On June 27, 2025, a cargo ship carrying scrap metal caught fire while moored at Albert Dock in Hull, England. The incident, which began around 10 a.m. BST, sent thick plumes of smoke drifting across the city center, prompting widespread concern and affecting residents and businesses.
Emergency Response and Containment
Humberside Fire and Rescue Service quickly dispatched four fire engines and an aerial ladder platform to tackle the fire. Ambulance crews and the Hull Coastguard Rescue Team also joined the emergency response. Thanks to their prompt action, firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control efficiently, minimizing the risk of further damage to the vessel and port facilities. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the crew or emergency personnel.
Impact on Hull City Centre: Due to prevailing wind conditions, thick smoke from the burning ship rapidly spread into Hull’s city centre, causing significant visibility issues and a strong burning smell described by residents as “burning plastic.” This led to widespread disruption:
- Public Safety Advisories: Residents were advised to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed. Humberside Fire and Rescue issued a public warning urging caution if outdoors and to avoid the area near the dock.
- Business Closures: Local businesses, were forced to shut down for the day, with police even informing some of a potential evacuation.
- Legal Proceedings Disrupted: The heavy smoke and ongoing emergency response impacted legal proceedings in Hull. HM Courts and Tribunals Service announced that hearings at both Hull Combined Court and Hull Magistrates’ Court were either adjourned or moved to online platforms, with postponed hearings to be rescheduled.
- Road Closures: Numerous road closures were implemented across the city as a precaution, affecting Commercial Road, English Street, Jackson Street, Humber Dock Street, Wellington Street, and surrounding areas such as Kingston Retail Park, Odeon Cinema, and the Ice Arena. Motorists were advised to avoid these routes and drive with caution.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and authorities have launched an investigation to establish its origin and the circumstances surrounding it. The vessel remained docked at the port as safety inspections and formal investigations continued.
Ongoing Efforts
Port operator Associated British Ports confirmed the fire occurred within a tenanted area at Albert Dock and stated their support for the ongoing efforts of the fire service.
Notably, the vessel has a recent history of deficiencies. In October 2024, the vessel was detained for two days during a Port State inspection in Venice, Italy. Issues identified during that inspection related to the maintenance of life-saving equipment, training for bridge operations, and overall readiness. While a subsequent inspection in Boulogne, France, showed no deficiencies, the prior detention may be a relevant factor in the investigation into the cause of the current fire.
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Source: Marine Insight
