Safety Standards
Safety is the Foundation of Everything We Do
At Ciresa Shipping, safety is not just a priority—it is the very foundation of our business. We are committed to doing everything possible to guarantee the safety of our customers, our employees, and the environment. In an industry handling complex and hazardous materials, this commitment demands unwavering attention and continuous effort from every single person in our organization.
Our Core Belief: Every person working at a Ciresa Shipping location—whether at our Terneuzen headquarters, our Rhoon facility, or aboard a vessel—must be able to return home at the end of the working day without having suffered or caused harm in any way. Eliminating risk for all persons is the key element supporting every activity we undertake.
In today’s complex operational environment, this requires a sustained and continuous effort from us all. We can only achieve our goal of zero incidents if every employee at Ciresa Shipping understands the risks, realizes the critical importance of safety, and knows exactly what to do in every situation. The safety of everyone depends on our collective commitment at all times, in all circumstances. We should all care.
SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS
Our Safety Policy
Ciresa Shipping’s policy states that we continuously work towards our goals of zero incidents and no damage to the environment. Safety is everyone’s responsibility, and we expect every employee and contractor to contribute actively to their own safety and that of others.
While embedded in our comprehensive safety culture, it is important to emphasize that:
– All persons will be trained and competent in the work they conduct
– All persons must know, understand, and comply with the basic safety regulations in force at any Ciresa location
– Everyone who works at our facilities should fully comply with all applicable procedures
– Work will not be conducted without a proper job safety assessment
– For work without an approved procedure, a permit-to-work is required
– Emergency response plans will be in place before work starts
– Appropriate and prescribed personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times
– It is everyone’s responsibility to stop work that is unsafe
OPERATIONAL SAFETY PROTOCOLS
Product Transfer Safety
Before and during the transfer of products—whether for vessel loading, bunkering operations, or tank storage—the following rules are strictly followed:
– The safety information on the product is available, known, and understood by all personnel involved
– The pipeline configuration and line-up is checked and verified
– Appropriate grounding of the transport medium (vessels, barges, vehicles, pipelines, etc.) is carried out to prevent electrostatic discharge at all times
– The appropriate personal protective equipment is prescribed and worn by all personnel in the operation zone
Management of Change
Temporary and permanent changes to systems, processes, procedures, equipment, organization, personnel, products, materials, and work arising from changes in laws and regulations cannot proceed unless a formal **Management of Change (MOC)** process has been completed. This includes:
– A risk assessment that covers all impacted by the change—personnel, environment, and operations
– A work plan that clearly specifies the timescale for the change and any control measures to be implemented regarding:
– Equipment, facilities, and processes
– Operations, maintenance, and inspection procedures
– Training, personnel, and communication
– Documentation and record-keeping
– Authorization of the complete work plan by the responsible person(s)
Lockout and Tagout (LOTO)
Any isolation of energy systems—mechanical, electrical, process, hydraulic, and others—cannot proceed unless:
– The method of cut-off and discharge of stored energy are agreed and executed by competent person(s)
– Any stored energy is safely discharged
– A system of locks and tags is used at all isolation points
– A test is conducted to ensure the isolation is effective
– Isolation effectiveness is periodically monitored throughout the work
Excavation Safety
Work that involves a man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in the soil at our facilities cannot proceed unless:
– A hazard assessment of the work location is completed by competent person(s)
– All underground hazards—including pipelines, electrical cables, and utilities—have been identified, located, and if necessary, isolated
– A valid permit-to-work is obtained
– Where persons are to enter an excavation:
– A confined space entry permit must be issued where applicable
– Ground movement must be controlled and collapse prevented by systematically shoring, sloping, benching, etc., as appropriate
– Ground and environmental conditions must be continuously monitored for change
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
BRZO (Besluit Risico Zware Ongevallen)
As Ciresa Shipping provides services related to the handling of oil, chemicals, and petrochemical products, we are classified as a **Major Hazard Company**. Therefore, we must comply with the European SEVESO III Directive, which aims to prevent and control major industrial accidents involving dangerous goods.
