Efficient Ship-to-Ship (STS) Transfer Services

At Oceane Group, we specialize in delivering world-class ship-to-ship (STS) transfer services, ensuring the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible transfer of liquid cargo between vessels at sea.

Leading the Future of
Ship-to-Ship Transfer Services

With a wealth of experience, a global presence, and a commitment to operational excellence, we serve the oil, gas, chemical and biofuel industries by facilitating seamless cargo movement across international waters.

our solutions

Comprehensive Ship-to-Ship (STS) Operations

Oceane Group offers fully integrated STS transfer solutions, designed to meet the diverse needs of the maritime and energy sectors. Our expertise covers the transfer of crude oil, refined petroleum products, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), Biofuel and bulk liquid chemicals. Our operations are carried out both offshore and within port limits, ensuring maximum flexibility and efficiency for our clients.

Why Choose Oceane Group for STS Transfers?

  • Safety Standards: Oceane Group prioritizes safety, adhering to international protocols such as OCIMF guidelines, ensuring compliance with global maritime standards.
 
  • Global Network: With our global STS bases, Oceane Group provides 24/7 operational support, ensuring quick response times and seamless logistics.
 
  • Experienced Personnel: Our team includes skilled Mooring Masters (POACs) & dedicated office support team who bring extensive knowledge and hands-on experience to every operation ensures smooth and incident-free STS transfers in all weather conditions.
 
  • Advanced Equipment: Oceane Group utilizes industry-certified equipment, including Yokohama pneumatic fenders and specialized hoses, maintained to ISO and OCIMF standards.
 
  • Environmental Responsibility: The company is committed to minimizing environmental risks through stringent safety measures and spill prevention protocols, ensuring compliance with regulations.

Our STS Transfer Capabilities

  • Crude Oil and Petroleum Product Transfers :

    Oceane Group facilitates secure and efficient transfers of crude oil and refined petroleum products between vessels of all sizes. With over 300 incident-free STS operations completed and more than 50 million barrels of cargo transferred by 2024, the company has demonstrated its expertise in handling these sensitive materials.

  • Specialized STS Transfers for Ammonia & Biofuels
    Oceane Group enables safe and compliant Ship-to-Ship (STS) transfers of next-generation marine fuels, including ammonia and advanced biofuels, and renewable diesel under contamination-free protocols; our trained teams ensure precision handling of highly regulated and reactive cargoes. All operations strictly adhere to IMO IGC Code, SIGTTO best practices, and Oceane’s own high safety and environmental standards—supporting the global transition to cleaner energy.

  • Liquefied Gas (LPG & LNG) Transfers :

    The company employs advanced handling techniques and specialized equipment to perform safe liquefied gas transfers, ensuring compliance with strict industry regulations. Their experience with LPG and LNG transfers contributes to their comprehensive STS transfer solutions.

  • Chemical and Bulk Liquid Transfers :

    Oceane Group provides reliable chemical transfer solutions, implementing robust containment measures and specialized handling protocols. Their expertise extends to various bulk liquid chemicals, ensuring safe and efficient transfers.

  • Emergency & Salvage Operations:

    In emergency situations, Oceane Group offers rapid-response STS transfer services to mitigate risks, support salvage operations, and prevent cargo losses. Their 24/7 operational support and extensive network of  STS bases worldwide enable quick response times for emergency scenarios.

These capabilities are supported by Oceane Group’s commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and use of state-of-the-art equipment. Their team of experienced professionals, including skilled Mooring Masters and STS Superintendents (POACs), ensures smooth operations in various conditions. The company’s adherence to international safety protocols, such as OCIMF guidelines, and their focus on environmental risk minimization further enhance their STS transfer capabilities across all cargo types.

Commitment to Safety and Compliance

  • Adherence to Guidelines: Oceane Group’s operations are governed by strict industry guidelines, including the International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals (ISGOTT) and OCIMF recommendations.
 
  • Training and Preparedness: The company ensures rigorous training for their teams to maintain operational integrity and high-level preparedness. This aligns with the industry focus on human factors and Safety Management Systems (SMSs) emphasized in the latest (ISGOTT) and OCIMF edition.

     

 
  • Risk Management: Regular risk assessments are conducted, which is in line with the (ISGOTT) and OCIMF emphasis on risk assessment as a key component of Safety Management Systems.

     

 
  • Equipment Inspections: Oceane Group’s regular equipment inspections align with (ISGOTT) and OCIMF focus on marine terminal administration and the critical importance of the tanker/terminal interface.

     

 
  • Emergency Drills: The company’s practice of conducting emergency drills reflects the industry’s focus on emergency preparedness, as highlighted in (ISGOTT) and OCIMF revised Ship/Shore Safety and Bunkering Operations Checklists.

     

 
  • Safety Record: Oceane Group’s commitment to safety is evidenced by their exceptional safety record in STS operations, which they attribute to the expertise and dedication of their highly skilled technical and marine team.

By implementing these measures, Oceane Group aims to ensure the highest safety standards at every stage of the transfer process, aligning with the latest industry standards and best practices in maritime safety and compliance.

What are the Ship to Ship (STS) Operations?

Ship-to-Ship (STS) operations involve the transfer of cargo—typically crude oil, petroleum products, chemicals, LPG, or other liquids—directly between two vessels while at sea or at designated offshore locations.

What is the reason to adopt an offshore transfer of STS?

