A YANG Ming Marine Transport vessel has been hit by an explosion onboard while berthed at the Port of Ningbo in China, one of the world’s busiest ports.

Footage of the incident, which occurred on 9 August, shows the Yang Ming-operated ship YM Mobility at berth as smoke emanates from the deck, before a massive explosion appears to engulf the deck at the bow of the vessel.  

Yang Ming said the exact cause of the incident “remains to be clarified under professional assessment”.

The Taiwanese shipping line said preliminary findings suggested that an explosion occurred in a container loaded with dangerous goods on board.

According to the shipper’s declaration, the container was a reefer used as a substitute for a dry container, without requiring power connection.

According to YM, all crew members and on-site personnel are “safe and sound” following the explosion, and there were no visible flames onboard, with cooling efforts from water sprays being conducted.

In their most recent announcement, YM said six tugboats were dispatched for safeguarding to ensure the safety of the vessel and expedite further response.

Representatives from P&I clubs, classification societies, and surveyors are attending onsite to coordinate with authorities.

YM say their technical personnel are providing 24/7 onsite support to assess the impact of the fire and the seaworthiness of YM Mobility.

“Once the incident is fully resolved, Yang Ming will assess the possibility and feasibility of vessel repairs, cargo transshipment, and schedule adjustments, with the safety of personnel and the vessel as the top priority” the shipping line’s announcement stated.

Huan Ming International Shipping Agency, a subsidiary of Yang Ming Group, is actively coordinating with the authorities to manage the situation, according to YM.

YM says once the incident is fully resolved, it will assess the possibility and feasibility of vessel repairs, cargo transshipment, and schedule adjustments, with the safety of personnel and the vessel as the top priority.

YM Mobility is currently deployed on YM’s Far East to/from Middle East service. She has a length overall of 305 metres, and sails under the flag of Liberia.