A major fire broke out aboard the bulk carrier Trade in the Western Port Area of Amsterdam on the afternoon of 15 May, while the vessel was carrying scrap metal.
According to a fire department spokesperson, the fire originated deep within the ship, making it difficult to access. As more material was removed, flames continued to reignite. The firefighting operation is expected to continue for several more hours, however no casualties have been reported so far. The cause of the fire remains unknown.
Due to the heavy smoke from the blaze, local authorities have issued multiple warnings to residents in western and central Amsterdam, advising them to keep windows and doors closed and to switch off air conditioning systems. The latest alert was issued on the morning of 16 May after a change in wind direction began pushing the smoke toward the city center.
Gisteren een enorme scheepsbrand vlakbij de locatie waar we ratten observeren in Amsterdam. Robert had ademhalingsproblemen toen hij bij de dieren ging kijken. Nadat de brand al urenlang gestopt was is hij naar het schip gelopen. Wat in hemelsnaam is daar in rook opgegaan? @AT5 pic.twitter.com/HqlpdHZVhX
— Team Huismuizen (@huismuizen) May 16, 2025
Furthermore, specialized firefighting units from the Rotterdam region were called in to assist using cranes, to remove burning scrap metal from the affected compartment and extinguished it onshore. Remaining scrap material in the vessel’s hold was extinguished by a fire boat and ladder trucks.
While no harmful substances have been detected, authorities have confirmed the presence of widespread smoke, soot particles and strong odors in the surrounding area.
