Report on 2010 Fire, Explosion on Bulk Carrier

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) issued the report of its investigation of the fire and explosion on board a self-unloading (SUL) bulk carrier in western Scotland on 2 July 2010.  The fire probably was the result of hotwork recently performed near the cargo conveyor belt.  The hotwork was not performed in accordance with established safety procedures.  Elements of the conveyor belt are highly flammable.  There were no effective means of early detection or containment of the fire, which spread to the engineroom and nearby spaces used for chemical storage.  The chemicals exploded, severely damaging the ship.  Report 5/2011 (5/5/11).