Leading oil refining and chemical company rolls out eDocs for oil product shipments at second UK terminal.

VALETTA, MALTA, 24 January 2011: essDOCS (essDOCS), the leading shipping eDocs provider is pleased to announce that INEOS has adopted its CargoDocs Terminal Services on oil products shipments ex-Grangemouth Refinery.

Working with an essDOCS project team, INEOS Grangemouth issued its first operational electronic set of documents, which included an electronic bill of lading, on January 16, 2011 when a cargo of vacuum gasoil was shipped on board the 14,830 DWT chemical/product tanker Ternholm, operated by Tarntank Shipmanagement AB.

Ann Olofsson, Deputy Managing Director, Tarntank Rederi AB, said:

“We were introduced to CargoDocs by Brostom, our pool operators.  We have found the service quick and easy to use and even getting the Master trained while he was at sea proved to be a simple process.  Documentation processes at Grangemouth have never been easier and we look forward to the increased industry adoption of eDocs.”

For the first time, the set of electronic documents included documents created and electronically signed by an independent inspector. For this shipment, SGS United Kingdom Limited created and electronically signed the Vessel Experience Factor, Ullage Report, Sample Receipt and Tank Inspection Report, which were included in the set of eDocs issued for the shipment.

Steve Bonner, SGS Branch Manager said:

“SGS has been working with essDOCS for some time, as we see the significant benefit that eDocs can bring both to our shipowner customers and ourselves.  SGS has an embedded documentation team at INEOS Grangemouth who are responsible for processing the shipping documents.  essDOCS has been there throughout the transition to eDocs providing SGS with the training, support and tools to make the process seamless.  eDocs are clearly the future of shipping and SGS is excited to be a part of this improved documentation practice.”

All major inspectors at Grangemouth, including SGS, Saybolt, Intertek Caleb Brett and Inspectorate were involved in testing at Grangemouth and are already set up to use eDocs operationally when required by shippers.

Alex Goulandris, essDOCS Chief Executive said:

“We are delighted that INEOS has extended its use of CargoDocs from Finnart to Grangemouth. The first Grangemouth transaction was a great demonstration of how much eDocs have to offer ship and cargo owners: a smooth, fast process which all parties found intuitive.  During the shipment, the Master found a minor data discrepancy in the initial draft documents, which was communicated, fixed and accepted by the Master within minutes without any party needing to leave or attend the vessel, showing the power of eDocs at a loadport.”

INEOS became the first company to use essDOCS Terminal Services in the UK when it went live with CargoDocs at its Finnart Ocean Terminal in 2010. Having laid the groundwork there, the roll-out of CargoDocs at Grangemouth was completed in a twelve-week timeframe.

Tony Pollock, INEOS Marine Assurance Manager said:

“This is another milestone for INEOS in our plans to move towards greater use of eDocs across our terminals. essDOCS CargoDocs offer a particular advantage for ships calling at Grangemouth, as the dock is tidal. Using eDocs has the potential to save up to two hours on documentation processes post loading giving us faster vessel turnaround. This allows vessels to more easily achieve tidally restricted sailing schedules.”

essDOCS CargoDocs Terminal Services enable terminals, forwarders, shippers, carriers, surveyors and agents to replace all paper shipping documents such as the Bill of Lading, Certificates of Quality, Certificates of Quantity, Timesheet, Ullage Report, with original electronic documents.  These eDocs are originated, reviewed, signed, endorsed and produced back to the carrier online through the essDOCS eDocs Exchange.

CargoDocs have been live since the start of 2010 at the INEOS Finnart Terminal in the UK. essDOCS is now rolling out the service at crude and gas terminals across Europe.  Users include some of the biggest names in tanker shipping and trade - View a list of our existing customers

-Ends-

About INEOS

INEOS is a global manufacturer of petrochemicals, specialty chemicals and oil products which has grown through a series of acquisitions to become a leading chemical company with sales today around $28.4bn. It comprises 15 businesses each with a major chemical company heritage. Its production network spans 60 manufacturing facilities in 13 countries throughout the world.

About SGS

SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognised as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 59,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,000 offices and laboratories around the world. To learn more, please visit www.sgs.com.

About Tärntank

Tärntank Ship Management AB a 100% subsidiary to Tärntank Rederi AB, a family owned  shipping company established in 1958. TSM manage 9 chemical/product tankers owned by Tärntank Rederi AB and affiliated companies and is devoted to operate vessels in a safe and environmental friendly way.

Copyright 2011 © essDOCS. CargoDocs™ and essDOCS-Databridge™ are copyright of essDOCS Limited 2011. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

For more information on essDOCS, please contact: Cynthia Worley, Head of New Markets, essDOCS. Tel: +44 20 3102 6600 info@essdocs.com.

Media enquiries: Neville Smith +44 7909 960 182 neville.smith@essdocs.com.