Trade

The 'Trade', which had suffered a cargo hold fire at the Amsterdam Scrap Terminal (AST) quay on May 15 during the loading of scrap metal, is still moored in Amsterdam's Mercurius Port as of July 9. The extent of the damage is unclear. The damage to the bulk carrier is an insurance matter. It was unknown how long will remain berthed.

On May 16 af 8:45 p.m. the fire on the 'Trade' was declared out. There was no more smoke at this point. Residents were told they could open windows and doors again and turn on ventilation. If there were soot particles on the belongings, they can remove it with warm water and soap.

The fire brigade starred pumping water into the holds of ghe 'Trade', because part of the burning cargo of scrap was inaccessible. At the same time, the fire brigade was cooling the hull from outside The fire was accompanied by considerable smoke development. The burning scrap is spread over five holds. Due to the heat, the hatches of one hold have collapsed, meaning that the fire brigade can no longer properly remove the scrap to extinguish it on the quay. Many emergency services have been deployed, including a team from the Rotterdam region that specialises in ship fires. Due to the smoke that is causing odour nuisance in the wide area, several NL-Alerts have already been sent out. Measurements have not shown any harmful substances, but everyone is advised to stay out of the smoke. This warning is also aimed at the centre of Amsterdam. The fire brigade advised Amsterdam residents who keep animals in their garden or outdoors, such as a rabbits, to bring them inside if they are in the smoke. Walking the dog is allowed, but not for too long. The fire on a ship with scrap material in the Amsterdam harbour was still ongoing. The fire brigade is working on an alternative extinguishing plan and suspected that extinguishing it may take a long time. Soot particles have been found in areas where the smoke has passed over.

An NL-Alert was issued on the morning of May 16 in connection with the large fire on the 'Trade' in the port of Amsterdam. This warning to stay out of the smoke has now been aimed at the centre of Amsterdam. The wind direction has changed and that was why a new alert has been issued. Four NL-Alerts were already issued earlier because the smoke was spreading far. Combating the fire remained a complex operation, as the ship consists of five separate cargo holds. The fire started in hold 4 and spread to hold 3. The intention was to empty the hold and extinguish the burning remains further on the quay. However, the hatches of hold 3 have become unstable due to the high temperatures. Scrap metal in that hold could thus no longer be reached and continued to burn. Soot particles have been found in areas where the smoke has passed over. The fire department advised to remove them with soapy water and not to eat vegetables from own vegetable gardens that have these particles on them. The municipality of Amsterdam reported that the priority is to limit damage and risks to the environment and to support all emergency services. The 'Pa5 Pollux' (MMSI: 244660572) and 'Jan van der Heyde 4' (MMSI: 244030134) were attending the ship from seaside. Reports with photos and video: https://www.telegraaf.nl/nieuws/1701590710/brand-op-schip-in-amsterdamse-haven-nog-niet-geblust-geen-buitensportlessen-voor-school https://www.schuttevaer.nl/nieuws/actueel/2025/05/15/veel-rook-bij-brand-op-schip-in-westelijk-havengebied-amsterdam/ https://jeugdjournaal.nl/artikel/2567495-grote-brand-op-schip-in-amsterdam-blussen-duurt-lang https://www.rtl.nl/nieuws/binnenland/artikel/5509209/schip-amsterdamse-haven-brandt-nog-steeds-vuur-twee-laadruimen https://nos.nl/artikel/2567482-blussen-grote-brand-vrachtschip-amsterdam-kan-uren-tot-dagen-duren https://tpo.nl/2025/05/16/nieuw-nl-alert-rook-van-brandend-schip-bereikt-centrum-amsterdam/