On Sunday, a fire ignited from scrap metal aboard the bulker Nord Houston at the Newport Docks port complex in Wales, prompting a significant emergency response. This incident highlights a growing trend of scrap fires, which have become more frequent due to the presence of combustible materials, including lithium-ion batteries.
The South Wales Fire and Rescue Service reported that the fire erupted early in the morning while the vessel was docked at a recycling terminal. Responders deployed five pump trucks, two ladder trucks, and specialized teams, supported by fireboats from the water. The fire was extinguished later that day, with firefighters remaining on-site overnight to prevent any potential re-ignition.
Fortunately, there were no threats to nearby businesses or residences, and no injuries were reported. The shipowner and terminal operator have developed a plan to remove the burned cargo, with firefighters present to oversee the operation as part of the salvage process.
Scrap metal shipments pose notable risks for shipping, primarily due to contaminants like oily waste and lithium-ion batteries, which can easily ignite. Additionally, the oxidation of steel can generate heat, leading to self-heating and potential ignition within tightly packed cargo holds.
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