Image for representation purposes only Ship to ship (STS) transfers are an established part of dry bulk operations, and they are growing. As new trading areas and cargo flows emerge, STS operations are expanding into regions where port infrastructure or draft limitations make direct berth access impossible. However, the sector has been doing this without a dedicated standard. In tanker shipping, STS activity is underpinned by established industry guidance. Dry bulk has had no equivalent framework, despite the added complexity arising from different cargoes, equipment and operating conditions. INTERCARGO has now published the “Ship to Ship Transfer Guidelines for Bulk Carriers”, setting out the first dedicated standard for these activities in the dry bulk sector. STS transfers allow cargo operations in locations where ports cannot accommodate the vessel size, required draft or cargo volumes, particularly in regions where infrastructure is limited. However, such operations also introduce additional challenges, including increased operational interfaces, greater personnel involvement and less margin for error when operating conditions change. The new guidelines are built around the practical realities of conducting STS operations at sea. They address planning, risk assessment, manoeuvring, fendering, cargo handling and emergency response procedures, with practical checklists and operational responsibilities. Together, they bring a consistent framework to operations that until now have had none. John Xylas, Chair of INTERCARGO said: “Ship to ship transfers in dry bulk are already happening across the industry, and they are increasing. However, a published standard for dry bulk shipping wasn’t available for consistent application and safe operations. “As STS becomes more widely used, we expect to see greater alignment across operators, charterers, insurers and regulators, so that a more consistent approach becomes the norm for dry bulk operations.” The guidelines were pr