Earlier today, a container on a cargo vessel exploded at the Chinese Port of Ningbo, located on the other side of the Hangzhou Bay from Shanghai. According to Chinese state media, no casualties have been reported.
According to state-run media platform CGTN, the accident occured at 1pm local time. The Chinese news service adds that Ningbo Maritime Search and Rescue Center Office had issued a notice stating it had activated an emergency response plan.
The South China Morning Post adds that the authorities have begun investigating the cause of the explosion.
In a statement, Yang Ming said that the preliminary findings suggest that an explosion had 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,” said the shipping line.
Yang Ming also confirmed that the YM Mobility is currently deployed to Far East to/from Middle East service, named CGX. The company concluded its statement by saying it would provide updates on the vessel’s status, cargo transshipment, and schedule adjustments as further information becomes available.
Photo: Nbfreeh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons