Bangkok-Express

No hazardous substances were released after seven containers fell from the 'Bangkok Express' onto the 'K. Lotus' at the APM Terminals on Maasvlakte 2 in Rotterdam on Feb 6. The Dutch Safety Board and the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) were investigating the cause, a Port Authority spokesperson announced on Feb 9. In addition to the seven containers that fell from the container ship onto the bunkering vessel, two containers landed in the water. The containers have since been recovered. Why the containers fell from the 'Bangkok Express' and how this could have happened was not yet known. An investigation was to be conducted, according to the Port of Rotterdam Authority. It was normal in the port for ships to be bunkered simultaneously with another activity, such as unloading containers. This is called 'simops'. The bunker ship sustained damage to its defense system due to the impact of the falling containers.

The damage appeared to be extensive, after nine containers fell onto the 'K. Lotus' at container terminal APM 2 on Maasvlakte 2. During the loading of the 'Bangkok Express', the remotely operated crane struck the top of a ten-high stack of containers. The movement created a domino effect, causing the containers to fall. Two containers landed in the water, but have since been recovered. Seven other containers fell onto the aft deck of the LNG bunker vessel, causing significant damage. The exact extent of the damage has yet to be determined. No LNG was released during the accident. Immediately after the incident, the inspection services were called in. The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) was closely involved. The Dutch Safety Board (OVV) visited the scene of the accident with two people on Feb 7. It should be clear within a week whether the OVV will launch an investigation. The 'Bangkok Express' has departed with permission from the port authorities, next headed to Salalah with an ETA as of March 10. The 'K. Lotus' had suffered damages to its mooring system and had therefore to remain in the port of Rotterdam for the time being. Report with photos: https://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/2149856/vallende-containers-richten-ravage-aan-in-rotterdamse-haven?fbclid=Iwb21leAP3KH1jbGNrA_coUmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHqiIri98LYJA7Hzg0_qOGsram

Representatives of the Dutch Safety Board, accompanied by two investigators, traveled to the 'K Lotus', which was moored alongside the 'Bangkok Express', on Jan 7. No official information has yet been released about any damage to the bunker tanker, which had been carrying LNG. Three containers ended up in the water.Patrol vessels from the Port of Rotterdam Authority, the Seaport Police, and Rijkswaterstaat (the Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management) responded to the incident. The 'Bangkok Express' left Rotterdam on Feb 8 en route to Salalah with an ETA as of March 10.