Steering the Course: LR OneOcean’s role in SIRE 2.0 compliance

The Oil Companies International Marine Forum’s (OCIMF) SIRE 2.0 programme is setting a new standard for inspections, safety, and operational excellence for tankers. As tanker operators strive to meet these rigorous requirements, Horizons explores how Lloyd’s Register OneOcean (LR OneOcean) offers innovative digital solutions to simplify the complexities of SIRE 2.0. 

The maritime industry has always been defined by its ability to adapt to changing tides—both literally and regulatory. In 2024, the introduction of the Oil Companies International Marine Forum’s (OCIMF) SIRE 2.0 programme marked a significant evolution from the original Ship Inspection Report (SIRE) programme that was introduced in 1993. This updated, enhanced and digitalised vessel inspection regime seeks to revolutionise shipping inspection, compliance, and reporting. Built on real-time adaptability and precision, it challenges tanker operators and their crews to embrace a far more sophisticated approach to compliance. 

SIRE 2.0 represents a seismic shift from its predecessor, launched three decades ago. Gone are the days of static checklists. Instead, SIRE 2.0 introduces dynamic, tablet-based inspections that adapt to the specific needs of each vessel. At its core is the Compiled Vessel Inspection Questionnaire (CVIQ), a bespoke tool generated from a library of 385 targeted questions, tailored by vessel type and operational history.  

This adaptive framework ensures that every inspection is highly relevant and precise, addressing potential risks and compliance gaps in real time. The inclusion of advanced reporting tools, photographic evidence, and digital integration amplifies transparency and accountability. 

Adapting to these new standards is a challenge for tanker operators and other stakeholders, who must simultaneously navigate changing compliance landscapes while ensuring seamless operations.

With its suite of digital tools and innovative solutions, the OneOcean Platform is designed to meet these challenges. Its support for Under Keel Clearance (UKC) policies demonstrates how its tools align with SIRE 2.0 requirements.   

Under SIRE 2.0, operators must account for a wide array of operational scenarios, from open-sea voyages to mooring in confined ports. UKC policies must reflect real-time factors such as vessel draft, tidal conditions, and environmental variables. The OneOcean Platform’s UKC configuration tools empower operators to craft bespoke policies that are as dynamic as the conditions they face. 

Its enhanced flexibility in UKC configurations allows operators to create static, dynamic, or combined policies, ensuring compliance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations and specific organisational requirements. By incorporating real-time variables such as vessel draft, tidal conditions, and the squat effect, the Platform allows users to define unlimited policies and apply them consistently across their fleet via LR OneOcean’s shoreside portal, FleetManager.  

The Platform's flexibility allows operators to adjust policies dynamically—for example, setting minimum clearance thresholds based on a percentage of a vessel’s beam or a fixed meterage, whichever is greater. This comprehensive approach ensures that vessels are always prepared for inspection and fosters a culture of continuous compliance. 

The system also provides transparent calculation notes, enabling operators to understand and validate the methodology behind their policies. This level of detail supports informed decision-making, helping to mitigate risks and optimise operations. 

“This dynamic approach enables real-time adjustments based on current conditions, improving safety and operational efficiency,” says Tony Brown, SVP Product - Navigation and Compliance at LR OneOcean. 

“Additionally, a UKC calculation notes section has been added to the passage plan, providing transparency by displaying the formulas used for UKC and CATZOC calculations. This empowers clients to better understand the system's calculations and supports informed decision-making to reduce grounding risks in various maritime scenarios.” 

Alongside the Platform’s UKC capabilities, LR OneOcean offers ISF Watchkeeper—the industry’s leading solution for crew work and rest compliance, jointly owned with the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS). Trusted by over 9,500 vessels worldwide, it helps operators meet SIRE 2.0’s emphasis on crew competence, operational behaviour, and continuous compliance with new features such as two-way synchronisation, non-conformity acknowledgment, and vessel event cross-checking.

One of the most significant aspects of SIRE 2.0 is its recognition of human factors as critical to compliance. Inspectors now assess not just a vessel’s technical readiness but also the training, competency, and behaviour of its crew. 

“Compliance extends far beyond technical adherence,” says Brown. “With SIRE 2.0, operational behaviour and decision-making are front and centre. The OneOcean Platform and ISF Watchkeeper address this directly, equipping maritime professionals with the tools they need to meet these heightened expectations. This approach aligns perfectly with SIRE 2.0's holistic vision, which emphasises not just technical adherence but also operational excellence.”

As SIRE 2.0 shifts the focus of periodic checks to ongoing adherence, operators require a system that can keep pace with regulatory updates and operational demands. LR OneOcean’s tools monitor international maritime laws and standards, issuing timely alerts about changes that could impact compliance. This proactive capability enables operators to stay ahead of potential risks, reducing downtime and ensuring smooth operations.  

With SIRE 2.0 placing significant emphasis on emissions and waste management, LR OneOcean’s Environmental Compliance module (EnviroManager+) provides operators with real-time insights of environmental requirements along routes. From CO2 emissions to waste discharge, the solution helps operators stay ahead of regulatory changes while fostering sustainability.

SIRE 2.0 represents more than a regulatory update; it’s a comprehensive reimagining of tanker safety, operational excellence, and environmental compliance towards more rigorous, data-driven standards requiring tools that are both adaptable and intuitive.

LR OneOcean’s comprehensive suite of solutions not only addresses the immediate challenges of SIRE 2.0 compliance but also positions operators for long-term success. By combining cutting-edge technology with a profound understanding of maritime operations, LR OneOcean simplifies the path to compliance, helping operators not only meet the expectations of today but also anticipate the challenges of tomorrow.

More information is available on the LR OneOcean Platform.