A screengrab from Yonhap News video (below) showing the fire on board the Panama-registered Auto Banner at the Port of Incheon, May 21, 2018. Credit: Yonhap News
A Panama-flagged car carrier caught fire Monday while docked at the Port of Incheon in South Korea.
Officials said the fire broke out at about 9:40 a.m. local time in the cargo area of the vehicle carrier, which was loaded with about 2,000 vehicles bound for Libya at the time.
The ship has been confirmed as the 52,000-ton, 200-meter-long Auto Banner.
The fire is believed to have started when an engine in one of the vehicles being transported overheated, sparking a fire which spread to other vehicles.
All 28 crew members evacuated the ship without injury.
Officials said the ship arrived in Incheon from the United States on Saturday and was scheduled to depart for Libya on Tuesday.
Video from Yonhap News shows firefighters attempting to the cool the hull of the vessel as smoke pours out the top. Visible damage can be seen on the side of the ship.
The Port of Incheon is South Korea’s second busiest port and in 2016 it handled more than 20% of the countries used-vehicle exports.
The Hyundai Glovis-operated Auto Banner was built in 1988 and has capacity for about 6,022 AEU (Automobile Equivalent Units).
Here is the video below:
Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.
Join the 108,821 members that receive our newsletter.
Have a news tip? Let us know.
Global marine fuel sales jumped in 2024 after attacks by Yemen's Houthis starting in late 2023 prompted most shipping companies to divert vessels around southern Africa rather than through the Red Sea, according to data and analysts.
Suez Canal Authority chief Osama Rabie said he expects traffic through the Egyptian waterway to gradually return to normal by late March and fully recover by mid-year, as long as the Gaza ceasefire holds up.
Feb 9 (Reuters) – At 23-years-old, Violette Dorange became the youngest sailor to finish the after completing the gruelling solo round-the-world yacht race on Sunday. Dorange completed the race in 25th place...
Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 108,821 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.
Sign Up
Join The Club
