The UK P&I Club, together with the UK Defence Club, are hosting a seminar on Ship to Ship Transfer Operations (STS) in conjunction with OnlineSTS.net and FenderCare on the 3rd March at the Piraeus Marine Club.

A growing trend in collision incidents in maritime areas allowing STS transfers has highlighted some of the complexities of liability and contractual arrangements associated with this practice as well as the potential for serious pollution or personal injury claims.

This seminar is particularly topical as amendments to MARPOL Annex I for the prevention of marine pollution during some ship-to-ship oil transfer operations entered into force on 1st January 2011.

The new chapter 8 on Prevention of pollution during transfer of oil cargo between oil tankers at sea applies to oil tankers of 150 gross tons and above. Its provisions include a requirement that any oil tanker involved in oil cargo STS operations have on board a plan describing how to conduct STS operations (the STS Plan) which has been approved by its flag state administration, or a classification society on their behalf.

The seminar programme will address the new IMO regulations and the necessary preparations to ensure ships, their equipment, crews and chosen docking master are appropriate. Practical insights into the actual STS operation will be provided by a qualified docking master.

The UK P&I and Defence clubs' speaker will present on the liability and charterparty issues that may ensue from an STS incident by way of a case study.

The social reception that follows the seminar provides an opportunity for those attending to discuss points of interest with the speakers and other representatives of the companies involved.

If you wish to attend this seminar, please contact Ms Marinella Makarona at the Thomas Miller Hellas office in Piraeus either by telephone (+30 210 458 5218) or email (

).