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Tag: Bulk carrier

Rotterdam Pearl V

Rotterdam Pearl V

Rotterdam Pearl V
Photo: xindemarinenews.com

On the night of January 3, the 190 meter long, 58020 dwt bulk carrier Rotterdam Pearl V (IMO: 9557135) caught fire in Liaodong Bay at the port of Bayuquan, Yingkou, China. With smoke and flames visible, the crew started emergency procedures and contacted authorities.  Local firefighters were called out to the vessel. The fireboats sprayed water on the hull to cool it down while firefighters help contain the blaze. No reports of injuries.

The exact cause of the fire was under investigation.  Rotterdam Pearl V had been detained earlier in December 2025. The bulk carrier was detained in Osaka Port, Japan for 10 deficiencies including fire safety and emergency system. The extent of damage caused by the incident was not disclosed.

Happy Aras

Happy Aras

Happy Aras
Photo: caliber.az

On January 3, the 94 meter long, 4625 dwt bulk carrier Happy Aras (IMO: 8202965) ran aground in the Black Sea near Cape Zhelezny Rog, Russia. The Happy Aras was en route from Varna to Novorossiysk in ballast when it reported the vessel had gone adrift on January 2. Driven by strong winds and storm conditions, the drifting Happy Aras was blown aground some 30 meters off the shoreline. Damage to the bulk carrier was not disclosed, but the vessel reported suffering from water ingress.

Reports state the 14 crew were rescued and there no reports of injuries. Authorities stated there was no sign of pollution and the incident was being monitored. Booms were placed around the vessel to contain any fuel that might be released.The Happy Aras has recent history of detention due to deficiencies with more than 10 listed in December 2025.

 

 

Two Aground at Hualien

Two Aground at Hualien

CSE Prosperity Express
Photo: ltn.com.tw

On the morning of January 1, the 168 meter long, 28440 dwt bulk carrier CSE Prosperity Express (IMO: 9345647) ran aground in the Philippine Sea near Hualien, Taiwan. The CSE Prosperity Express had been at the Thathong anchorage when it received notification to proceed to enter the port of Hualien. The bulk carrier was waiting for a pilot to come onboard to guide the vessel into port when it suffered main engine failure. Weather conditions were poor with a strong northeasterly winds and heavy seas which caused the CSE Prosperity Express to drift towards shore.

Taiwan authorities were alerted and dispatched the 35 meter long tugboat Taigang 13205 (MMSI: 416001709) to assist.  As the towing line was being established between the tug and bulk carrier, the Taigang 13205 became entangled in the line. The tug lost propulsion and was driven ashore on a rocky beach in Huaren Beach in Beikou, Hualien, Taiwan. Authorities determined it was unsafe to do a rescue by sea and requested a helicopter to rescue the 5 crew on the tug. The helicopter would arrive on scene and airlift all the tug’s crew to safety. One crew on the tug sustained a head injury and taken to hospital for treatment. The Taigang 13205 crew were able to close the fuel tank valves in the hope to contain any diesel fuel pollution from being released.

CSE Prosperity Express
Photo: ctee.com.tw

With the tugboat ashore, there was no vessel’s to assist the disabled CSE Prosperity Express. The bulk carrier continued to drift toward the shore when it grounded a short distance off the beach near the grounded Taigang 13205. The 17 crew on the bulk carrier were reported not to be in danger and there no reports of injuries.

Reports state that authorities have requested additional pollution containment supplies including oil booms and absorbent pads. A salvage tug was later requested would arrive on scene the next day. Salvagers are looking at ways to pull the bulk carrier free with the difficult conditions and limiting risk of pollution.