Cargo Ship Fire at Ningbo-Zhoushan Port

A cargo ship operated by Taiwanese shipping firm Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp caught fire on Friday at Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, one of the busiest ports globally. The incident, which occurred around 1:40 p.m. local time, was initially reported by Chinese state media as an explosion that generated shockwaves felt up to a kilometer away. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported following the blast. The vessel, identified as the YM Mobility, was docked at the Beilun terminal and was carrying hazardous materials, including lithium batteries and tert-Butyl peroxybenzoate, a flammable organic compound. Yang Ming Marine Transport confirmed that immediate fire-fighting measures were implemented, and the fire was brought under control. All personnel aboard the ship were safely evacuated. Footage from China Central Television (CCTV) depicted the aftermath of the explosion, showing cargo scattered and a significant plume of black smoke rising from the ship. While the crew and dock workers were unharmed, nearby offices experienced damage from the shockwaves, with reports of broken windows and a partially collapsed ceiling in a canteen located approximately one kilometer from the incident site. Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, situated in Zhejiang province, is a critical hub for global shipping and oil transport. The port is operated by Ningbo Zhoushan Port Co., which is responsible for managing its extensive operations. Yang Ming Marine Transport has yet to provide further comments regarding the incident.