On 19 Nov, we hosted more than 90 marine insurance professionals, both in person and online, for a presentation on ship-to-ship (STS) operations and basket transfers. Our Head of Lightering, David Boudreaux, led the session in his role as Co-Chair of the Industry Taskforce on Offshore Lightering (ITOL). He was joined by representatives from Teekay, Lightering LLC, OCIMF, and the Billy Pugh Company (the manufacturers of transfer baskets).
The session emphasised the critical role of basket transfers as a safer and more reliable method for personnel transfers in STS operations. Operational data gathered from three leading STS service providers in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico between 2018 and 2023 highlighted the effectiveness of basket transfers. Across 7,300 lightering operations, nearly 32,000 personnel transfers were successfully completed using basket transfers. Remarkably, these operations achieved zero incidents and reported fewer than 0.05% near-miss events. This proven track record demonstrated that basket transfers are not only efficient but also a trusted solution for enhancing safety in offshore operations.
The presentation sparked engaging discussions and thoughtful questions from the audience. A live poll conducted at the end of the session revealed that over 75% of participants gained a new perspective, acknowledging basket transfers as a safer and more reliable method for personnel transfer in offshore environments.
While events like this may not immediately translate into implementation, they play a crucial role in fostering awareness and driving meaningful conversations. By engaging with diverse stakeholders, we aim to inspire actionable steps toward safer operations and enhance industry-wide practices.
Special thanks to our team and all our external partners for making this session a success! Together, we’re driving meaningful change for a safer maritime industry.
