a dedicated ship in that an experienced crew can be expected to be on board However she can be without permanent means of raising and lowering fenders and accordingly may be alternatively described as a "station tanker" NON-DEDICATED SHIP A non-dedicated ship is a sea-going ship which is temporarily equipped to carry out STS transfer operations on a short term (non-dedicated) basis ORGANISERS Organisers are shore-based operators responsible for arranging an STS transfer operation As described in Section 1.4, the organiser may be a gas trader or an STS agency PRIMARY FENDERS Primary fenders are large fenders used to absorb the impact energy of berthing and wide enough to prevent metal to metal contact between the ships should they roll while alongside one another RECEIVING SHIP A receiving ship is a ship which receives liquefied gases from a discharging ship SECONDARY FENDERS Secondary fenders are fenders used to prevent contact between the two ships, should they be rolling or not parallel to each other They are especially effective when rigged towards the ends of a ship and are of most benefit during mooring and unmooring operations SHIP Throughout this guide the word ship refers to a liquefied gas carrier SHIP TO SHIP (STS) TRANSFER OPERATION An STS transfer operation is an operation where liquefied gas is transferred between ocean-going ships moored alongside each other Such operations may take place when one ship is at anchor or when both are either drifting or under power In general, the expression includes the approach manoeuvre, berthing, mooring, unmooring, hose connecting, hose disconnecting and safe procedures for cargo transfer STS AGENCY An STS agency is an organisation which can provide services for the safe control of STS operations It can also provide the essential equipment needed such as hoses, fenders and support craft Generally, such agencies are most commonly used for operations involving non-dedicated ships STS SUPERINTENDENT An STS superintendent is a person specially employed for his expertise to advise on STS transfer operations Such an expert can be designated to assist a shipmaster in the berthing, mooring and unmooring of ships and to advise during an entire STS transfer operation STS superintendents are used most commonly during operations involving non-dedicated ships TRANSFER AREA A transfer area is an area within which an STS transfer operation takes place Transfer areas should be selected in safe zones (see Section 2.3) In coastal areas they will be agreed with nearby coastal authorities and, as appropriate, in accordance with specific port or national regulations TRANSFER AT ANCHOR The expression "transfer at anchor" describes a situation where a cargo transfer of liquefied gas is carried out between ships when they are moored alongside each other and one of the ships is at anchor It is used as an alternative to either under power or drifting transfer UNDERWAY By definition under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, a ship when underway is not at anchor However, she may be either steaming or drifting freely with current and weather This guide covers ship to ship (STS) transfer operations of liquefied petroleum gases (LPG) Primarily, it is intended to familiarise masters and ship operators with the general principles involved As found necessary, the advice contained in this publication may be supplemented by instructions from individual shipowners (or ship managers) in order that particular aspects of their own procedures can be covered Furthermore, in certain port areas it will be found that local regulations apply These regulations should be followed and where appropriate the recommendations made in these guidelines can be used as additional advice Other parties may also benefit from studying these guidelines Such parties can include ship charterers, gas traders and STS agencies, especially those responsible for organising an STS transfer The STS transfer of LPG cargoes has become a common practice Experience gained from these regular operations has proved that STS transfer operations can be safe, given compliance with satisfactory procedures and suitable weather and sea conditions This guide is directly concerned with STS transfer operations undertaken "at sea", and therefore in places which may be beyond the assistance of normal port services As will be seen, the recommendations apply to ocean-going ships when it is intended that they moor alongside each other However, the guide may also be useful as background when establishing rules for transfer operations between ocean-going ships and barges or estuarial craft in inshore waters A further use for the guide can be to provide background advice to companies operating offshore storage or production facilities where direct transfer to ocean-going ships takes place In addition, the guide may also be of assistance to ships aground and requiring emergency lightening, but in such unique circumstances the procedures adopted may vary from this guidance