Hong Kong Merchant Shipping has analyzed a significant fire incident that occurred aboard a container ship navigating tropical waters. The fire was first noticed by the duty crew on the bridge, who observed light smoke from the forward deck. Upon investigation, flames were found emerging from a container on the first tier above hatch No. 1. Despite the ship’s firefighting team attempting to control the blaze, it quickly spread to adjacent containers and into the cargo holds, ultimately leading to an evacuation decision after nearly eight hours of unsuccessful firefighting efforts.
The fire, which severely damaged the accommodation area and continued to burn for nearly three months, was attributed to the exothermic decomposition of Sodium Carbonate Peroxyhydrate, a cargo onboard. Investigators suggested that the fire might have been triggered by moisture contamination or an external heat source, such as lithium-ion batteries overheating in direct sunlight. The dense stowage of dangerous goods alongside combustible materials further exacerbated the situation.
To prevent future occurrences, ship management and crew are urged to enhance fire safety awareness, particularly regarding the transport of dangerous goods in tropical regions. Proper inspection of container watertightness and strategic stowage of thermosensitive cargoes are crucial. Additionally, reviewing emergency procedures for combating fires involving dangerous goods is essential to ensure effective response measures are in place.
