Americas News
USCG Issues Safety Alert Following Onboard Fuel Spray Fire
The U.S. Coast Guard's (USCG's) Office of Investigations and Analysis today issued a safety alert to warn mariners of the risks associated with fuel spray following an incident onboard a commercial vessel.
"These types of incidents, involving fuel leakages contacting hot surfaces and igniting, happen too frequently and have been a focus of various marine safety organizations such as the IMO for many years," said the USCG.
The recent incident involved a fire in an unmanned engine room of a 194 GRT inspected offshore supply vessel that led to significant damage, operational down time, and lost company revenues.
"During the post-casualty inspection of the engine room, the source of the fuel leak was identified to be a rupture on a flexible fuel hose connected to the fuel filter assembly," explained the alert.
"Additionally, it was noted that the fuel filter assembly and its components were installed in relatively close proximity to the turbocharger on the inboard side of the engine. Although components of the turbochargers may be insulated, temperatures on some surfaces typically exceed the fuel’s ignition point."
USCG urges mariners to inspect unmanned machinery spaces at least daily - and preferably several times per day, inspect fuel and lubricating systems closely from source tanks to system end points, and examine all heat sources particularly with respect to engine exhausts.
The coast guard also urges mariners to minimise the use of nonmetallic flexible hoses in systems carrying flammable liquids, particularly around engine areas where failures leading to leakage or spray may find hot spots capable of igniting the fluids.
"It may be beneficial for vessel owners to consult with engine manufacturer representatives to determine if a replacement schedule is necessary taking into account hose exposure to heat sources, vibration, and other factors that may degrade the hose strength internally or externally," said USCG.