on a case by case basis The guide is limited to the transfer of LPG (butane and propane), ammonia and propylcnc It excludes products such as ethylcnc and other chemical gases It also excludes STS transfer operations involving LNG (liquefied natural gas) because of their rarity and the specialised equipment required STS transfer operations arc normally initiated by gas traders They may also be planned where national gas demand has outstripped shore-based storage and in such cases a dedicated ship or an established ship may be used on permanent station as a floating storage facility Chapters for inclusion in a contingency plan can include: Fire on either ship Gas escape or leakage Mooring line failure Communication failure Hose failure Hose quick release arrangements Fender burst Operational weather limits Emergency departure procedure Oil pollution from bunkers Injuries to personnel (frost burns, suffocation etc.) Generally, in an STS transfer operation, the dedicated ship, established ship or non-dedicated ship will be playing the leading role Accordingly, where organisers have delegated the preparation of a contingency plan, it will normally be incumbent on the master of such a ship to establish the overall plan and make a copy available to the other ship Further guidance on these matters is available from References and It is difficult to anticipate every emergency which could arise and therefore almost impossible to indicate precise remedial action However, mooring line failure and fire on either ship are examples of the more likely risk scenarios which organisers should include in the contingency plan In an emergency, the masters involved should assess the situation and act accordingly, bearing in mind that unduly hasty decisions could worsen the emergency The following actions should be taken, or considered, in the event of any emergency arising during an STS transfer operation: Sound the emergency signal Alert crews on both ships Initiate emergency procedures Stop the transfer (activate BSD Systems) Man emergency stations Send mooring gangs to stations Purge cargo hoses with nitrogen Disconnect cargo hoses Confirm the ship's main engine is ready for immediate use In addition, masters should decide jointly, particularly in cases of fire, whether it is to their mutual advantage for the ships to remain alongside each other It may be found appropriate to include the basic actions, as listed above, in individual contingency plans, as prepared for individual operations However, it is stressed that these are only examples of major items for consideration Despite careful attention to safety procedures, emergencies can occur Often such events can be contained and their effects minimised by preparing ship's crews, through a system of drills, to deal with a variety of emergencies For STS transfer operations involving either a dedicated ship or an established ship, the master of this ship should exercise the crew frequently in fire fighting and safety drills Drills should include demonstrations of fire fighting and safety equipment Emergency stations and duties should be established, explained to the personnel concerned and displayed prominently When crew members are changed, the replacements should be integrated into the team The appointment of a ship's officer responsible for safety helps to maintain continuity, allows better arrangements for drills and provides better coverage for updating emergency procedures On a non-dedicated ship the crew should be made fully aware of all emergency procedures In addition, an emergency drill should be held within the 24 hours preceding an STS transfer operation 11.6.1 Emergencies During Manoeuvring The masters of both ships should always be prepared to abort a berthing operation if necessary The decision should be taken in ample time while the situation is still under control The masters of both ships should be immediately informed of each other's actions The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea must be complied with 11.6.2 Procedures for Communication Failure If communication breakdown occurs during approach manoeuvres, the manoeuvre should be aborted (see Section 4.8) and subsequent actions taken by each ship should be indicated by the appropriate sound signals as prescribed in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea During cargo operations, in the event of a breakdown of communications on either ship, the emergency signal should be sounded and all operations suspended immediately In general, operations should not be resumed until satisfactory communications have been reestablished 11.6.3 Activation of Emergency Shut Down (ESD) Systems Liquified gas carriers are fitted with ESD systems for the closure of principal cargo valves and the stoppage of cargo pumps ESD actuators are fitted in appropriate deck areas to provide a quick shutdown in case of emergency Where ships have been fitted with pendant controls for emergency shut-down then these should be passed to the other