On the evening of January 14, the 73 meter long self-propelled container barge Hermes (MMSI: 205490990) caught fire on the Ghent Ringvaart near Merelbeke, Belgium. Reports state a boiler caught fire and released dense smoke. Local authorities and fire fighters were alerted and arrived on scene to find the blaze already extinguished. The fire fighters helped ventilate the vessel and stood down an hour later. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
On the morning of January 11, a fire broke out on the 225 meter long, 75399 dwt bulk carrier Avax (IMO: 928312) in the Irish Sea while berthed at Ringaskiddy, Ireland. Reports state the fire started by a fault with a piece of cargo handling equipment. The local fire brigades from Carrigaline and Crosshaven were able to contain the blaze. No reports of injuries. No details to extent of damage to the cargo or to the bulk carrier. The Avax had arrived at Ringaskiddy from Liverpool on January 6.
On the evening of January 8, the 93 meter long, 4864 dwt service vessel Bram Force (IMO: 9788409) caught fire in the South Atlantic offshore near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Bram Force was operating in the Campos Basin near the P-37 platform when a fire broke out in the engine room. Unable to extinguish the blaze, the crew of the Bram Force were safely evacuated by a nearby Maersk vessel. Authorities dispatched multiple tugs to No reports of injuries.
Brazilian authorities stated that it took nearly 12 hours for the fire to be extinguished. The Bram Force was taken under tow and proceeded to Port of Açu where it will be inspected and repaired. Authorities have stated they launched an investigation into the incident.