Major Explosion on Yang Ming Container Ship in Ningbo

A significant explosion occurred on a Yang Ming container ship at the Ningbo-Zhoushan port at 1:40 p.m. on Friday, August 9, as reported by the state news agency Xinhua. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries have been reported.

Yang Ming, the shipowner, issued a statement confirming that the situation is now under control, and all crew members have been safely evacuated from the vessel.

The Taiwanese shipping company indicated that an investigation is underway but suggested that hazardous materials might be the cause of the incident.

“Preliminary findings suggest 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 Yang Ming.

The vessel involved is the YM Mobility, a 6,589 TEU ship built in 2011, registered under the Liberian flag, and operating on Yang Ming’s Far East – Middle East CGX route.

Ningbo-Zhoushan, which processed 33.4 million TEU in 2023, ranks as the world’s third-largest container port. There is currently no information regarding any disruption to port operations.

Image credit: The Telegraph