GUATEMALA – LPG Leak During Discharge Operations at Puerto Quetzal Quickly Contained
On 4 March 2026, an operational incident occurred at Puerto Quetzal in Guatemala involving the Norwegian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carrier NICE during cargo discharge operations at the Zeta Gas terminal. The event prompted the activation of port security protocols but was quickly contained without injuries or reported health impacts.
Incident During Unloading Operations
According to Guatemala’s Ministry of National Defense, the incident took place at approximately 4:00 PM while the vessel NICE (IMO 9247819) was conducting LPG unloading procedures at the private terminal operated by Zeta Gas de Centroamérica, S.A.
During the transfer process, a mechanical failure occurred in a discharge relief valve belonging to the vessel. The malfunction caused pressurized LPG to escape from the unloading line, creating a visible vapor cloud in the immediate area.
Authorities reported that the release lasted for approximately 60 seconds before the flow of gas was isolated and the leak successfully stopped.
Immediate Activation of Safety Procedures
In response to the leak, port authorities activated established emergency protocols in accordance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. These measures included temporarily suspending operations at the port, restricting vessel movements, and evacuating personnel to designated safe areas.
The Quetzal Port Authority confirmed that technical teams were deployed to assess the situation, secure the affected equipment, and carry out the necessary repairs to the damaged valve.
Officials from both the maritime authority and the Ministry of National Defense later confirmed that the incident was brought under control quickly and that no injuries, adverse health effects, or risks to nearby communities were reported.
Operations Resume After Safety Verification
Following the repair of the faulty valve and verification of safe operating conditions, port activities gradually resumed. The Quetzal Port Authority stated that normal operations were restored and that no additional incidents were recorded after the response measures were completed.
Authorities also urged the public to rely on information from official sources and to avoid sharing unverified reports regarding the incident.
Photo credit: Pensa Libre. All rights reserved.