The First Major VLCC-VLCC STS Transfer for Indian Sub-Continent

Abrao Group’s company Fendercare Marine Omega India Pvt Ltd. completed its first VLCC-VLCC (Very Large Crude Carriers) fully laden STS (Ship to Ship) transfer in the ISC region. To achieve the feat, we deployed our high-quality resources, including our equipment of Pneumatic Fenders and Hoses of the highest standards. We carried out an adequate risk assessment with special consideration of monsoon season and similar vessel sizes that called for extra precautions.

The operation was carried out at Adani Mundra port outer anchorage, in Gujarat, on the North West coast of India. The 2 VLCCs helped transfer the valuable, flammable cargo by one of Fendercare’s most experienced Mooring Masters. Bad weather resulted in challenging conditions, but despite that, the transfer of around 2 million barrels of Field Condensate (a petroleum cargo)– which is about 31.8 million litres — was achieved safely and successfully. There were additional challenges due to the COVID restrictions of transferring our experienced personnel from another location in India who had to undergo quarantine after completing the job. The operations were supported by the office operations team that carried out all the vessels compatibility checks, coordinating closely with the port authorities and other concerned agencies.

The VLCCs involved in the operation had a LOA of 332 meters, and in the fully laden condition, the Draft was around 19 meters with a displacement of approximately 300,000 MT. For the technically minded, Suezmax ships have a deadweight tonnage of between 120,000 to 200,000 MT, while VLCC vessels have a DWT of 180,000 to 320,000 MT.

We hope this is the first of many STS operations between VLCC vessels in the Arabian Sea for Fendercare Marine Omega. Fendercare Marine Omega has been carrying out operations with VLCC – Suezmax vessels for some time, but this represents a breakthrough into the growing VLCC-VLCC market.The Fendercare Marine Omega India Team lives by its motto – No Challenge too big for us.