Sanctions have an impact on the Safety of STS Operations
The rise in Ship-to-Ship (STS) transfers of Russian oil products – driven by sanctions, seasonal ice conditions, and tanker shortages – has introduced a significantly higher safety risk profile that extends well beyond commercial considerations.
While STS operations provide a practical logistical solution, their expansion across multiple regions is increasing exposure to operational hazards and placing additional pressure on crews that work under complex and often less-than-ideal conditions. A growing share of these operations is now taking place in various alternative locations such as offshore Togo, Al Hoceima, and Port Said, where the required infrastructure and availability of good-quality STS Service providers do not exist.
Conducting STS operations in these locations raises several critical concerns, including:
● Lack of necessary safety resources
● Limited verified contingency arrangements
● Lack of emergency response resources
● Uncertain environmental suitability
● Reduced operational oversight
● Lack of proper location assessment
In such settings, even a minor incident can escalate quickly, as response capabilities are either delayed or insufficient. At the same time, operational pressures – ranging from harsh weather conditions and ice navigation constraints to the limited availability of suitable tonnage – can directly influence decision-making on board. Crews are increasingly required to perform complex berthing and unberthing manoeuvres within narrow weather windows or under marginal conditions. This inevitably raises the probability of vessel contact, mooring line failure, or fender overload.
The risks to personnel in these scenarios are immediate and significant. Mooring operations, in particular, remain one of the most hazardous aspects of STS activity. Substandard planning in conjunction with high tension loads, dynamic vessel movements, and the ever-present danger of line snap-back creates an environment where a single misjudgement can result in severe injury or fatality.
Operational complexity is further heightened by the interaction between tankers of the same size. These interfaces require a high degree of technical understanding, familiarity with equipment, and coordinated execution. Under time pressure and operational constraints, such requirements cannot always be fully met, increasing the likelihood of error.
A critical dimension of this evolving risk landscape is that many of these operations are conducted in areas classified as high risk according to DYNAMARINe’s STS Map. In these regions, reduced transparency, often associated with sanctions-driven trades, further compounds the challenge.
Limited access to reliable vessel and equipment data, unclear or inconsistently communicated procedures, and the potential involvement of unverified STS service providers all contribute to diminished situational awareness and substandard risk management. As a result, crews may be required to operate without a complete understanding of the risks they face, while ship operators may face challenges related to the ISM code.
For those outside the maritime sector, the implications are straightforward. As the number of STS transfers increases, without the appropriate risk assessments, so does the probability of incidents. When operations shift to remote or less controlled locations, emergency response becomes slower and less effective. At the same time, crews are exposed to greater pressure, while reduced transparency limits operators’ ability to plan, verify, and control the operation effectively.
The combination of increased operational frequency, challenging environments, and limited visibility creates a setting where crew safety is particularly vulnerable. Without robust planning, clearly defined procedures, verified equipment, and properly trained personnel, the likelihood of incidents rises significantly – potentially leading not only to operational disruption, but also to serious harm to human life.
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