Bunker hose damaged during connection

  • Safety Flash
  • Published on 16 July 2024
  • Generated on 25 April 2025
  • IMCA SF 14/24
  • 2 minute read

During offshore bunkering operations, the bunker hose was damaged when it was stretched.

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. 
Damaged Bunker hose
Bunker hose

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.

Latest Safety Flashes:

Fatality following a fall from a wind turbine

The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, and UK HSE, has published a response to a fatal incident in which a crew member fell to their death.

Read more
UK HSE: Risk of collision with offshore installations from attendant vessels

The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published Safety Notice ED01-2025 relating to the risk of collision with offshore installations.

Read more
USCG: Hazardous Zone Markings and Safety Protocol Awareness

The United States Coastguard has published Safety Alert 04-25 relating to the importance of Hazardous Zone Markings and Safety Protocol Awareness.

Read more
BSEE: Crane safety awareness during offshore helideck operations

BSEE published Safety Alert 491 relating to a the investigation of a near miss crane incident on an offshore platform.

Read more
Incidents occurring during decommissioning

IMCA has put together a summary of incidents relating to decommissioning.

Read more

IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.

The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.

All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.

IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is 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.

Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.