Ship-to-ship LPG Transfer Between India & Bangladesh Begins

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK – erstwhile Kolkata Port Trust) has started ship-to-ship (STS) operation for LPG cargo bound to Bangladesh.

According to a press release published by SMPK, in addition to ushering in a new beginning in the Indo-Bangladesh relation, it would also enable communication between Kolkata Port and Bangladesh's Mongla port, where the LPG cargo is destined.

First port to undertake STS operation

Following the successful operation of STS for LPG and other liquefied cargo heading for Haldia, STS operator Pace Marine Solutions Pvt. Ltd approached SMPK with a proposal in October/November 2021. Apart from SMPK, Calcutta Customs played a proactive role by permitting such operation in a time bound manner.

The STS operation involving Floater and LPG barges was previously carried out in Indonesia, and SMP, Kolkata is the first major port in the country to do so within its limits, according to Vinit Kumar, Chairman, SMP, Kolkata.

The Port will earn vessel related and cargo related charges from the said operation.

A start-up venture port has provided its Tug for towing and placing Yokohama fenders for safe berthing of vessels in the sea. The Tug will also act as a Fire Float.

Ship-to-ship transfer of liquid bulk cargo involves moving LPG, CBFS (Carbon Black Feed Stock), crude oil, LNG, and other types of liquid cargo from a mother vessel to a daughter vessel of comparable or smaller size but with the same technical specifications. 

According to the statement, the dead freight of vessels in a shallow draught port is significantly reduced as a result of this operation.