Container explodes on vessel while at Chinese port

A fire and explosion occurred on Yang Ming container vessel YM Mobility today (Aug. 9) while at a container terminal at the Port of Ningbo in China.

The company released a statement saying it was informed of the fire incident on YM Mobility at the Port of Ningbo and the cause of the incident was still under investigation.

“Preliminary findings suggest that an explosion occurred in a container loaded with dangerous goods on board,” read the statement. “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.”

Yang Ming says YM Mobility is currently deployed to Far East to/from Middle East service, CGX. The company will provide updates on the vessel’s status, cargo transshipment and schedule adjustments as further information becomes available.