Ship-to-ship transfer at Tranmere

Peel Ports Group is operating the service in partnership with Stanlow Terminals. It will have the capacity to transfer 160,000 tonnes of fuel each month, including bio fuels which were previously only catered for at Stanlow.

“We are delighted to welcome this new service,” said Michael Gaynon, chief executive at Stanlow Terminals. “Not only will it enable greater fuel loads to be imported and exported from Tranmere, but will also significantly expand options and opportunities for our customers.”

Previously, larger cargos would be transhipped to and from larger vessels by smaller vessels based at European ports such as Rotterdam, adding cost and time to the import and export process. The new Tranmere STS Service will remove these requirements, helping reduce delivery times.

“Providing STS transfers on the Mersey will bring about numerous benefits, not least attracting business into the local area as more transfers are carried out on a regular basis helping save emissions, costs and time,” agreed Phil Hall, port director Mersey Division at Peel Ports Group.

The service is launching after Tranmere Terminals successfully completed three STS transfers over the summer. It is being delivered by a partnership of several organisations including STS Marine Solutions, Royal Haskoning DHV, Carmet Tugs, Briggs Marine, Liverpool Pilots and Svitzer Towage.