Working Conditions Aboard the Eco-Colonel

A significant fire incident unfolded aboard the bulk carrier 'Eco Colone' at Paradip Port on November 30, 2025, at precisely 12:55 a.m. The blaze ignited while thermal coal was being loaded at the Chennai Radha berth via a conveyor belt. Prompt action saw the vessel transferred to the CQ-2 berth, where local fire brigade teams initiated water-sprinkling operations to suppress the raging flames. Remarkably, the fire was brought under control by 2:10 a.m. Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire may have been triggered by insufficient water application on the coal prior to its loading. The ship had previously docked at the Iron Ore Berth to take on 30,000 metric tonnes of coal. After the completion of the loading process, dock workers noticed dense smoke emanating from stacker-1, leading to further concerns. Damage assessments revealed harm to some machinery and the boom conveyor, largely due to an accumulation of ash. Notably, stacker-1 was entirely consumed by the fire. Authorities have launched an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the fire, recognizing that coal can ignite due to various factors, including entrapment of moisture, inadequate ventilation, or self-oxidation within cargo holds or stockpiles. For a detailed report accompanied by visuals, visit: https://ommcomnews.com/odisha-news/fire-breaks-out-on-cargo-ship-at-paradip-port/