Abstract Shell Todd Oil Services Ltd in New Zealand encountered problems in the preparation, despatch and off-loading of cargoes both to and from offshore locations. These problems manifested themselves into a variety of incidents which included incorrect manifest weights, inconvenient placing of cargoes on vessel decks, cargo movements with-in containers, and inadequate communication between parties. In addition, a series of accidents, in handling of cargo in several stages, at various locations of the cargo handling process were reported. In response to the increasing frequency of these problems a multi functional meeting was held including all relevant contractors. This meeting addressed the problems in a manner unique to the local offshore environment. The subsequent results justified the time and effort put in by all parties and the introductory use of a technique known as the Business Process Analysis was applied. This technique ensured that the problems were identified, solutions put into practice, procedures were written and put into place, with a resulting significant drop in the accidents. These positive results were achieved and ‘owned’ by all participants, and ensured full commitment to ongoing safety in the process.