It has been reported that the Fujairah port requires the STS inspections by the Harbour Master to be conducted prior to STS operations.
In particular, Dynamarine notes that in October, the Fujairah Harbour Master issued a notice to Mariners (No. 231) which states that “Ships undergoing ship to ship oil cargo operation should pass a safety inspection conducted by Port Authority to confirm the vessels are in a good condition to conduct S.T.S oil cargo operation.”
After few days, an additional note issued stating that ‘’ships having their safety inspection carried out within a span of six months by the Oil Majors (Shell, BP, etc..) or SIRE with satisfactory results are exempted from the safety inspection prior any S.T.S oil cargo operation. Still the Harbour Master has the authority to appoint an independent surveyor for conducting the safety inspection in case if required.”
Dynamarine concludes that the relation of a satisfactory SIRE inspection and STS operations, is a significant parameter for Fujairah Harbour Master who serves on behalf of the local Maritime Administration.
