South Korea has banned cargo containing hazardous substances from being transported or unloaded from vessels at several terminals of the port of Ulsan in the wake of a massive tanker explosion.
Specifically, the authorities banned the transfer of cargo including numerous types of oils and gases, at several terminals located under the Ulsan bridge, including the terminal number nine, which is the location that the tanker exploded leaving 18 people injured.
“The ban was aimed at protecting people who used the Ulsan bridge from a possible large-scale catastrophe in the future.” said A representative of the Ulsan administration.
The fire is said to have been caused from cargo overheating. The fire subsequently spread to Bow Dalian cargo ship moored near Stolt Groenland with 21 crew on board.
Following the incident and South Korea’s decision on banning hazardous goods, the UK P&I Club has released a guide with 8 steps to support operators who pack dangerous goods into cargo units for sea transportation.
