The newly released INTERCARGO Ship-to-Ship (STS) Transfer Guide, unveiled on 31 March 2026 at the Angelicoussis Group headquarters in Athens, marks a historic milestone as the one of the most dedicated industries framework addressing STS, transloading, and lightering operations specifically for the dry bulk sector. Representing a collaborative masterwork of globally recognized specialists, the guide reinforces bulk carriers' role as the backbone of maritime trade by providing a comprehensive reference for safety, efficiency, and risk management.
During the launch, INTERCARGO Chair Mr. John Xylas and Technical Committee Chair Mr. Dimitris Monioudis emphasized how these standardized best practices foster sustainable operations, while Dr. Alexandros Glykas of DYNAMARINe and Tom Fitchew of Fendercare highlighted the necessity of adapting rigorous risk management standards from the tanker sector to bulk transfers.
Safety and insurance clarity were central themes, with Jacob Damgaard of Britannia P&I discussing the complex operational challenges and Mr. Konstantinos Petrakis of Charterwell Maritime S.A. outlining how the guide creates uniformity and simplifies legal assessments. While Petrakis identified "resistance to change" as a hurdle, he advocated for training, tabletop drills, and enhanced communication with service providers through pre-transfer meetings as the definitive solutions.
Supported by industry leaders like Capt. Stamatis Dimitrakis and Mr. Panagiotis Nikiteas of Maran Dry Management Inc., the initiative is poised to drive external stakeholders toward operational excellence through commercial channels, ultimately strengthening the safety culture for the entire global maritime community.
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