Fire, Bulk Carrier

Kaohsiung | Taiwan, Province of China

A bulk carrier sustained an engine room fire along the southern coast of Taiwan which caused the vessel to lose propulsion and power generation capabilities. A tug was immediately dispatched to connect a tow line. Resolve Marine was appointed by the owner and hull and machinery underwriter to assist in the assessment, fire extinguishment and towage to a safe port. A team of salvors, firefighters and a marine chemist was mobilized from Singapore and Malaysia to Kaohsiung, Taiwan to assist the vessel.  

The source of the fire in the engine room was determined to be from the main engine fuel oil high pressure line and was quickly extinguished. The engine room was ventilated and made safe for entry within two days. Due to the extent of the damage to the onboard main power generation system, the onboard emergency generator was activated and re-wired to provide electrical power to the onboard cranes, mooring winches and the necessary accommodation and galley equipment.  

An additional portable generator was brought out to the vessel to supplement the electrical power requirements. The vessel was then towed to a port in Kaohsiung where necessary tow preparations were carried out in accordance with requirements from nonprofit ship classification ClassNK and MWS. After the necessary approvals were in place, the vessel was then subsequently towed to a shipyard in Zhoushan, China with a riding crew onboard the tow tug.