Southwold STS (GBSWD)

Southwold STS is a MCA recognised Permit Area for the transfer of oil cargoes offshore the UK.

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

Southwold STS is approx 14nm SE of Lowestoft, on the East Anglian coast.

Draught 16m, 320,000DWT

STS Permit Area: With centre 52°16.0'N 001°57.3'E, the area circles a radius of 1.5nm.

BA 1504, 1543. Admiralty Pilot NP54, NP286(1).

If the cargo is Fuel or Crude Oil, it is a requirement of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency that the provision of Anti-Oil Spill Pollution Equipment & Personnel remain on standby throughout the operation.

It is a requirement to provide the following information to be sent to the MCA for approval: ..... 1. Approx cargo & quantity to be transferred 2. Kinematic viscosity property of the oil (in centistokes) 3. Asphaltene content (expressed as % by weight) If the vessels have no valid Port State Control inspection & require inspection, the MCA will arrange for a surveyor to board the vessel prior to commencement of the operation.

MCA Permit: 3 days notice is usually required to arrange for MCA permit to conduct STS operations. Applications involving a series of transfers must be with the MCA at least 10 working days before the first transfer in that series is due to start. Applications should be marked "Urgent". STS Transfer Application should be emailed to: Coastal Safety Technical Support Team: Email: csst@mcga.gov.uk.