Bangkok-Express Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

On February 6, an incident occurred at the APM Terminals on Maasvlakte 2 in Rotterdam when seven containers from the vessel 'Bangkok Express' toppled onto the bunker ship 'K. Lotus'. Fortunately, authorities confirmed that no hazardous substances were leaked as a result of the incident. The Dutch Safety Board, along with the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT), is currently conducting an investigation to determine the factors leading to this mishap, as disclosed by a spokesperson from the Port Authority on February 9. In addition to the containers that fell onto 'K. Lotus', two other containers splashed into the water; however, all have been successfully retrieved. The precise reasons behind the fall of the containers from 'Bangkok Express' remain unclear at this time. It's common practice at the port to conduct simultaneous operations—termed 'simops'—where vessels are bunkered while unloading cargo. Due to the incident, the bunker ship experienced damage to its defense system from the impact of the falling containers. The Port of Rotterdam Authority is dedicated to thoroughly investigating the situation to enhance safety and prevent future occurrences.

In a recent incident at the APM 2 container terminal on Maasvlakte 2, the LNG tanker 'K. Lotus' sustained significant damage when nine containers fell onto its deck. The mishap occurred during the loading operation of the 'Bangkok Express', when a remotely operated crane struck the top of a ten-high stack of containers, triggering a domino effect that led to multiple containers plummeting. Two of these containers landed in the water but have since been retrieved successfully, while the remaining seven caused considerable damage on the aft deck of the 'K. Lotus'. The full extent of this damage is still under assessment, but thankfully, no LNG was released during the accident. In the immediate aftermath, inspection services were promptly called in, with the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) playing a critical role in the investigation process. Additionally, on February 7, representatives from the Dutch Safety Board (OVV) visited the accident site to assess the situation. A decision on whether the OVV will initiate a formal investigation is expected within a week. Despite the incident, the 'Bangkok Express' has received clearance from port authorities to depart, with its next destination set for Salalah, expected to arrive by March 10. Meanwhile, the 'K. Lotus', facing damages to its mooring system, will remain docked in Rotterdam until necessary repairs are completed. For further details and images of the incident, visit: https://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/2149856/vallende-containers-richten-ravage-aan-in-rotterdamse-haven?fbclid=Iwb21leAP3KH1jbGNrA_coUmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHqiIri98LYJA7Hzg0_qOGsram.

On January 7, representatives from the Dutch Safety Board, supported by two investigators, made their way to the 'K Lotus', which was docked next to the 'Bangkok Express'. Although no formal report has been released regarding any potential damages to the LNG-carrying bunker tanker, the incident saw three containers fall into the water. In response, patrol vessels from the Port of Rotterdam Authority, along with the Seaport Police and Rijkswaterstaat (the Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management), swiftly attended to the situation. After the incident, the 'Bangkok Express' continued its journey, departing Rotterdam on February 8, with its next stop in Salalah scheduled for March 10.