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Author: Paul Hancock

Fulda

Fulda

Fulda
Photo: x.com

On the afternoon of July 6, the 148 meter long, 19477 dwt chemical tanker Fulda (IMO: 9185865) exploded if the Gulf of Kurch near the port of Kandla, Gujarat, India. The Fulda had completed a discharge of a cargo of methanol at the Oil Jetty No. 2 in the port in Kandla and proceeded to leave port bound for Port Sohar, Oman.  A few hours later  the Fulda would explode ripping up most of its top deck apart. Witnessed by the nearby 175.5 meter long, 31858 dwt bulk carrier Team Focus (IMO: 9424132), the Fulda sustained massive damage but was still afloat. The master of the tanker stated there was no underwater damage and none of the 384 tons of fuel had not been released into the water.

However, the Fulda may have suffered some water ingress to its ballast tanks as it developed a 22 degree list to starboard that shifted to port as the crew attempted to stabilize the vessel. The 21 crew on board the tanker were later evacuated by the 31.5 meter long tug Orchid Star (IMO: 9658850) which had been dispatched from Kandla.  No details were reported if any crew had been injured from the incident.

Indian authorities dispatched multiple vessels from the Coast Guard along with multiple tugs to monitor the Fulda. The Coast Guard has sent out alerts to keep all vessel traffic away from the tanker due to the potential of fire or pollution being released. Latest reports state the Fulda was taken under tow back to Kandla.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation. Initial reports suggest the explosion was due to the improper venting of flammable vapors during the discharge. There has been no reports if the Fulda was in the practice of using inert gassing or if it allowed an air-vapor mixture to to build up in the tanks like what occurred on the Sansinena explosion in 1976. That explosion was so massive that sections of the vessel sent burning rivets into the air into the surround area and lead to changes to regulations on how venting was done on tankers.

Eco Wizard

Eco Wizard

Eco Wizard

On July 6, the 180 meter long, 30062 dwt LPG tanker Eco Wizard (IMO: 9941568) exploded in the Gulf of Finland while berthed at the port of Ust-Luga, Russia. The Eco Wizard had arrived from Antwerp, Belgium and had begun unloading and loading operations. Authorities state an explosion occurred during these operations resulting in a leak of liquid ammonia. All 23 crew were evacuated from the tanker while emergency personnel attempted to contain the leak.  Authorities did not disclose the extent of damage to the Eco Wizard, but divers are set to inspect the hull for damage. The Eco Wizard is suspected to belong to Russia’s “shadow fleet” and there is some speculation the explosion was an act of sabotage.

Rembrandt van Rijn

Rembrandt van Rijn

Rembrandt van Rijn
Photo: web.de

On the evening of July 2, the 110 meter long self-propelled passenger ship Rembrandt van Rijn (MMSI: 244630436) allided on the Moselle River at Treis-Karden, Germany.  The Rembrandt van Rijn was proceeding upstream when it struck the bridge in Treis-Karden. The Rembrandt van Rijn sustained significant damage to its wheelhouse with 2 crew members injured during the incident and later taken to hospital for treatment.  There were no reports of injuries to the 110 passengers on board. All passengers were disembarked nearby to take alternative transportation.

The water police have launched an investigation into the incident. Initial reports state the passenger ship had taken the wrong passage under the bridge and struck one of the bridge’s arches. An inspection of the bridge found it had no major damage. The Rembrandt van Rijn was expected to complete temporary repairs so that it can be taken to a shipyard in Cologne for an overhaul.  Reports state that damage to the vessel was in the five-figure range.