According to reports from Seatrade Maritime, a fire following an explosion occurred on a vessel docked at Colombo’s Jaya Container Terminal on August 11. The incident took place below deck for around 00:30 hours. Fortunately, all operations staff and crew members were safely evacuated from the ship. The port authority announced on Monday that the fire had been fully extinguished.
Fire Investigation and Safety Measures
The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) has initiated an investigation into the incident, aiming to provide a comprehensive report on the cause and effects of the explosion and subsequent fire. Additionally, insurers will conduct their own inquiries to assess the damage and liability. This investigation will be crucial in understanding the safety protocols that need to be enhanced to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Dangerous Cargo Concerns
Prior to the explosion, approximately 60 containers were unloaded from the affected area, including one that contained dangerous cargo. The presence of hazardous materials highlights the need for stringent safety measures when handling such cargo, particularly in busy ports. The incident underscores the risks associated with transporting dangerous goods and the importance of proper handling and storage protocols.
Recent Similar Incidents
The incident marks the second explosion and fire on a container ship docked in port within a span of three days. A similar explosion occurred on 9 August aboard a vessel in the Chinese port of Ningbo-Zhoushan. These back-to-back incidents bring to light the pressing issue of container ship safety, especially concerning the handling of hazardous materials. Authorities and shipping companies are urged to review and strengthen safety measures to prevent future occurrences.
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Source: Seatrade Maritime
