Containers fall on LNG bunkering vessel in Rotterdam

On the evening of February 6, during unloading operations at APM Terminals Maasvlakte II in Rotterdam, a container handling incident occurred involving the German-flagged ultra-large container vessel BANGKOK EXPRESS and the LNG bunkering vessel K. LOTUS.

According to local news, as a stack of containers was being unloaded from the 400-meter, 229,348 dwt Bangkok Express, several containers toppled, landing partly on the quay, partly on the deck of the 166-meter, 12,351 dwt K. Lotus, and at least three into the Nieuwe Maas River.Eyewitnesses reported that at least five containers struck the stern deck of K. Lotus, while others fell into the water, posing potential navigational hazards. 

The K. LOTUS, a Panamanian-flagged LNG bunkering vessel was actively engaged in LNG bunkering when the crash occurred. Its crew quickly evacuated to safe areas and halted all LNG operations, preventing further risks such as leaks or fire. 

Port authorities, including patrol vessels from the Port of Rotterdam Authority, the Seaport Police, and Rijkswaterstaat, responded immediately.The Princess Amalia Harbor was temporarily closed for two hours to assess the situation, and terminal operations in the affected area were suspended pending safety inspections. Preliminary reports indicate that no injuries occurred.

Several containers remain on the K. LOTUS, against the ship’s accommodation, and others in the water are expected to be removed without affecting shipping traffic.

The extent of damage to the bunkering vessel has not been officially disclosed, and further assessments are ongoing.

To remind, as seen above in a similar incident, a dock worker has lost his life after the PACIFIC 88 listed during loading and unloading operations at Jamrud Selatan Pier, Tanjung Perak Port, Indonesia on 2 February. The incident, which occurred at around 4:00 a.m. at the pier, happened when the ship became unstable after tilting toward the shore during cargo operations. This caused several containers to fall into the sea near the dock. As a result, multiple workers were pinned or swept into the water. Five workers were rescued safely, while one was initially reported missing and later confirmed dead.

Source : safety4sea