AsiaOperationsTankers

Thai tanker explodes

One man died and another was seriously injured when a product tanker exploded as it readied to depart a terminal in the Thai capital of Bangkok. Two other men received minor injuries.

The Thai-flagged Smooth Sea 2 erupted at around 09.00 hours yesterday morning following a tank explosion. The ship was carrying around 1.8m litres of gasoil and 1.3m litres of diesel. Firemen took about 30 minutes to bring the fire under control.

Local police have suggested around 200 households nearby could be in line to claim compensation from the explosion.

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.

Comments

  1. I am sure I am not the only reader who is wondering how a cargo of diesel and gasoil would do that. It will be interesting to learn more in due course.

    1. Indeed. A possible but highly unlikely event absent a naked flame and some cotton waste!

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