- Major fire erupts in containers at Karachi port
A major fire broke out among containers at the Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT), part of Karachi Port, Pakistan on 16 January. Despite a prompt response from firefighting teams, at least 20 containers were completely destroyed. No injuries or casualties have been reported so far.
The blaze reportedly started at around 1:45 p.m. local time near Gate 20, close to the West Wharf. The exact cause remains under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest the fire originated in one container and spread rapidly to adjacent units.
Local sources noted that the area had far fewer people present at the time, as many were observing Friday prayers.
The destroyed containers were carrying hazardous materials, including lithium batteries, chemical powders, and electrical equipment. Authorities and experts suspect that the fire may have been triggered or intensified by a lithium-ion battery thermal runaway, spontaneous combustion of chemical cargo, or an electrical short circuit.
- Fire Breaks out Aboard Malta-flagged Vessel at Emden Port, Germany
A fire broke out aboard the vessel CSL Thames, berthed at the South Quay in the port of Emden, Germany on 19 January. No injuries or pollution were reported.
The local fire department responded to the incident and dispatched fighters. Upon arrival, crews determined that the fire had originated in one of the ship’s generators, but it had already been successfully extinguished by the vessel’s onboard firefighting systems.
As precaution, the fire fighting team wearing breathing apparatus boarded the vessel and conducted thorough inspection. No re-ignition was detected, and the operation was concluding within an hour.
CSL Thames is a Self Discharging Bulk Carrier and is sailing under the flag of Malta. The vessel measures 175 meters in length and 26 meters in width.
- Cargo Vessel Refloats After Grounding in Stylida Port Channel
The Greece-flagged general cargo vessel Panormitis ran aground on a sandy shoal within the port channel of Stylida, Greece on 19 January. All six crew members were reported safe, and no pollution was reported.
The incident was reported to the Stylida Port Authority, and in response, a Coast Guard patrol boat and a patrol vehicle were dispatched to assist the distressed vessel.
The vessel subsequently refloated by its own means and proceeded safely into the port of Stylida, escorted by the Coast Guard patrol boat. Authorities confirmed that no injuries and no pollution were reported.
As a precautionary measure, the Stylida Port Authority prohibited the vessel from sailing pending the submission of a certificate of seaworthiness issued by the vessel’s classification society.
- Collision damages inland vessels on Waal River, Netherlands
Two inland vessels, the Naduah and Monika Deymann collided with each other on the Waal River in the Netherlands, on 21 January.
The collision resulted in significant damage to the bow of the Naduah and damage to the starboard-side foreship of the Monika Deymann. Authorities confirmed no oil pollution was reported and the incident caused no disruption to shipping traffic in the area. Both vessels were subsequently towed to the overnight harbour in Haaften.
The incident is under investigation by Rijkswaterstaat, the Netherlands’ Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management.
- Chemical leak reported on tanker “Capewater” at Brunsbüttel Port
A Netherlands-flagged oil tanker, Capewater, reported a chemical leak while berthed at the port of Brunsbüttel, Germany, on 22 January, resulting in a limited release of aniline into the Kiel Canal.
At approximately 2:00 pm local time, Capewater leaked an estimated 100 to 1,000 litres of aniline. Authorities stated that most of the aniline remained on the vessel’s deck, with only a small amount reaching the canal waters.
In response to the situation, the emergency measures were immediately activated to contain the spill and secure the vessel. No injuries were reported in the incident.
Authorities confirmed that the situation was brought under control shortly after the leak was identified, and no immediate disruption to shipping traffic in the area was recorded.
