INTERTANKO and OCIMF have issued the following joint statement

4 March 2026 – London – INTERTANKO (the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners) and Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) have issued the following joint statement:

“As we monitor the evolving situation across the Middle East and its waterways, our focus remains on the safety of seafarers and all those affected. Seafarers continue to operate in a complex and uncertain environment, and their safety and wellbeing must remain a priority.

“We encourage members and the wider industry to rely only on verified information from authoritative and trusted sources. Operational decisions should be based on thorough, company-led due diligence and comprehensive risk assessments covering all stages of a voyage, including port calls and ship-to-ship (STS) operations.

“In addition to established security measures and Best Management Practices (BMP), the human element should be considered in decision-making. Workload, fatigue, communication, and other operational pressures, including planned crew changes, can affect safe outcomes and should be appropriately managed.

“We will continue to work with industry partners and governments and monitor developments in support of safe and responsible marine operations.”

About OCIMF:

1.    The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) is a voluntary association of oil companies with an interest in the shipment and terminalling of crude oil, oil products, petrochemicals and gas. OCIMF focuses exclusively on preventing harm to people and the environment by promoting best practice in the design, construction and operation of tankers, barges and offshore vessels and their interfaces with terminals. 

Vision 
A global marine industry that causes no harm to people or the environment. 

Mission 
To lead the global marine industry in the promotion of safe and environmentally responsible transportation of crude oil, oil products, petrochemicals and gas, and to drive the same values in the management of related offshore marine operations.  
 
We do this by developing best practices in the design, construction and safe operation of tankers, barges and offshore vessels and their interfaces with terminals and considering human factors in everything we do.