Image Credits - CNBC
Taiwan’s Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp (2609. TW) has confirmed a fire aboard its cargo vessel, the YM Mobility, which occurred on Friday at Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, one of the world’s busiest maritime hubs. The fire followed an explosion at around 1:40 p.m. local time (0540 GMT), causing shockwaves that were felt up to one kilometre away.
State media in China reported that the explosion happened among containers at the front of the Liberian-flagged ship, resulting in a massive cloud of black smoke and scattered cargo. According to the Ningbo Maritime Search and Rescue Centre, the ship carried hazardous materials, including lithium batteries and tert-Butyl peroxybenzoate, an organic compound known for its flammability and explosiveness. Footage from CCTV captured the aftermath of the blast, showing debris and thick smoke.
Yang Ming Marine Transport stated that swift fire-fighting efforts managed to control the blaze and ensure the safety of all crew members. “Immediate fire-fighting measures have been implemented, the fire is under control, and all personnel aboard have been safely evacuated,” the company reported.
While no injuries were reported among the ship’s crew or dock workers, some nearby offices sustained damage due to the explosion’s shockwaves. A staff member from a company about a kilometre from the blast told Qilu Evening News, “Our windows were damaged, and there was some minor collapse in the ceiling of our canteen.”
The YM Mobility was docked at the Beilun terminal, a crucial part of the port for cargo operations and crude oil loading. The incident highlights the hazards associated with managing dangerous cargo in busy ports.