Fuel oil hose burst during bunkering
What happened
During bunkering a vessel in port, a 2” fuel oil hose burst. The hose burst as the fuel transfer rate was increased at the start of the operation. Around 30-50 litres of fuel oil were spilled on the jetty. Owing to the quick reactions of the Master and crew, no fuel went overboard.
What was the cause?
Our member notes that this is a preliminary cause and investigation is ongoing. The reason for the failure has yet to be confirmed; the hose had recently undergone a third-party test and certification.
A suggestion raised was that the fuel oil hose had been damaged over long periods of time by being stowed in an improper coiled position due to its length (longer than the deck stowing location).
Recommendation
- Inspect cargo hose stowage and consider whether those that are stowed in a coiled position, need to be moved or changed in position more frequently so as to avoid damage / kinks in the same location.
Members may wish to refer to
- Near Miss – Damaged Rig Hose
- Safety Flash 18/16 – all incidents of which relate to the inappropriate or unplanned release of substances or objects
Safety Event
Published: 19 November 2021
Download: 
IMCA SF 31/21
IMCA Safety Flashes
Submit a Report
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding safetyreports@imca-int.com to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.
IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained. The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual’s or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.