Explorer Vessel Reviews and Specifications

The LNG tanker SS Explorer is scheduled to reach a repair facility, likely in Dubai, in early July. The tug Ionian Fos is towing the vessel following a significant fire incident in its engine room. The fire was sparked by electrical issues on a boiler’s control panel, erupting on June 14 at 8:40 p.m. while the ship was off the coast of Mumbai. Fortunately, the crew was able to combat the flames, successfully extinguishing the fire after approximately thirty minutes. Despite the operational status of the generator, the ship's crew determined it was unsafe to apply additional load until a thorough damage evaluation could be completed. As the assessment is ongoing, the duration of the SS Explorer's service interruption remains uncertain. At the time of the incident, the vessel was navigating in ballast after delivering a cargo for GDF Suez at Petronet LNG’s Dahej receiving terminal. The tanker is on a long-term time charter with regasification expert Excelerate Energy.

In a timely maritime rescue operation, a second tugboat is making its way to assist the distressed LNG regasification vessel EXPLORER, which has encountered severe difficulties off the coast of India. The vessel, measuring 150,900 cubic meters (cbm) and launched in 2008, suffered a significant engine-room fire followed by a loss of propulsion. According to Bart de Clerck, a crisis management spokesman for Antwerp-based MTI Network, the EXPLORER is currently being towed by the SCI PAWAN and is positioned 115 nautical miles offshore from Mumbai. The alarming incident took place on Saturday, June 14, at around 20:40, while the vessel was operating in calm waters off India’s western coastline. Thankfully, the crew, comprising 31 members, managed to extinguish the fire using handheld fire extinguishers, and fortunately, no injuries were reported. However, the vessel experienced a propulsion failure following the blaze. De Clerck, representing the ship's management company Exmar, confirmed that the EXPLORER, which is on a long-term charter with Excelerate Energy, is currently in a ballast condition. The additional tug is expected to arrive later today (Friday) to assist with towing the LNG carrier to a repair facility for further evaluation and necessary repairs. The EXPLORER was on its way to the Middle East after successfully discharging a cargo for GDF Suez at India’s Dahej LNG terminal. According to de Clerck, the situation remains under control, and the vessel continues to be stabilized by the first tug as they await the arrival of the second support vessel.

On June 14, at approximately 8:40 PM, the LNG tanker 'SS Explorer' experienced a fire in its engine room while situated off the coast of Mumbai. The diligent crew successfully managed to contain the blaze using portable fire extinguishers; however, the vessel lost its propulsion capabilities. Fortunately, all 31 crew members on board were unharmed. Following the incident, the offshore tug 'S.C.I. Pawan' (IMO: 9547233) was dispatched to tow the 'SS Explorer.' The vessel remained stationary, positioned 115 nautical miles from the Indian coastline until June 20, when an additional tug was deployed to expedite the towing process. At the time of the fire, the 'SS Explorer,' on a long-term charter with Excelerate Energy, was in ballast mode, making its way to the Middle East after completing its cargo discharge for GDF Suez at the Dahej LNG terminal in India.