NORWAY – Explosion and Fire on Norwegian Tanker Carrying Sulfuric Acid

An explosion and subsequent fire broke out aboard the Norwegian chemical tanker Bergstraum (9,494 dwt) on the afternoon of 28 July while the vessel was sailing off Fredrikstad, near the entrance to the Oslo Fjord. The tanker, operated by Utkilen, was carrying sulfuric acid at the time of the incident, prompting immediate concern over the possibility of a hazardous chemical release.

Despite the dangerous nature of the cargo, authorities later confirmed that the sulfuric acid remained secure. Utkilen Chief Executive Officer Siri-Anne Mjatvedt stated that the explosion occurred inside an empty tank and did not affect the vessel’s main cargo tanks. The cause of the explosion has not yet been determined and remains under investigation.

The crew responded immediately by using firefighting foam to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading further. As a precaution, preparations were made to evacuate the crew using the ship’s lifeboat if conditions deteriorated. However, all 15 crewmembers, comprising Baltic and Filipino nationals, were safely accounted for and no injuries were reported.

Emergency services mounted a coordinated response shortly after the explosion was reported at approximately 15:33 local time. Two rescue vessels from Redningsselskapet, two police boats, a fireboat, the Norwegian Coast Guard, and rescue units from Sweden were deployed to the scene. Firefighters reached the tanker by both the rescue vessel Stormbull and helicopter to support onboard firefighting operations.

Later in the day, Norway’s Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (HRS) announced that the fire had been extinguished, although light smoke continued to emerge from the affected area. Cooling operations remained in progress while authorities assessed the vessel’s condition. Utkilen also confirmed that it was awaiting approval before moving the tanker into port.

The incident attracted significant attention because sulfuric acid is a highly corrosive chemical capable of causing severe environmental damage if released. According to reports, the cargo was destined for a large storage facility where it would be used in the production of fertilisers and other industrial chemicals.

Photo credit: Redningsselskapet. All rights reserved.