Safe Fuel Transfer Operation During Shipyard Repair Process
During final inspections at Yalova Özata Shipyard, leakage and structural cracks were detected inside the vessel’s fuel tanks just before the vessel’s scheduled departure from the shipyard. In order to safely continue the repair process and perform hot work operations inside the affected tanks, approximately 800 MT of VLSFO was transferred from the vessel to temporary barge storage under controlled operational procedures.
This lightering operation was carried out throughout a 21-day repair period with full coordination between the Harbour Master, Customs Authorities, surveyors, shipyard teams, and marine operation personnel.
What Is a Lightering Operation?
Lightering is the controlled transfer of cargo or marine fuel from one vessel to another vessel or storage barge. In shipyard environments, lightering operations are often required before hot work, tank cleaning, steel renewal, or structural repair operations can safely begin.
In this operation, the vessel’s VLSFO (Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil) was temporarily transferred to barge storage in order to:
- Reduce operational risk
- Enable hot work inside fuel tanks
- Prevent fire and explosion hazards
- Maintain compliance with shipyard and port safety regulations
- Protect the vessel during the repair period
Safety Measures Implemented Before Fuel Transfer
Prior to commencement of the fuel transfer operation, all necessary environmental and operational safety measures were implemented. Oil containment barriers were deployed around the operational area and additional fenders were positioned to protect the vessel’s freshly painted hull surfaces following dry dock operations.
The entire operation was conducted under controlled transfer procedures with continuous monitoring throughout the process.
Harbour Master and Customs Coordination
The full operational scope and navigational safety procedures were coordinated with the relevant Harbour Master authorities before commencement of the operation. Required operational permissions and safety precautions were officially reviewed and approved.
Simultaneously, the transfer and temporary storage of the fuel were coordinated with Customs Authorities. During the operation, fuel measurements and tank soundings were jointly carried out together with surveyors and customs officers, and the operation was officially documented under customs supervision.
Professional Shipyard Agency Services in Türkiye
ID Shipping Agency provides professional ship agency services for:
- Yalova Shipyard Operations
- Tuzla Shipyard Agency Services
- Hot Work Preparation
- Lightering Operations
- Fuel Transfer Operations
- Dry Dock Attendance
- Customs Coordination
- Ship Repair Attendance
- Marine Logistics
- Barge Operations
- STS Operations
- Turkish Shipyard Agency Services
With operational coverage across Tuzla, Yalova, Marmara Region, and the Dardanelles, our team continues to support shipowners, managers, and technical teams during complex marine and shipyard operations.
