# ILA-USMX Joint Safety Committee Issues Alert on Concurrent Bunkering and Container Operations
The International Longshoremen’s Association and the U.S. Maritime Exchange have jointly issued a safety alert addressing hazards associated with conducting bunkering operations simultaneously with container handling activities at port facilities. The OSH Alert 2026-02 highlights risks that arise when fuel supply operations overlap with active cargo operations, a scenario increasingly common at congested container terminals seeking to maximize operational efficiency.
Concurrent bunkering and container work create compounded safety exposures for dock workers and vessel personnel, including spill risks, fire hazards, and communication breakdowns between separate work crews. Such operations demand heightened coordination and stricter segregation protocols to prevent accidents. The joint committee’s alert underscores the importance of established safety procedures and workforce awareness, particularly as port productivity pressures intensify across major U.S. container hubs.
The alert carries significance for terminal operators, vessel operators, and longshoremen managing daily operations at U.S. ports. Effective implementation of the safety guidelines outlined in the document will be critical for preventing workplace incidents and maintaining the operational integrity of bunkering and cargo-handling schedules. Industry stakeholders should review the complete alert to ensure compliance with recommended safety protocols.