Stolt Tankers’ Unit Hit by Explosion in Port of Ulsan

An explosion occurred aboard the 2009-built oil/chemical tanker Stolt Groenland while the vessel was docked in Ulsan, South Korea on September 28.

According to the ship’s owner, Stolt Tankers, the explosion hit the 43,400 dwt vessel at about 11 am local time at the port’s Yeompo Quay.

The Norwegian shipowner said that the 25-strong crew have been safely evacuated with one minor injury reported to one crew member who has received medical attention.

In the evening hours the same day, Stolt Tankers provided an update on the incident, saying that all fire aboard Stolt Groenland was reported as extinguished. Emergency responders were scheduled to continue to maintain a cooling water spray over the ship overnight.

“The ship remains stable, with no cargo or fuel reported as released into the water,” the company said at the time.

The fire reportedly spread to an adjacent tanker, the 9,118 dwt Bow Dalian, with a crew of 21, that was moored alongside when the incident occurred. The ship had been towed to safety.

Reuters cited the Korean coast guard and fire department officials as saying that the incident on Saturday injured 10 people, most of whom were workers at the terminal.

Relevant authorities have been deployed to assess the full extent of damage. The exact cause of the explosion is yet unknown.