A bulk carrier that was being loaded at Paradip Port in India last weekend began emitting thick plumes of smoke, prompting swift response from the fire department. They successfully extinguished the fire, with no crew members injured, but the incident has once again raised questions about the handling of hazardous cargo.

The Greek-owned, Liberian-flagged bulk carrier the “Eco Colonel” had arrived at Paradip Port on November 27th. Over the weekend, vessel was being loaded with nearly 30,000 tons of coal, bound for Krishnapatanam. According to local media reports, smoke was seen billowing from of the vessel’s cargo holds while it was being loaded with coal using a conveyor belt.

As the smoke became thicker and more intense, it was decided to move 82,000 DWT vessel, which is 229 meters (751 feet) long, to another berth in the port to better access cargo hold. Firefighters began unloading the coal and dousing it with water. Port operations were also temporarily suspended.

The fire department at Paradip Port said that approximately two hours, they felt the blaze was under control, declaring it safe to reopen the port. Reports stated that both the vessel and the coal loading conveyor belt sustained minor damage

Built in 2012, the “Eco Colonel” is 229 meters long and 32 meters wide. The vessel remains docked the port, and an investigation is ongoing.

Officials thanked a port worker for quickly alerting the relevant team to the potential danger, enabling the fire to be brought control swiftly. They have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire.

Coal, as reported by media outlets, is flammable and can pose a risk of spontaneous. Port officials, according to reports, are examining whether the amount of water sprayed before loading the coal was insufficient. Insufficient ventilation in the cargo holds or stacks could also trigger a.

The incident at the Port of Baltimore in August highlighted the dangers of coal loading and transportation when a bulk carrier, the “W Sapphire,” exploded soon after leaving dock with a cargo hold cover weighing 30 tons blown off. The force of the blast threw a portion of the No. 2 hatch cover into the air and over the of the vessel. Fortunately, no one was injured, and local firefighters and the Coast Guard quickly brought the situation under control