A strong explosion occurred on a container vessel earlier today at Ningbo Zhoushan port, as reported by Chinese local media.
The incident took place this afternoon at around 1:46 pm (local time) at Beilun Port, part of Ningbo Zhoushan Port in Zhejiang Province. Based on the video footage of the explosion, the vessel involved has been identified as YM Mobility, owned by Yang Ming Marine Transportation. The Post Panamax containership (6,589 TEU), built in 2021, was reportedly berthed at the Ningbo Beilun Phase III Terminal when the blast occurred.
The vessel operates on a service between Far East and the Middle East Gulf region, and was reportedly carrying hazardous cargo.
The video footage shows a large plume of smoke rising from the ship, followed by a massive explosion that ignites a fire and scatters debris. Massive clouds of smoke can be seen billowing into the sky from afar after the blast.
According to China’s CCTV network, authorities have confirmed that the explosion originated from a container on the ship. No casualties have been reported as of now, the national television broadcaster said.
Ningbo Maritime Search and Rescue Center has deployed three fire-fighting tugs to the scene for emergency response.
“This afternoon NGB time/ morning hours Hamburg time there was an explosion on AG2 YM MOBILITY in the port of Ningbo, and therefore the port is closed now until further notice. Colleagues are in touch with the terminal trying to get an overview of what has happened exactly and how this incident will potentially affect the overall port operations going forward. The situation is still unclear,” a spokesperson from Hapag-Lloyd, Yang Ming’s THE Alliance partner, told WorldCargo News in a statement.
Yang Ming has also issued a statement on the incident, saying that the incident onboard its operated vessel is still under investigation.
“Preliminary findings suggest that an explosion occurred in a container loaded with dangerous goods on board. According to the shipper’s declaration, the container was a reefer used as a substitute for a dry container, without requiring power connection. Immediate fire control measures were taken, and the situation is now under control. All crew members have safely evacuated. Huan Ming (Shanghai) International Shipping Agency Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Yang Ming Group, is actively coordinating with the authorities to manage the situation,” the company said.
As the situation continues to unfold, WCN will provide further updates.