Offshore STS operations are adopted to safely and efficiently transfer cargo between vessels without the need for port berthing. Key reasons include:

 

  1. Flexibility: Enables cargo transfer in locations where port facilities are limited or unavailable.
  2. Time Efficiency: Reduces waiting times for berths, streamlining logistics and scheduling.
  3. Cost Savings: Avoids port fees and reduces operational delays.
  4. Safety: Conducted under strict international standards (IMO, OCIMF, ISGOTT) to minimize environmental and operational risks.
  5. Operational Continuity: Supports uninterrupted supply chains, especially for crude oil, LPG, chemicals, and other liquid cargoes.

Who is a Person in Overall Advisory Control (POAC)?

A Person in Overall Advisory Control (POAC) is an experienced maritime professional responsible for overseeing and coordinating a Ship-to-Ship (STS) operation. The POAC ensures:

 

  • Safe and efficient cargo transfer between vessels.
  • Compliance with international and local regulations, including IMO, OCIMF, ISGOTT, and SOLAS standards.
  • Coordination of all operational aspects, including vessel maneuvering, mooring, fender deployment, and emergency response.
  • Continuous monitoring and advisory guidance to the master and crew throughout the STS operation.

 

In essence, the POAC acts as the central authority and advisor for the entire STS operation, ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency

What are the safety standards of your operations?

We follow all international regulations such as OCIMF guideline for ship to shiptransfers , ISGOTT, SOLAS, and MARPOL and have comprehensive safety managementsystems in all transferoperations.

We have industry-approved Pneumatic fenders, hi-tech cargo hoses, and up-to-date mooring equipment that is used in ship-to-ship transfers.

At Oceane Marine, we are fully committed to environmental compliance and sustainability.

 

Key practices include:

 

  • Preventing spills and pollution during STS and marine operations.
  • Safe handling and disposal of waste and operational by-products.
  • Regular monitoring and reporting to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
  • Continuous improvement in processes to reduce emissions, protect marine ecosystems, and promote sustainability.

Yes, we are Specialized in the safeTransfers of liquefied gases with modern techniques to involve pressurized and cryogenic shipments.

Chemical cargo transfer practices ensure safe, compliant, and efficient handling of chemicals between vessels.

Key aspects include:

  • Pre-transfer planning: Assess cargo properties, hazards, and equipment compatibility.
  • Regulatory compliance: Follow IMO, OCIMF, ISGOTT, and local standards.
  • Proper equipment use: Certified hoses, pumpssuited for chemical cargo.
  • Monitoring: Track pressure, flow, and temperature to prevent accidents.

Post-transfer procedures: Clean and document all equipment and operations.

Yes, we provide special STS services to next-generation marine fuel such as biofuels and ammonia.

At given offshore locations or anchorages in the open sea, mostly determined by favorable weather conditions.

A Ship-to-Be-Lighted (STBL) refers to a vessel that is partially or fully discharged of its cargo during a Ship-to-Ship (STS) operation. In other words, it is the ship that will be “lightened”—have cargo transferred off—onto another vessel.

A daughter vessel is a receiving vessel , which receives cargo from mother vessel during a Ship-to-Ship (STS) or lightering operation.

Yes. Ship-to-Ship (STS) operations are strictly regulated to ensure safety, environmental protection, and operational efficiency.

 

Key regulatory aspects:

 

  1. International Standards: STS operations follow guidelines from IMO, OCIMF, ISGOTT, and SOLAS.
  2. Local Regulations: Operations must comply with national maritime authorities in the area where the transfer occurs.
  3. Safety & Environmental Compliance: Includes proper mooring, fender usage, emergency response procedures, and spill prevention measures.
  4. Certification & Oversight: STS operations often require a Person in Overall Advisory Control (POAC) and certified equipment to ensure adherence to regulations.

Yes, a comprehensive plan of each tanker should be authorized by the government of the flag state before any transfer of cargo.

They are the key to safe and effective STS operations as a standard, which directs our safetymanagement.

Yes. Risk assessments are a critical part of any STS (Ship-to-Ship) operation. They help identify potential hazards, evaluate their impact, and implement measures to mitigate risks, ensuring safety, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Our ship-to-shipoperations include transfer of crudeoil, refined products, Ship to Ship Transfer Support for LPG, LNG, Oil, Chemicals, and biofuels.

The strong degree of procedural observance is caused by the volatility and environmental sensitivity of the cargo.

They need the dedicated service of pressurized and cryogenic temperatures, one of the main components of our operational knowledge.

Yes, we have extensive expertise in the global transfer of chemical cargoes.

Yes. We have the expertise to safely and efficiently transfer biofuels and other alternative fuels, adhering to international safety and environmental standards.

Pneumatic fenders are cylindrical, air-filled marine fenders designed to absorb the impact between vessels or between a vessel and a quay during docking or Ship-to-Ship (STS) operations.

24/7 Global Support & Customer Commitment

Our customer support team is available 24/7 to provide assistance, ensuring that your STS transfer needs are met promptly and efficiently. We understand the critical nature of maritime logistics and are dedicated to maintaining the highest levels of service reliability.

Your Trusted Partner in Ship-to-Ship Transfer Solutions

UAE | OMAN | MALAYSIA | INDONESIA

For more information on our STS transfer services or to discuss your operational requirements, contact Oceane Group today. Our team of experts is ready to assist you with tailored STS solutions, ensuring smooth, secure, and compliant cargo transfers across the globe.

Call Us

+971 50 497 4021

Email Us

operations@oceanemarine.com

Other Branches