Bulker owners’ association Intercargo has published the Ship-to-Ship Transfer Guidelines for Bulk Carriers, setting out the first dedicated standard for these activities in the dry bulk sector.

Ship-to-ship (STS) transfers enable cargo operations in locations where ports cannot accommodate vessel size, required draft, or cargo volumes, particularly in regions with limited infrastructure.

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.

“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,” said John Xylas, chair of Intercargo.

 “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,” he added.

The STS publication was developed through the collective operational experience and technical input of shipowners, operators, and marine and technical specialists across the sector, reflecting both operational experience and the realities crews face at sea.

The intention is straightforward – to introduce greater clarity, consistency, and standardisation in how STS transfers are carried out in dry bulk shipping and to reduce the operational inconsistency that exists today.

As STS activity continues across both traditional and emerging trades, the next step will be wider alignment across the maritime industry. Adoption by operators, charterers, insurers and regulators will shape how quickly these practices are applied, and how quickly a more consistent approach becomes established across dry bulk STS operations worldwide.