Taiwanese shipping firm Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp. has reported that one of its cargo ships caught fire at China’s Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, which is known as one of the busiest ports in the world. Chinese state media initially stated that an explosion had occurred at the port, with shockwaves felt up to a kilometer away. The fire on board the YM Mobility vessel was successfully brought under control, and there were no casualties or injuries reported after the blast at around 1:40 p.m. local time.
Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp. confirmed that immediate firefighting measures were taken at the scene and all personnel on board were safely evacuated. Footage from China’s state broadcaster CCTV showed containers near the front of the Liberian-flagged ship exploding, causing cargo to scatter and a plume of black smoke to rise.
The Ningbo Maritime Search and Rescue Center revealed that hazardous goods were being transported by the ship, which was docked at Beilun terminal within the port area. While crew members and dock workers remained unharmed, some nearby offices experienced damage from shockwaves caused by the blast.
The massive Ningbo-Zhoushan Port in Zhejiang province is operated by Ningbo Zhoushan Port Co., serving as a crucial hub for loading and unloading oil from crude carriers.
Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp. has not yet responded to Reuters’ request for comment regarding this incident.
