Van AalstPort of StocktonTMS Awards 2023Bühler GmbHPort of South LouisianaTBA Group
  • Telestack
  • Port of Stockton
  • TBA Group
  • Van Aalst
  • Vigan
  • Port of South Louisiana

Port Kembla, Australia reopens after bulk ship blaze

Port Kembla, Australia reopens after bulk ship blaze

(Posted on 18/06/18)

A fire in the hold of a CSL bulker closed Port Kembla for eight hours on Monday.

Located on the east coast of New South Wales, historically Port Kembla has serviced the needs of regional industries, predominantly coal (export) and steel (import of raw materials and steel products). In more recent years the port has diversified its trade base to include general and break bulk cargoes, containers and motor vehicle imports. It is also the principal grain export port for producers in Southern and South-Western NSW.

The port was shut soon after the fire began before dawn on the MV Iron Chieftain, as self-unloading bulk carrier built in 1993, as it unloaded dolomite, a mineral used in steelmaking which was destined for BlueScope Steel Ltd’s nearby blast furnace.

The Sidney Morning Herald has reported that 100 firefighters battled the blaze that broke out in the ship’s hold just after 3am. The newspaper reported that Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Norm Buckley said it was a challenging job. “We’re going to be there for a long time,” Inspector Buckley said. No injuries were reported.

“Shipping recommenced and the port reopened at 1130 (0130 GMT) and is expected to be back on schedule by around 1700,” Harbour master Kell Dillon said.

 

A massive emergency drill took place in Port Kembla last month that saw Port Authority of NSW lead a full-scale multi-agency operation to protect the port from a simulated oil spill and fire. 

BlueScope Steel beleive that the blaze would have no impact on its steelmaking and none of its port equipment was damaged.

The port, also the state’s largest vehicle import gateway, counts among its customers nearby coal mines run by BHP spinoff South32, which said its exports were unaffected.

The ship’s owner, CSL Australia, said damage to the vessel was not immediately clear. At the time of the fire, eight vessels at anchor in the port, mostly bulk carriers and roll-on, roll-off vehicle ships.

Latest News

Heyport optimises port operations in Morocco with smart berth planning

(Posted on 15/06/25)

The smart berth planning platform heyport has been successfully deployed across all five Marsa... Read more


Brunei ports launch Kale Logistics Solutions' Maritime Single Window

(Posted on 15/06/25)

The Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD) has announced that its national Maritime... Read more


AD Ports and ASRY to collaborate on strategic maritime and ports projects

(Posted on 15/06/25)

In the presence of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty’s Representative... Read more


HHLA strengthens in Ukraine with majority stake in Batiovo Terminal

(Posted on 06/06/25)

Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) is investing in a further terminal in Ukraine. The company is... Read more


Leading Scottish renewables port invests £3m to accommodate wind turbine boom

(Posted on 06/06/25)

Peel Ports Clydeport has invested £3m in infrastructure to support growing demand for handling... Read more


Kevin Beardsley appointed Duluth Port executive director

(Posted on 02/06/25)

Following a national search in the USA, the Duluth Seaway Port Authority Board of Commissioners have... Read more


Major Liverpool cement terminal to support UK construction growth

(Posted on 30/05/25)

A new cement import facility in North-west England is set to play a pivotal role in UK construction... Read more


Vancouver USA signals future as key global outlet for soda ash

(Posted on 30/05/25)

The Port of Vancouver USA port leaders and partners have broken ground on a project to construct a state... Read more


Pilbara Ports initiative to boost seafarer wellbeing

(Posted on 15/05/25)

Pilbara Ports has launched a new initiative aimed at enhancing seafarer welfare by improving onboard... Read more


SSA Marine sustainability milestone at the Port of Los Angeles

(Posted on 15/05/25)

SSA Marine, one of the world’s leading independent marine terminal operators, has announced that... Read more


CimbriaViganSailors SocietyGeneva DryTelestack
  • Sailors Society
  • Geneva Dry
  • Cimbria

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping