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The first part of the Marine Terminal Information System (MTIS), a global initiative aimed at raising the standards of marine terminals for safer berths and ship/shore interfacing, was launched at the recent Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF), held in Dubai.

Forum host Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) is one of 83 members of OCIMF, a global association of oil companies with an interest in shipping and terminalling of crude oil, oil products, petrochemicals and gas, and currently chairs the Marine Terminal Operator Training System (MTOTS) Working Group.

At the forum, the first part of the MTIS - called Marine Terminal Particulars Questionnaire and Database (MTPQ) - was launched. The MTPQ has been developed with the objective of providing a standard format for the collection of information on a terminal's arrangements and facilities that can be shared with terminal users and other interests.

Providing a central information repository for the shipping and terminalling industry, the database can be accessed free of charge and provides terminal information to all industry stakeholders. Marketed as an essential element in ensuring the compatibility of ships and terminals, it aims to enhance the safety of operations and environmental protection.

Saif Al Falasi, Executive Director – EHSQ & Corporate Affairs of ENOC said: "The Oil Companies International Marine Forum in Dubai is indeed a milestone for the industry, underlined by the launch of the first part of the comprehensive Marine Terminal Information System. The Marine Terminal Particulars Questionnaire & Database provides all stakeholders easier access to information and in a standardized format, which is the first of its kind in the industry. It will contribute to increasing the efficiency of operations in terminals all over the world."

He added: "The information in the MTPQ will complement the data available on the physical layout and technical capabilities of tankers and gas carriers within OCIMF’s Ship Inspection Report (SIRE) system. By accessing both the MTPQ and SIRE data, vessel programmers, schedulers and operators will be better placed to match vessels to terminals with the aim of enhancing the safety and efficiency of operations while protecting the environment."

ENOC has been a member of OCIMF since 2007, and Waddah Ghanem, ENOC’s Chief Environment, Health, Safety and Quality Compliance Officer, represented the company in the Forum.

Terminal operations are one of the core areas of ENOC. Horizon Terminals Limited (HTL), a wholly owned subsidiary of ENOC, operates a network of terminals across the world.

HTL manages more than 5 million CBM of storage with a network of seven terminals ranging in location from South Korea to Morocco. It provides terminal services for bulk liquids storage as well as a range of value-added logistics services.