An emergency release system for a fluid transfer system is disclosed. The fluid transfer system includes a first valve and a second valve that is selectively fluidly coupled to the first valve. The emergency release system includes a breakaway coupler mechanism engageable with the first valve and the second valve to releasably couple the first valve and the second valve together, an actuator mechanism defined by a dual rod having a first rod member and a second rod member releasably attached to the first rod member, the first rod member engageable with the first valve and the second rod member engageable with the second valve, and a piston-cylinder assembly configured to engage the actuator mechanism to selectively and simultaneously close the first and second valves, and to disengage the breakaway coupler mechanism from the first valve and the second valve.