Tanker Safety Network - 9th Meeting

The 9th BIMCO Tanker Safety Network meeting was held online on 28 April 2025, bringing together members from across the tanker industry to exchange insights and updates on safety initiatives, operational challenges, and the evolving SIRE 2.0 regime. The meeting was chaired by Abhijith Balakrishnan and Pranesh Kumar. 

Focus on SIRE 2.0: practical experiences and ongoing improvements 

The main presentation was delivered by Mr. Mohd Fahmi Niza Mohd Tarmizi, Programmes Technical Manager at OCIMF, who shared valuable insights into the implementation of SIRE 2.0 and the response from inspectors, operators, and programme recipients. While the initiative continues to evolve, it is evident that the human factors approach is gaining traction, with an increasing number of stakeholders integrating this into their screening processes. 

A robust Q&A followed, with several questions extending beyond the allocated time. To support continued dialogue, OCIMF has provided written responses to key queries, including: 

• Load port inspections: OCIMF reaffirmed that SIRE 2.0 inspections may take place during either loading or discharge operations and continue to advocate consistent adoption regardless of port. 
• Inspector platform improvements: Enhancements to the inspector and operator dashboards are under consideration, including support for JSON-format initial observation lists. 
• Data integration across platforms: While integration with class society platforms was raised, challenges around standardising data formats remain. 
• Positive observations: OCIMF anticipates increasing value from positive observations as the industry embraces the human factors framework. 
• TMSA 4 update: No update is currently planned within 2025. 

From the vessel operator perspective, the network also explored the inspection management process for newbuildings, how human factors are reflected in SIRE 2.0, and practical challenges such as managing pre-visit information and observations linked to documentation updates. 

For any general enquiries related to OCIMF Programmes, members are welcome to get in touch with OCIMF through email at enquiries@ocimf.org. 

Regulatory updates: alternative fuels & ballast water management 

BIMCO’s Katerina Elikonida Maroudi provided a regulatory update covering recent developments on alternative fuels and ballast water management.  

On fuels, updates included the IMO interim guidelines for safety of ammonia-fuelled ships and the rollout of new generic and fuel-specific seafarer training requirements. Attendees were also introduced to the newly published Guidelines for Developing and Implementing a Safety Management System for Ammonia-Fuelled Ships, with contributions from BIMCO. The importance of reinforcing safety culture and soft skills as part of the green transition were emphasised.  

On ballast water, updates included the ongoing BWMC review and real-world cases of operational and financial challenges stemming from inconsistent local interpretations, urging members to contribute to BIMCO’s ongoing BWM survey and policy efforts. 

Looking Ahead 

The network welcomed suggestions for future topics. Key areas of interest for the next meeting are enclosed space entry safety and developments in related regulations, as well as alternative fuels safety, including knowledge-sharing during the early implementation phase. The 10th Tanker Safety Network meeting is scheduled for June 2025. An invitation will follow once the agenda and speaker have been confirmed.  

Contacts 

Want to know more about this network and how you can join? Reach out to Henriette Dybkær in our membership team or Katerina Elikonida Maroudi in our regulatory team.