STOLT tanker explosion, fire. Sep 30 UPDATE.

Powerful explosion shattered tanker STOLT GROENLAND, docked t Ulsan port, Korea, at around 1100 Seoul time Sep 28. Explosion was followed by major fire, as of 1300 Seoul time fire is still raging, it spread to tanker BOW DALIAN, moored alongside STOLT GROENLAND and engaged, understood, in STS operation. Of STOLT GROENLAND 25 crew, 19 are accounted for, 6 are missing. Firefighting, SAR are on. STOLT GROENLAND arrived at Ulsan on Sep 26 from Kobe Japan.

UPDATE: All crew accounted for, safe:
Press release:
Press statement on Stolt Groenland September 28,2019 Stolt Tankers reports that today at about 11:00 AM local time its vessel Stolt Groenland suffered from an explosion and consequent fire whilst berthed in the port of Ulsan, South Korea. All crew of the vessel are safe and unharmed and have assembled on shore. Coast Guard and local authorities in Ulsan are responding to the fire. Stolt Groenland is currently in a stable condition alongside. Stolt Tankers would like to express its deepest concern about the incident. The safety of those in the vicinity of the vessel is paramount to the company. Stolt Tankers has activated its emergency response team and is liaising with the local authorities. The exact cause of the incident is yet unknown. More information will follow once available. On behalf of Stolt Nielsen Cor Radings MTI Network

UPDATE 1300 UTC Sep 28: Reportedly, explosion was caused by cargo overheating, STOLT GROENLAND had styrene monomer load in No.9 tank, with neighbouring tanks containing liquids, which should be kept heated. Styrene monomer is a nasty stuff, very toxic and emitting toxic fumes, when on fire. According to latest Korean reports, fire was extinguished after much efforts, with many firefighting teams deployment. STOLT GRONELAND crew consists of 10 Russian and 15 Filipino nationalities, information on injures differs, 8 or 10 or 12 people, including crew and port workers, were injured, all save 1 slightly. One unidentified man suffered serious injures. Officials said, that fire was taken under control by 1630 Seoul time, and fully extinguished by the time this report was written, i.e. by 2200 Seoul time.

STOLT latest press-release:
Stolt Groenland Incident Update
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. 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. The vessel Bow Dalian, moored alongside at the time of the incident, has shifted away from Stolt Groenland. 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.
Stolt Tankers would like to thank the rescue services for their immediate response to this serious situation.
The exact cause of the incident is yet unknown. More information will follow once available.

Sep 29 UPDATE:
There was no STS, reportedly BOW DALIAN was taking in nitrogen via STOLT GROENLAND manifold, while cleaning her tanks. That operation didn’t cause explosion, styrene exploded by itself. Crew tried to commence fire fighting, but Master ordered all to evacuate – absolutely correct and timely decision and order, under the circumstances. STOLT crews praising Master for his decision. Reportedly, superstructure burned out, AIS is missing during last 24 hours, confirming report on superstructure, though explosion and fire occurred somewhere in manifold area, far from superstructure. There were two explosions on board as reported by witnesses, second may lead fire spreading to superstructure. Officers responsible for documents managed to take with them all crew papers including passports, crew settled in hotel. All their belongings were lost in fire, but they’ve been taking care of by agent.

Sep 29 STOLT press-release:
Stolt Groenland Incident Update #2
Stolt Tankers reports that all fire aboard Stolt Groenland is now reported as extinguished, following the explosion today at about 11:00 AM local time whilst berthed at Yeompo Quay in the port of Ulsan, South Korea. All seafarers aboard Stolt Groenland have been safely evacuated with one minor injury reported to one of our crew who has meanwhile received medical attention. The families of the crew have been informed. Emergency responders will continue to maintain a cooling water spray over the ship overnight. The ship remains stable, with no cargo or fuel reported as released into the water.
The vessel Bow Dalian, moored alongside at the time of the incident, has shifted away from Stolt Groenland.
A multinational team of internal and external experts have been mobilized and will be on location shortly to assist local authorities, assess damage, and start the investigation. The full extent of damage to ship and cargo remains to be established. The exact cause of the incident is yet unknown.
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.
Stolt Tankers would like to thank the rescue services for their immediate response to this serious situation.

Sep 30 0400 UTC UPDATE:
As of morning Sep 30, there was still some smoke seen on STOLT GROENLAND cargo deck, watch latest video. Firefighters still having problems with working around the ship because of overheating, and awful smell of chemicals. Confirmed there were two explosions.
There was no fire in superstructure, at least open visible fire, and most of equipment, personal belongings, etc., were damaged or destroyed by the extreme heat. According to witnesses, papers in cabins turned into ash.

Product tanker STOLT GROENLAND, IMO 9414072, dwt 43478, built 2009, flag Cayman islands, manager STOLT TANKERS BV, Netherlands.
Product tanker BOW DALIAN, IMO 9504205, dwt 9118, built 2012, flag Singapore, manager ODFJELL MANAGEMENT AS (EQUASIS).

 

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My name is Mikhail Voytenko, I’m Russian, professional merchant marine navigator, by education and former experience. I own and run Maritime Bulletin website for more than 10 years. I've been involved in solving a number of piracy hijack cases, including the hijack of ro-ro FAINA, loaded with tanks. It was me who made public, and unravel, freighter ARCTIC SEA mystery. I've been also closely involved in a number of maritime disaster, one of them being MSC FLAMINIA major fire.