South Korea excluded cargo containing hazardous substances from being transferred or unloaded from vessels at several terminals of the port of Ulsan, following the fire that erupted at the port on Saturday 29 September.
According to the Yonhap news agency, the decision was taken by the administration of the port, Ulsan’s administration and the regional fisheries agency, as well.
Specifically, the authorities banned the transfer and unloading of dangerous cargoes that contain hazardous substances, 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 and resulted to at least 18 injured people.
Moreover, a spokesperson of the port quoted to Yonhap that the ban aims to protect people who use Ulsan bridge from a possible large-scale catastrophe in the future.
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Overall, the tanker caught fire on September 28, resulting to injuries and the closure of Ulsan bridge for two days for security checks, which was an inconvenience for local residents.
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.
