On Friday (09/08/2024), at around 13:40 local time (5:40 GMT), a massive explosion occurred on a container ship carrying Hazardous Materials (class 5) in the port of Ningbo, one of China’s major ports.
The 2021-built, Liberian-flagged Post-Panamax container ship (6,589 TEU) was operating between the Far and Middle East and was docked at the Beilun 2 container terminal when the incident occurred.
Videos show a massive explosion with white smoke, followed by an orange and yellow ball of fire, scattering rubble and completely engulfing containers stacked at least 10 feet high.
According to the local authorities, there have been no reports of any deaths or injuries as a result of the incident. Although all crew members evacuated safely, shockwaves from the explosion were felt in some offices near the port, about a kilometre away.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the explosion. However, according to information obtained by CCTV, the container was carrying Lithium Batteries and Tert-butyl Peroxybenzoate, which is a flammable and explosive organic compound that should not be stored in an environment above 30ºC (86ºF).
There has been a severe heat wave in the Ningbo area in recent days, with temperatures of up to 39°C, which may have contributed to the incident.
Safety In The Transport of Hazardous Materials Is Not an Option, It Is A Duty!
Hazardous Materials, such as oxidizing agents and organic peroxides, must be transported and stored under strict conditions. Failing to comply with safety regulations and protocols not only endangers lives, but also threatens the environment and the global supply chain.
What Are Our Learning Points?
- Always verify proper storage and temperature conditions.
- Make sure that all containers are properly marked and handled according to international standards.
- Choose a Logistics Partner like Olicargo, committed to the integrity and safety of your cargo.
Protect your business – contact Olicargo to Transport your Hazardous Goods safely and efficiently.
The Responsibility Belongs To All Of Us!
Sources:
AA. (2024). Explosion Rocks Port in Eastern China. Retrieved 9 August 2024 from: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/explosion-rocks-port-in-eastern-china/3299296
ABC News. (2024). A Powerful Explosion Sets Off a Fireball on a Container Ship at a Chinese Port. Retrieved 9 August 2024 from: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/powerful-explosion-sets-off-fireball-container-ship-chinese-112703348
AP News. (2024). A Powerful Explosion Sets Off a Fireball on a Container Ship at a Chinese Port. Retrieved 9 August 2024 from: https://apnews.com/article/china-container-ship-explosion-ningbo-zhoushan-port-9f2ee9125badcb02620b7643b6c9379c
BBC. (2024). Chinese Port Rocked By Huge Container Ship Blast. Retrieved 9 August 2024 from: https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/ce31y2q76lko
CNBC. (2024). Container Explodes On Cargo Ship At China’s Key Ningbo Port. Consultado a 9 de agosto de 2024, em: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/08/09/chinas-ningbo-port-reports-explosion-on-container-ship-state-news-agency-says.html
Reuters. (2024). Taiwanese Shipping Firm Yang Ming Marine Transport Confirms Cargo Ship Fire. Consultado a 9 de agosto de 2024, em: https://www.reuters.com/world/china/major-chinese-port-reports-blast-cargo-ship-cctv-says-2024-08-09/
SCMP. (2024). Cargo Vessel Explosion Hits China’s Third-Busiest Port. Retrieved 9 August 2024 from: https://www.scmp.com/video/china/3273931/cargo-vessel-explosion-hits-chinas-third-busiest-port
