Investigation of Bunkering Operations Safety at Lagos Anchorage

Ship-to-ship bunkering operations at anchorages present fire, explosion, and pollution risks that require rigorous safety management. This study investigates the safety management of bunkering operations at Lagos Anchorage, one of the most active offshore bunkering locations in West Africa. A descriptive survey design was adopted, with primary data collected from structured interviews with twenty bunkering superintendents, tanker officers, and NIMASA marine inspectors, combined with review of bunkering operation records and safety checklists from ten bunkering companies operating at the anchorage. The study benchmarks findings against the International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals and the Nigerian Oil Spill Contingency Plan. Findings indicate that safety practices vary significantly between larger internationally operated bunkering tankers and smaller local operators. Key deficiencies identified in local operations include incomplete pre-transfer safety checklists, inadequate bonding and grounding procedures during product transfer, absence of functional oil spill response equipment on smaller bunker barges, and communication breakdowns between bunkering vessel and receiving vessel crews due to language differences. Overcrowding at the anchorage during peak periods increases the risk of vessel contact. Recommendations include mandatory pre-transfer safety inspection by a NIMASA officer for all bunkering operations, minimum spill response equipment requirements for bunker barges, adoption of a standard communication protocol at Lagos Anchorage, and periodic safety audits of local bunkering operators. Keywords: bunkering operations, Lagos Anchorage, safety management, oil spill, tanker safety