ship By this means both ships can have executive control of emergency shutdown of all cargo pumping operations The closing times of manifold valves should be checked as being within 30 seconds, consistent with ensuring that dangerous pressure surges will not occur due to the valve closing too quickly The mode of operating the ESD system should be agreed between the ships taking into account the need to avoid damage to the cargo hose It is always preferable that the discharging ship's ESD system is the first to be activated 11.6.4 Procedures for Gas Accumulation on Deck An STS transfer operation should be suspended if there are excessive cargo vapours around the decks, manifold or vents of either ship and should not be resumed until after the cargo vapour leak or release has been stopped and all gas has dispersed (see also Section 3.3.7) 11.6.5 Accidental Cargo Release Any leakage or spillage should be reported immediately to the officer in charge who should stop the cargo transfer An STS transfer operation should be suspended if there is any spillage on either ship and should not be resumed until after the vapour has dispersed Throughout all cargo transfers, no unauthorised craft should be allowed alongside either ship or within a pre-set exclusion zone set at a safe distance It would be normal to exclude such craft from within a 500 metre range For operations involving either an established ship, dedicated ship, or nondedicated ship, although service craft may be allowed alongside from time to time under controlled circumstances, it is recommended that they stand by beyond the exclusion zone 11.6.6 Oil Pollution Control Risk of oil pollution during STS transfer operations is no greater than during in-port cargo transfers However, as a transfer area may be out of range of port services, a shipboard oil pollution emergency plan (SOPEP) to cover such risk should be available When appropriate, as in the case of the lighter fuel oils, such plans should include the treatment of oil pollution resulting from damage to bunker tanks by applying locally approved oil dispersants (see Section 10.4) This guide may be of assistance when considering the provision of emergency STS transfer operations to ships aground However, in each unique situation, the procedures adopted may vary from this guidance according to circumstances on a case by case basis REFERENCES Ship to Ship Transfer Guide (Petroleum) - (ICS/OCIMF) Tanker Safety Guide (Liquefied Gas) - (ICS) International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals (ISGOTT) - (ICS/OCIMF/IAPH) International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea - (IMO) Contingency Planning and Crew Response Guide for Gas Carrier Damage at Sea and in Port Approaches, 1989 - (ICS/OCIMF/SIGTTO) Guide to Contingency Planning for the Gas Carrier Alongside and within Port Limits, 1987 (ICS/OCIMF/SIGTTO) Standard Marine Communication Phrases - (IMO) Hose and Hose Assemblies for Liquefied Petroleum Gas - (BS 4089) Recommendations for Manifolds for Refrigerated Liquefied Gas Carriers for Cargoes from 0°C to Minus 104°C, 1987 - (OCIMF) 10 Liquefied Gas Handling Principles on Ships and in Terminals, 1986 - (SIGTTO) APPENDIX OPERATIONAL SAFETY CHECK LISTS APPEND IX Part-Reproduction of the INTERNATIONAL SHIP/SHORE SAFETY CHECK LIST as it refers to STS Transfer Operations This Appendix shows check lists as taken from the International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals (ISGOTT) As reproduced, the first check list (Part 'A') has been truncated to exclude questions on crude oil washing and inert gas systems Part 'C' for bulk liquefied gases has been included in full but Part 'B', covering chemicals, has been omitted as it is not relevant to this guide Satisfactory completion of these Check Lists is a necessary precursor to any STS cargo operation involving liquefied gas The questions should be read as if intended for ship-to-ship operations rather than in the shipto-terminal context as written DECLARATION: We the undersigned have checked, where appropriate jointly, the items on this check list and have satisfied ourselves that the entries we have made are correct to the best of our knowledge We have also made arrangements to carry out repetitive checks as necessary and agreed that those items marked with the letter 'R' in the column 'Code' should be re-checked at intervals not exceeding hours ... Terminal Operators Ltd Ship to Ship Transfer Guide (Liquefied Gases) I Title 2nd Ed ISBN 85609 082 The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is a voluntary organisation of national shipowners'... rigged towards the ends of a ship and are of most benefit during mooring and unmooring operations SHIP Throughout this guide the word ship refers to a liquefied gas carrier SHIP TO SHIP (STS) TRANSFER. .. ship is a ship which transfers liquefied gases to another ship ESTABLISHED SHIP An established ship is a ship which has been contracted for a period, usually in a specific location, to act as