- A coal-carrying bulk carrier reported an explosion in the Patapsco River near the Francis Scott Key Bridge site.
- All 23 crew members and two pilots were safe, though the vessel showed fire and blast damage.
- Firefighting crews and tugboats controlled the incident, while the Coast Guard established a 2,000-yard safety zone.
- Coal cargoes pose significant risks such as methane buildup and spontaneous combustion, requiring strict monitoring under the IMSBC Code.
On Monday evening, a bulk carrier reported an explosion while sailing through Baltimore Harbor, not far from the site of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. Authorities confirmed the safety of all crew members, although the vessel sustained fire-related damage. The ship had recently loaded coal and was en route to its destination at the time of the incident, as reported by Marine Insight.
Incident Occurred Close to Key Bridge Remains
The explosion occurred in the Patapsco River, less than half a mile from the remains of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The bridge, which collapsed on March 26, 2024, after being struck by another vessel, claimed six lives and kept Baltimore Harbor closed for several months. Demolition of the structure continues, with completion of a replacement bridge not expected until 2028.
Video footage and images from the incident showed heavy smoke rising from the vessel following the blast. Fire crews from Baltimore City, supported by fireboats and tugboats, brought the situation under control while the ship remained afloat. Authorities confirmed that all crew members and two pilots were on board at the time, with no injuries reported.
The vessel displayed fire and blast damage, leading the Coast Guard to establish a safety zone. The restricted area extended 2,000 yards from the Key Bridge site to Brewerton Angle Channel buoy “14,” with an earlier perimeter of 500 yards to ensure safe navigation in the main shipping channel.
Coal has long been recognized as a hazardous cargo due to risks of methane gas buildup, spontaneous combustion, and dust-related explosions. These dangers are addressed under the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code, which requires continuous monitoring of temperature and gas levels. Cargo temperatures exceeding 55°C are to be rejected, while consistent gas sampling is recommended throughout a voyage.
Recent assessments reinforce these concerns. The UK P&I Club has reported incidents of coal shipments from the U.S. East Coast releasing methane at unsafe levels. Petar Modev, the Club’s Head of Ship Inspections, cautioned in late 2023 that natural ventilation alone may not adequately disperse excessive methane concentrations during transport.
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Source: Marine Insight
