Bunker hose damaged during connection

What happened

During offshore bunkering operations, the bunker hose was damaged when it was stretched. A vessel passed the bunker hose to the supply vessel using the crane. The crew of the supply vessel received the bunker hose and tied it off. The crew then noticed possible damage to the bunker hose. The hose was returned and upon inspection it was seen that the outer layer of the bunker hose was damaged. Bunkering was cancelled. The potential further consequences were a possible spill to the environment and delay in operations.

What went wrong

• Both vessels experienced moderate pitching and rolling due to sea conditions;
• The bunker hose was tied off to the supply vessel aft bollard while still connected to the crane on our members’ vessel;
• Due to both vessels moving in different directions, and the crane being unable to keep up with lowering or raising the hose in these conditions, the hose was stretched and damaged. 

Lessons and actions

• Reviewed risk assessment for this task to identify risk of tying off bunker hose whilst still connected to the crane;
• Ensure that that standing orders for bridge communications include any special conditions between vessels –including not to tie off the bunker hose when connected to the vessel crane, if this can be avoided.

Members may wish to refer to:

• Positive: Master stopped unsafe fuel transfer whilst vessel alongside rig
• Parting of hawser and bulk cargo hose during tandem mooring