INTERTANKO Introduces Real-Time Port/Terminal Information for Tanker Operators
London, UK - November 7, 2007: From today INTERTANKO members have access to near real-time information about the terminals their ships plan to visit, since the Association’s Terminal Vetting Database is now hosted on the Q88.com website.
INTERTANKO’s Terminal Vetting Database now works in a similar way to the SIRE and CDI systems. Any low scoring comments on a particular terminal will be forwarded by INTERTANKO to the terminal in question (withholding details of ship and owner) requesting comment from the terminal on root cause analysis and successful implementation of corrective actions and close out. The terminal’s comments these will be entered into the database alongside the original report; or if no comments are received by the terminal after 30 days, then that will also be recorded.
Reflecting numerous expressions of concern from members over reports that the water depth at some terminals is less than shown on the charts, the TVD includes new questions on the accuracy of water depth at the berth.
INTERTANKO Marine Director, Capt Howard Snaith, says, “We very much hope that such feedback will be received positively by terminals, will encourage continuous improvement and will enhance safety at terminals, which are the critical point in the ship/shore interface.”
INTERTANKO has worked closely with Q88.com to ensure that the upgrade of its Terminal Vetting Database meets members’ demands. This is not a commercial enterprise. It is supplied at no charge to the Association’s members and associated members as a direct INTERTANKO service whose primary purpose is to enhance safety.
Manager of Q88.com, Fritz Heidenreich, says, "We are happy to assist INTERTANKO by hosting the Terminal Vetting Database. Since a majority of the INTERTANKO members are also subscribing to our vetting questionnaire service, it makes sense to have the Terminal Vetting Database accessible from the same web site. We have upgraded the Terminal Vetting Database to include new internet technology which will make the system easier to use than before.”
Background
INTERTANKO established its Terminal Vetting Database (TVD) in 2004 when, together with a group of members, it completed the test phase of a terminal vetting pilot project and created a database which could accommodate reports on tanker terminals world-wide for the benefit of its members and associate members.
The purpose of the TVD is to take information about terminal and berth conditions at tanker ports around the world and make it available to INTERTANKO’s members and associate members in a compact one page format, through a very simple web-based database, that is available to the ship masters as well as shore offices.
This system does not put an approved or non-approved stamp on individual terminals. It is a simple fact-finding and fact-sharing exercise which will benefit operational safety and environmental protection at the critical phase of the ship/shore interface, and will promote continuous improvement.
Oil companies exercise due diligence in selecting well-maintained and well-managed vessels for charter; the TVD helps INTERTANKO's members exercise due diligence with regards to safety and environmental protection as they strive for zero fatalities, zero detentions and zero pollution.
The TVD also encourages terminal operators to continue to achieve high standards of operation and continuous improvement through the constructive comments received through the TVD report and through root cause analysis and corrective action
The Q88.com web site was launched in June 2001. The web site’s primary function is to automate the completion of charterer and terminal questionnaires. There are currently 580 questionnaires available, which are being used by over 340 tanker owners having an aggregate fleet of over 4,300 vessels. Other industry-related companies are also using the service to access the vessel particular details posted on the web site. Q88.com also offers additional online tools for owners, charterers, brokers and agents.
MarEx Editor’s Note: The shoe is now clearly on the other foot. Long under the tight scrutiny of terminals, regulatory bodies, classification societies, charterers and a host of other interested parties, tanker owners have "toed" the line and improved the quality of their tonnage measurably in the past two decades. On the other hand, the myriad of new regulations sometimes put owners in tough situations when some terminals did not necessarily meet the requirements for slop discharge / reception facilities, adequate berthing facilities and scores of other important criteria. A reverse vetting protocol is arguably now in effect -- it will be interesting to see where it goes from here. From where we sit, this is a very good development. - MarEx