Norwegian authorities and Utkilen, the shipping company, have confirmed that the situation is stable following an explosion and fire on the tanker Bergstraum on July 28. The incident occurred while the vessel was outside Fredrikstad, Norway, raising concerns about a potential release of sulfuric acid from its cargo. Emergency response teams, including two rescue boats from Redningsselskapet, police boats, a fireboat, and the Coast Guard, quickly mobilized to the scene after the explosion was reported at approximately 3:33 PM local time.
Firefighters were transported to the tanker using the rescue boat Stormbull, and a helicopter also assisted in the operation. The crew effectively deployed foam to control the flames, and preparations for evacuation were made as a precaution. All 15 crew members, comprising Baltic and Filipino nationals, were accounted for without injuries.
Siri-Anne Mjatvedt, CEO of Utkilen, stated that the explosion originated in an empty tank, which did not compromise the main cargo. The cause of the explosion is under investigation. By the end of the day, HRS Norway reported that the fire had been extinguished, though smoke was still present, and cooling operations were underway as they awaited permission to move the vessel to port.
Concerns had been raised regarding the toxic nature of the cargo and its potential environmental impact, as it was destined for a large storage facility used in fertilizer and chemical production. Notably, the Bergstraum had previously experienced an engine failure in 2022, requiring towing to port.
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