USCG to address risk of Simultaneous Operations during LNG bunkering

Following a letter released in June, USCG further provides Captains of the Ports  guidance when considering safety issues associated with SIMOPS (Simultaneous Operations) in conjunction with LNG fuel transfer operations. The new notice includes guidance on an optional, formal operational risk assessment, if the vessel operator chooses to conduct one.

SIMOPS is a term used to describe multiple operations occurring onboard vessels and in and around the marine transfer loading area of facilities. This term is increasingly brought up in connection with the use of LNG as a marine fuel and, more specifically, the associated bunkering operation with LNG fueled vessels. Performing SIMOPS while bunkering LNG may entail some increased risk and complexity; however, it has been conducted without notable incidents in many ports worldwide including some in the U.S.

Examples of SIMOPS are described as passenger and crew embarkation/debarkation; loading ship’s stores; discharging wastes; loading or discharging consumables; ship maintenance and repairs, hull cleaning; and/or the unloading and loading of tour equipment while simultaneously transferring LNG fuel.

Further information may be found by reading USCG notice herebelow