UAE: DMCA, STS Leaders to Discuss Transfer of Oil Cargo Between Tankers

Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA), the maritime government authority charged with regulating, coordinating and supervising the maritime sector in Dubai, held its second annual Ship to Ship (STS) Forum last week.

The semiannual Forum brings the industry together to discuss how the private and public sectors can best work together to ensure the protection of Dubai and the sustainability of the industry.

The existing regulations allowing the STS were introduced in 2011 and have been refined based on input from the STS sector, port operators, local and federal government. In keeping with DMCA’s decree STS providers are selected based on their level of demonstrated professionalism, continued compliance with regulations and willingness to go beyond the minimum standards of care.

The STS Forum review included the United Nations International Maritime Organizations (IMO) minimum standard on the transfer of oil cargo between oil tankers at sea. The IMO regulation which took effect in April is covered by a new Chapter 8 in the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) Annex 1.

DMCA and the Industry have established requirements exceeding the new IMO standard and have committed to the semi annual review of the operations to ensure both effective and efficient regulations are in place and enforce.

Amer Ali, Executive Director of Dubai Maritime City Authority, said, “The ongoing discussions regarding how best to promote professionalism, sustain the industry and prevent maritime accidents including pollution is key to the DCMA’s stewardship of Dubai’s natural resources and Dubai’s efforts to create a global world class maritime cluster.”

“Moreover, the Ship to Ship Key Performance Indicators Forum serves as an excellent venue to discuss the merits and the broader significance of such new developments in the regional and international maritime industry. The Forum gives key maritime stakeholders the opportunity to jointly review and discuss challenges, solutions as well as improvements to STS operations procedures and regulatory requirements. It is therefore an integral part of DMCA’s mission to ensure the sustainable growth and development of the marine industry and reaffirm Dubai’s status as a global maritime leader,” he concluded.

[mappress]

Source: DMCA, September 17, 2012