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Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp issues response to Port Ningbo explosion

Taiwanese shipping company Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation issued a statement on 9 August addressing the explosion aboard one of its vessels, YM Mobility, at Port of Ningbo, China.

Credit: CCTV+

The cause of the incident is still under investigation, stated the organisation.

“Preliminary findings suggest that an explosion occurred in a container loaded with dangerous goods on board. According to the shipper’s declaration, the container was a reefer used as a substitute for a dry container, without requiring power connection. Immediate fire control measures were taken, and the situation is now under control. All crew members have safely evacuated. Huan Ming (Shanghai) International Shipping Agency, a subsidiary of Yang Ming Group, is actively coordinating with the authorities to manage the situation.”

YM mobility is currently deployed on the CGX Far East to/from Middle East service.

An additional statement released on 10 August added there were no visible flames were on board, and that cooling efforts utilising water sprays were ongoing, reported the Manifold Times.

It further stated that representatives from P&I Clubs, Classification Societies, and surveyors arrived on-site to work with the authorities.

Following the incident, the Maritime Safety Administration of the People’s Republic of China issued a notice on 9 August that all units should strengthen the safety management of dangerous goods on board ships.