OCIMF (Oil Companies International Marine Forum) - Experts & Thought Leaders

The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) has successfully transitioned the marine industry to its digitalised version of the Ship Inspection Report Programme (SIRE 2.0). Vessel operators are now only able to request tanker inspections that use the SIRE 2.0 Compiled Vessel Inspection Questionnaire (CVIQ) which is completed on a tablet device by accredited SIRE 2.0 inspectors. SIRE 2.0 Question Library These inspection reports will enable marine assurance teams to conduct more in-depth assessments The move to the digitalised inspection programme means that every tanker inspection will be tailored to the individual vessel and its risk profile. These inspections will require vessel operators and their crew to be prepared to respond to any potential inspection questions from the SIRE 2.0 Question Library.  SIRE 2.0 inspection reports contain marine assurance data and provide feedback on all aspects of vessel safety including hardware, processes and human factors. As a result, these inspection reports will enable marine assurance teams to conduct more in-depth assessments of the quality of a vessel and its crew. SIRE 2.0 project team Karen Davis, Managing Director, OCIMF, commented: “SIRE 2.0 is a more comprehensive and robust inspection regime and OCIMF appreciates that switching to it is a significant undertaking for all programme users. This is a necessary and exciting step forward in our collective ability to reduce risk and harm to people and the environment." "I want to express my immense gratitude to the SIRE 2.0 project team, VIP Steering Group and Working Group who have worked tirelessly to bring SIRE 2.0 to life and of course to thank our members, programme users, industry partners, and everyone involved in this project over the past few years for their hard work and dedication in achieving this significant milestone.” VIQ7 inspection Submitted VIQ7 reports will stay open for download for 12 months from their dates of publication Now that SIRE 2.0 has permanently replaced VIQ7 and has become OCIMF’s only available tanker inspection tool, no further VIQ7 inspection requests will be permitted. Submitted VIQ7 reports will remain available for download for 12 months from their dates of publication. Aaron Cooper, Programmes Director, OCIMF, comments: “We are proud of the robust framework that SIRE 2.0 introduces, designed to enhance the quality and consistency of tanker inspections worldwide. This program not only reflects our commitment to advancing the safety of our industry but also our dedication to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence." Vessel inspections Cooper added: “OCIMF recognises that there may be a period of adjustment as personnel at sea and onshore become more routinely engaged with the programme and OCIMF will continue to support all programme users as they undertake their vessel inspections.” “As we move forward, we will incorporate industry feedback and update the programme to address evolving risks to ensure SIRE 2.0 readily adapts as industry evolves.”

KR held the 19th KR European Committee (KREC) meeting in London, UK, on July 1st. The KREC, established in 2004, includes members from major international maritime organisations and key European KR customers as follows: Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO) International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) International marine insurance companies like AXA XL European shipowners and ship managers such as Bernard Schulte, Songa Ship Management, J.P. Morgan, and Unity Ship Management KR's technological developments KR raised its technology and R&D achievements told to decarbonisation KR holds the European Committee annually to discuss major industry issues with members and to inform European maritime industry pioneers about KR's technological developments and business activities. At the 19th KR committee meeting, KR introduced its technology and research and development achievements related to decarbonisation, digitalisation as well as the relevant issues in the international maritime industry, in particular EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime regulations being implemented by the EU Authorities to promote decarbonisation in the maritime industry. The meeting also delved into several cutting-edge initiatives, including Norway's ambitious carbon capture project 'The Northern Lights' and the latest publications and programs from OCIMF, with a focus on SIRE 2.0. KR presented its ongoing research and development efforts in decarbonisation, fostering an environment where participants could share experiences and collaboratively explore solutions to the complex challenges facing the international maritime industry. Decarbonisation regulations from the IMO Lee Hyungchul, Chairman & CEO of KR, said, "At a time when the maritime industry is facing strengthened decarbonisation regulations from the IMO, EU, and various governments, this Committee meeting served as a very useful forum to gain experience and insights on technology development and international regulatory trends related to decarbonisation and digitalisation amongst the key figures from the international maritime industry." "KR will thoroughly review and analyse the matters discussed at this Committee to improve KR's services and advance the technology development in the future." 

