Stolt Tanker Rocked by Major Explosion in Ulsan, South Korea

Updated: October 10, 2019 (Originally published September 29, 2019)

Update: Stolt Tankers reports that the fire in the cargo section of Stolt Groenland has been extinguished.

The Bow Dalian, which was moored alongside at the time of the explosion, has been moved away to an adjacent berth.

One crew member on board the Stolt Groenland sustained minor injuries in the blast.

Odfjell said its Bow Dalian was preparing for ship-to-ship transfer of cargo from Stolt Groenland to Bow Dalian and cargo operations had not yet commenced when the explosion occurred. 

Saturday:

A Stolt tanker was rocked by a major explosion while berthed in the port of Ulsan, South Korea.

All crew are reported safe.

“Stolt Tankers reports that the fire in the cargo section of Stolt Groenland is reported as extinguished, following the explosion at about 11:00 AM local time whilst berthed at Yeompo Quay in the port of Ulsan, South Korea,” Stolt Tankers said in an emailed statement.

“All seafarers aboard the vessel have been safely evacuated and their families have been informed. Emergency responders continue with fire suppression efforts until all fire risks are eliminated. Senior officers from Stolt Groenland continue to support onsite emergency responders, and Stolt Tankers emergency response team continues to liaise with local authorities.”

Media reports say 10 people were injured in the blast.

Video of the explosion was captured on a car’s dash cam from a nearby highway.

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The vessel Bow Dalian, which was moored alongside at the time of the incident, has shifted away from Stolt Groenland, according to the statement.

“Stolt Tankers would like to express its deepest concern about the incident and any potential impact on those that were on board or in the vicinity of the two vessels. The safety of all people on site and the protection of the environment is paramount to the company’s operations,” the statement added.

Stolt Groenland is a 43,000 dwt chemical tanker registered in the Cayman Islands. Reports say the vessel had 25 crew, including Russians and Filipinos.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation.

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— Thor Atle Edvardsen (@TAEAS) September 28, 2019

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