Loading…
Use of barges or smaller vessels to discharge cargo from a deep-draft ship at anchor where the destination port cannot accommodate her draft.
Common in the US Gulf for VLCC discharge to refinery-bound smaller tankers, and at certain Asian draft-restricted terminals. The lightering vessel arrives alongside underway or at anchor; senior STS coordinator runs the operation.
Source: Industry usage; OCIMF STS Transfer Guide
Editorial confidence: how we grade.