As part of a CEF Study project co-funded by the European Union, Port of Rotterdam, in collaboration with the municipality of Rotterdam and various partners in the port of Rotterdam, is conducting four feasibility studies for shore power. This takes place at four large terminals in the port of Rotterdam; the ECT (Amazonehaven), APMT2 (Amaliahaven), VOPAK (Vlaardingen) and the Cruise terminal (Wilhelminakade). The studies consist of different parts; detailed technical studies, environmental and social cost-benefit studies and preparing tendering and permitting procedures. Feasibility Study for Liquid Bulk is carried out in consortium between Port of Rotterdam, Vopak and Stolt Tankers The study for Vopak Vlaardingen is carried out in a consortium with Vopak and Stolt Tankers The study for Vopak Vlaardingen is carried out in a consortium with Vopak and Stolt Tankers, and aims to establish a global standard for shore power for tankers. Between 2022 and 2024, Port of Rotterdam, Vopak and Stolt Tankers have conducted a preliminary technical feasibility study, a business case analysis and a preliminary environmental impact assessment. Identify the different technical solutions To identify the different technical solutions with regards to the ship-shore interface for shore power for tankers, and assess these solutions on their safety and operational implications, the consortium hired DNV Maritime Advisory. In June 2023, DNV completed a preliminary technical feasibility study on developing a high voltage Onshore Power System (OPS) for tankers. The study consisted of various aspects: An in-depth investigation into current shore power solutions for tankers was carried out, addressing challenges like grid power availability, frequency, voltage level, and load requirements for different tanker types. Three OPS connection scenarios were evaluated: Scenario 1: Mid-ship connection using the ship’s crane for the OPS cable. Scenario 2: Mid-ship connection with a crane-based Cable Management System (CMS) on the jetty. Scenario 3: Stern connection with a crane-based CMS onshore or on a platform/monopile in the water. As part of a Safety Assessment (HAZID), scenario 3 was identified as the safest, with no high-risk hazards, compared to four and three high-risk hazards in scenarios 1 and 2, respectively. In a Multi Criteria Analysis (MCA), scenario 3 emerged as the preferred option due to superior safety, operability, technical maturity, and equipment availability. Main takeaway from the exercises By setting up a stern connection instead, the risk is reduced as far as possible The main takeaway from the exercises assessed in this project is that although a mid-ship connection may very well be a feasible option, it may not be as practical and flexible as it seems at first glance, in addition to the hazardous zones representing a significant risk involved with the OPS connection. By setting up a stern connection instead, the risk is reduced as far as possible, as there is normally no hazardous zone in the stern area of a tanker. OCIMF takes standardisation of shore power for tankers to the next level In the course of developing the preliminary technical feasibility study, representatives of the consortium have engaged with representatives of the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF), a voluntary association of oil companies with an interest in the shipment and terminalling of crude oil, oil products, petrochemicals and gas. OCIMF is a broadly respected association that provides guidelines for various subjects in the shipping and storage of oil and oil products. As a result of the collaboration, OCIMF has also started to work on its guidelines on shore power for tankers and has already published its preliminary design recommendations. OCIMF shore power guidelines for tankers Port of Rotterdam, VOPAK and Stolt applaud the important step that OCIMF has taken here Port of Rotterdam, VOPAK and Stolt applaud the important step that OCIMF has taken here and the consortiums experts are involved in the further development of the guidelines. The OCIMF shore power guidelines for tankers will form an important basis for further standardisation by the IEC/IEEE/ISO. Rebel Ports & Logistics presents a comprehensive analysis of the financial, environmental, and social benefits, confirming the potential positive impact of the project. Significant benefits in emission reductions Rebel Ports & Logistics was contracted to assess the financial, environmental and social impacts from installing shore power at Vopak Vlaardingen. The study was completed in April 2024 and highlights significant benefits in emission reductions, contributing to improved air quality and public health, which are essential for the community's well-being and combating climate change. Despite the promising environmental benefits, the financial analysis reveals a substantial viability gap. Project optimisation and potential subsidies are necessary to bridge this gap and make the project financially feasible. Additionally, regulatory measures may encourage the uptake of shore power by tankers. Next steps Port of Rotterdam, VOPAK and Stolt will continue to strive for the standardisation of shore power for tankers and still have the ambition to facilitate a demonstration project at VOPAK Vlaardingen. In the next phase of the project, the partners aim to: Execute a preliminary design for the shore power installation at Vopak Vlaardingen, Engage important clients from VOPAK and Stolt Tankers at the Vlaardingen Terminal, and Engage with (potential) subsidy providers on their participation in the project. Finally, Port of Rotterdam, Vopak and Stolt will organise two information events in the third quarter of 2024; one for Rotterdam-based partners and one for international partners. For those who are interested in participating in the event, please send an email through.