Ship-to-Ship (STS) Transfer Operations in Chittagong & Kutubdia

Ship-to-Ship (STS) transfer operations at Chittagong Outer Anchorage (Alpha) and Kutubdia Outer Anchorage in Bangladesh are essential for maritime logistics. These operations facilitate efficient cargo transfers—particularly bulk commodities like Supra and Panamax with drafts around 15m max, which encounter limitations at Chittagong Port, Bangladesh’s primary gateway handling over 90% of the nation’s trade.

We offer comprehensive support for your STS operations, whether involving Kutubdia followed by Chittagong Alpha, Chittagong Alpha alone with a reduced draft, or Kutubdia alone. We ensure safety and compliance amid rising energy demands and port congestion.

Kutubdia Outer Anchorage STS Operations
Location Southwest of Kutubdia Island (21°50’N-22°00’N, 91°40’E-91°50’E, per Admiralty Chart No. 84). Exact coordinates vary; consult CPA.
Depth Range 10m-15m+ (LAT), sufficient for an 11m draft Supra / Panamax with tidal height ensuring UKC.
Seabed & Anchor Risk Soft mud with moderate to high dragging risk (up to 6 knots currents). Use 9+ shackles, engines on standby, especially in monsoon (May-Oct).
Currents North/northwest (flood), south/southeast (ebb); 2-3 knots (min) to 6-7 knots (max) in spring tides, stronger in monsoon.
Tidal Restrictions High tide preferred for arrival/departure; avoid shifting at peak currents.
Vessel Density Lower than Alpha; maintain 0.5 nautical miles clearance.
STS Support Tugboats and providers available via CPA/private operators; recommend 2+ tugs.

Chittagong Outer Anchorage (Alpha) STS Operations
Depth Range 10 m- 12 m (LAT); draft must be <10.5m unless tidal height allows 11m with UKC.
Seabed & Anchor Risk Soft mud with high dragging risk (90% probability in 6-7 knot currents). Use 9+ shackles, engines on standby.
Currents North/northwest (flood), south/southeast (ebb); 2-3 knots (min) to 6-7 knots (max), stronger in monsoon.
Tidal Restrictions High tide or slack water safest; avoid peak currents with lightering vessels alongside.
Vessel Density Highly congested; CPA berth positions mandatory since 01.12.2019, clearance often <0.5nm.
STS Support Tugboats and providers available via CPA/private operators; recommend 2+ tugs.

Key Considerations for STS Operations
Shifting Kutubdia to Alpha Pilot boards at 22°12’N, 91°47’E (or near Kutubdia at 21°50’N, 91°45’E with private service); shift at high tide over 8.5m shallow patch; avoid peak ebb tides (6 knots).
Recent Incidents include the October 2024 fire (Kutubdia, illegal LPG transfer, *Captain Nikolas*/*B-LPG Sophia*), the February 2025 seizure (356 MT fuel oil), and the 2022 oil spill; these incidents highlight safety/compliance needs.
Case ①: Kutubdia then Alpha Lighter at Kutubdia to <10.5m draft, shift to Alpha at high tide with pilot. Safest option.
Case ②: Alpha Only Feasible with pre-reduced draft (<10.5m); high tide entry critical due to 8.5m shallow patch.
Case ③: Kutubdia Only Practical if lightering/tugs are available; avoids shallow transit but requires anchor vigilance.
2021 STS Policy Mandates IMO compliance, monitoring, and spill response plans.
Pilotage Compulsory for drafts >10m, recommended for 9.5 m- 10 m; 3-day CPA notice required.
Safety Protocols VHF Ch-12/16, radar, Yokohama fenders in monsoon, certified providers, and spill drills mandated.
Environmental Concerns: Double-hulled vessels and vapor recovery are encouraged to protect the Bay of Bengal ecosystem.

Your Vessels STS operation at Kutubdia and/or Chittagong Alpha is feasible with proper planning, leveraging high tides, pilotage, and local support from Chittagong Port Authority. Recent incidents (e.g., October 2024 fire, February 2025 seizure) highlight the need for compliance and safety. For real-time data (e.g., tidal predictions, berth positions), consult the local agents like MARINE SERVICE

At MARINE SERVICE we have our own experienced team with POAC (Person in overall advisory control), Loading Master and Operation assistant to unload your cargo and deliver it to consignee’s Refinery, Terminal or for Bulk cargo direct to consignee’s warehouse facility either direct by lighter vessel or with assistance of Road transport facility. Cargo weighing ashore on weighing scale as well draft survey carried out under supervision of experienced Master Mariners. Lighter vessel arrangement can be done through us from WTC or privater lighter vessel owners.

Please contact us for your Cargo (Bulk , Oil , Project) survey & logistic requirement.