In the Netherlands, the SEVESO III directive is implemented through the BRZO: Besluit Risico Zware Ongevallen. Ciresa Shipping’s prevention policy fully complies with the BRZO’15 directive, ensuring that our operations meet the strictest standards for major hazard control.
International Ship and Port Facility Security Code
Because Ciresa Shipping operates terminals with direct connections to vital maritime routes, including access to the Port of Rotterdam and North Sea shipping lanes, we must comply with the ISPS Code—the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code. This comprehensive set of security measures applies to vessels and port facilities worldwide, implemented to enhance maritime security and protect global trade.
Ciresa Shipping is ISPS certified. This means we have:
– Performed and maintain a thorough risk analysis of our facilities
– Prepared and implemented a comprehensive security plan
– Appointed a Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) to put the security plan into effect and ensure ongoing compliance
– Implemented professional port security measures, including mandatory identity checks at all terminal entrances and continuous surveillance of our facilities
OUR COMMITMENT
At Ciresa Shipping, we understand that safety excellence is not a destination—it is a continuous journey of improvement, vigilance, and care. Through our integrated management systems, rigorous training, and unwavering commitment to safety fundamentals, we protect what matters most: our people, our communities, our environment, and the valuable cargo entrusted to us.
Our Safety Philosophy
At Ciresa Shipping, safety is not a priority—it is a core value. Priorities can change, but our commitment to safety remains constant. We believe that all incidents are preventable and maintain systems designed to identify hazards, manage risks, and protect everyone involved in our operations.
Key Elements
Safety policies and objectives
Hazard identification and risk assessment
Safe work procedures
Training and competency
Emergency preparedness
Incident investigation
Performance monitoring
Continuous improvement
Operational Safety Measures
Vessel Safety
Regular vessel inspections and maintenance
Certified and trained crew members
Navigation safety systems
Cargo handling procedures
Ballast water management
Terminal Safety
Secure storage facility design
Spill containment systems
Fire detection and suppression
Access control and security
Regular safety drills
Bunkering Safety
Double-hull barges for fuel transport
Product-dedicated equipment
Transfer procedure compliance
Spill response readiness
Quality verification protocols
Training and Competency
Initial Training
All personnel receive comprehensive safety orientation covering:
Company safety policies
Emergency procedures
Hazard recognition
Safe work practices
Personal protective equipment
Ongoing Development
Regular safety refresher courses
Specialized training for specific roles
Drill participation and evaluation
Lessons learned from incidents
Industry best practice updates
Competency Verification
Skills assessments
Supervisory observations
Performance evaluations
Certification verification
Continuous monitoring
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
Before any operation, we systematically:
Identify potential hazards
Assess associated risks
Implement control measures
Verify control effectiveness
Monitor for changes
This process applies to routine operations, non-routine activities, and changes to facilities or procedures.
Emergency Preparedness
Response Plans
Comprehensive emergency response plans address:
Fire and explosion
Spill and release
Medical emergencies
Severe weather
Security incidents
Resources
Emergency equipment strategically located
Trained response teams
Communication systems
External support coordination
Regular equipment inspection
Drills and Exercises
Regular drills ensure readiness:
Onboard vessel drills
Terminal evacuation exercises
Spill response simulations
Communication tests
After-action reviews
Incident Investigation
When incidents occur, we investigate to understand root causes, not to assign blame. Our investigation process:
Secure the scene and preserve evidence
Gather factual information
Analyze causal factors
Identify root causes
Develop corrective actions
Share lessons learned
Verify implementation effectiveness
Safety Performance
Leading Indicators
Safety training completion
Drill participation
Hazard reports submitted
Safety meetings conducted
Preventive maintenance compliance
Lagging Indicators
Incident frequency rates
Severity of incidents
Near-miss occurrences
Regulatory findings
Insurance claims
Our Commitment to You
When you partner with Ciresa Shipping, you can trust that your cargo is handled by professionals who prioritize safety at every step. Our systems, procedures, and culture work together to protect what matters most.