Liberia issues advisory on fuel isolation requirements for multi-engine ships in Australian ports

Eda Zenic -

Liberia Maritime Authority issued Marine Advisory 31/2024 to inform ship operators about fuel isolation requirements for multi-engine installations, particularly for vessels operating in Australian waters. This guidance aligns with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s (AMSA) notice and focuses on compliance for Port State Control (PSC) inspections.

Objective of the Advisory

The purpose of the advisory is to highlight AMSA’s safety concerns regarding the reliability of fuel isolation systems, particularly remote-controlled isolation valves on generators. AMSA has reported a rise in incidents where these valves have failed, posing risks in emergencies, especially during fires.

Key Regulatory Requirements

  • Fuel Isolation in Multi-Engine Installations
    According to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), ships with multiple engines drawing from the same fuel source must be equipped with a means to isolate the fuel supply and return piping to individual engines. This isolation must:This requirement is outlined in SOLAS Chapter II-2, Regulation 4.2, which aims to prevent fire spread and ensure continued vessel operation if one engine is compromised. SOLAS MSC.1/Circ.1321 (June 2009) provides additional guidelines for implementing these isolation measures.
    • Prevent the operation of one engine from affecting others in case of fuel line issues.
    • Be operable remotely from a location that remains accessible even if there’s a fire near one of the engines.
  • Implementation Recommendations
    A common practice for compliance involves installing a quick-closing valve in the fuel line, positioned between the fuel change-over valve and the engine. This valve should have a remote actuator located in another part of the machinery space. For ships built after June 2009, the Advisory recommends placing these valves or their actuators at least 5 meters from the engine, where possible, to enhance safety. If spatial constraints prevent this, physical barriers can be used to protect the valve from heat and flame exposure.

Maintenance and Testing Requirements

Under the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, ship operators are obligated to maintain all safety equipment, including fuel isolation systems, in reliable working condition. Specific ISM Code provisions relevant to this Advisory include:

  • ISM Code Part A, Paragraph 10.1: Ship operators must ensure that all equipment essential for safe operation, including fuel isolation valves, is maintained and tested regularly.
  • ISM Code Part A, Paragraph 10.3: Equipment that is not continuously in use should still undergo periodic testing to ensure it will function as required during emergencies.

Regular testing of isolation valves is crucial to ensure that they will operate correctly if needed, particularly during a fire.

Inspection Guidelines and Crew Preparedness

AMSA’s Port State Control inspections may involve testing a ship’s fuel isolation systems. During these inspections, officers may verify:

  • The proper functioning of quick-closing valves on the fuel system.
  • The operational readiness of remote controls for these valves.

To avoid potential detentions, ships must ensure that all remote quick-closing devices are:

  • Present and functional: Valves should be operational and compliant with regulatory requirements.
  • In good condition: Any deterioration in these devices, which could prevent their operation during an emergency, must be addressed.

Additionally, crew members must be well-trained and familiar with the procedures for remotely operating these valves. They should also understand how to reset the system after activation and conduct necessary maintenance to keep the valves in good working order. A lack of compliance or awareness among the crew could lead to ship detention.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

The advisory warns that ships may face detention during PSC inspections if:

  • The remote quick-closing devices are missing or improperly installed.
  • The valves do not comply with safety standards or are significantly deteriorated.
  • The valves are not operational, posing risks in emergency situations.

Contact Information

For additional questions or clarifications, ship operators are encouraged to reach out to the Liberia Maritime Authority’s Fleet Performance Department: