Transferring oil cargoes between vessels and terminals.
Transhipment lets a cargo change vessel on its way to market, to consolidate parcels, split a cargo, change to a vessel suited to the discharge port, or bring cargo into or out of storage.
We coordinate ship-to-ship (STS) transfers and terminal-based transhipment of crude oil and petroleum products, bringing together the vessels, transfer service providers, inspectors, and authorities needed for each operation.
Every transfer is planned around safety, cargo integrity, and accurate quantity measurement, with documentation that keeps the chain of custody clear from the mother vessel to the receiving vessel or tank.
Service Snapshot
- Transfer Types
- Ship-to-ship (STS) and via terminal
- Cargoes
- Crude oil and petroleum products
- Typical Uses
- Lightering, consolidation, splitting, relay to storage
- Standards Referenced
- OCIMF / ICS STS transfer guidance
- Supporting Activities
- Marine bunkering, petroleum bulk storage
- Coordination Base
- Singapore
Choosing the right transfer method.
Ship-to-Ship (STS)
Direct transfer between two vessels at an approved anchorage or transfer area, avoiding the need for a berth.
Terminal Transhipment
Cargo discharged into shore tanks and reloaded onto another vessel, useful where storage time or blending is needed.
Lightering
Partial discharge of a large vessel into smaller vessels so it can enter draft-restricted ports.
Cargo Consolidation
Combining parcels from several vessels into a single, larger shipment for long-haul voyages.
Cargo Splitting
Dividing a cargo across multiple vessels for delivery to different discharge ports or buyers.
Relay to Storage
Moving cargo from a vessel into bulk storage to await onward sale or shipment.
Planning a safe transfer.
Assessment
Review the cargo, vessels, and location to confirm compatibility and feasibility.
Approvals
Coordinate port and authority permissions and vessel acceptance.
Transfer Plan
Agree mooring, equipment, transfer rates, and roles with all parties.
Inspection
Independent inspectors measure quantity and sample quality before transfer.
Transfer
Cargo is transferred under the agreed plan with continuous monitoring.
Close-Out
Final measurements taken and transfer documentation issued to all parties.
Controls built into every operation.
Compatibility Checks
Vessel, equipment, and cargo compatibility confirmed before operations begin.
Weather Limits
Operations planned and paused according to agreed weather and sea-state limits.
Spill Prevention
Transfer procedures and equipment focused on preventing spills and pollution.
Recognised Guidance
Procedures referenced against OCIMF / ICS ship-to-ship transfer guidance.
Common questions.
Common reasons include draft restrictions at the discharge port, consolidating smaller parcels into a larger shipment, splitting a cargo between buyers, or moving cargo into storage.
Only at approved anchorages or designated transfer areas, subject to the rules of the relevant port or coastal authority.
Independent inspectors measure the cargo before and after transfer on both vessels, and the results are recorded in the transfer documentation.
Bunkering and storage, built into the movement.
Our core logistics and transhipment work is supported by two sub-activities: marine bunkering to fuel the vessels we coordinate, and petroleum bulk storage to hold cargo between voyages. Both can be arranged within the same plan.
Marine Bunkering
Fuel supply for vessels within our logistics programmes and beyond.
Learn more →Petroleum Bulk Storage
Tank capacity to stage, hold, or blend cargoes between voyages.
Learn more →Discuss a transhipment
Share the cargo, vessels, and preferred location, and we will assess the options.