KUALA LUMPUR: Straits Energy Resources Bhd's unit Victoria STS (Labuan) Sdn Bhd has signed a heads of agreement with Fendercare Marine (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd to collaborate on providing ship-to-ship (STS) services at the port limit of Victoria Bay in Labuan.

       Victoria STS is a 70% owned subsidiary of Fajar Maritime and Logistics Sdn Bhd, which is in turn 60% owned by Straits, while Fendercare Marine is wholly owned by Fendercare Marine Ltd, a unit of James Fisher and Son plc.

       In a statement, Straits said Victoria STS has been awarded a concession to develop an integrated offshore STS energy transhipment hub at Victoria Bay Port Limit.

       It said the STS hub will be Straits’ sustainable energy flagship project in Victoria Bay deep water area spanning 3,309ha supporting an initial six STS berths with safe water depths of up to 30m.

       The hub is scheduled to begin operations by early 1Q2022.

       Meanwhile, Fendercare Marine, a global leader in STS tansfers, will register Victoria Bay Port Limit as an official STS hub on its website and will promote it to its potential clients worldwide as the preferred STS location in Asia.

       According to the statement, Fendercare Marine will also support the STS hub with the required systems and equipment, as well as personnel and training.

       "This collaboration will kickstart Straits’ foray into the sustainable and alternative energy space and together with Fendercare, our prime focus right now is to establish Victoria Bay Port Limit as a major energy transhipment hub in Asia.

       "We are confident of being able to serve the needs of major global shipping line customers with our combined wide spectrum of energy related maritime

       solutions and infrastructure," said Straits Group managing director Datuk Sei Ron Ho Kam Choy.

       Meanwhile, Fendercare managing director Elizabeth Skinner said it would also be conducting STS transfers of LNG at Victoria Bay, which will give its customers additional options and flexibility.