Transport Malta has published an investigation report into the cargo explosion onboard the container ship MV Croatia while underway in February 2020. The investigation established that flammable vapours had accumulated inside the container, which contained scrap metal and used car parts, resulting in an explosive atmosphere.
Whilst underway towards Singapore, a cargo explosion occurred in Croatia’s cargo hold no. 7. A fire party was immediately mustered by the master to assess the situation inside the cargo hold. An inspection of the area revealed that an explosion had occurred inside one of the containers stowed in the cargo hold, damaging five other containers and several ship fittings. The charterers were contacted, following which it was confirmed that no other explosion risks were foreseen. The cargo manifest revealed that the container carried scrap metal and used car parts.
Probable causes
Evidence submitted to Transport Malta revealed that the affected container had sustained substantial internal overpressure and one of its side walls and the door-leaves had been blown off. Reportedly, the container was loaded with used auto parts. An examination of the ejected debris revealed the presence of at least eight automotive metal fuel tanks, four of which had a ballooned appearance, consistent with the effects of internal over pressurization.
The information available to the safety investigators revealed that gas measurements of the internal atmosphere of several of these fuel tanks indicated the presence of flammable vapours within the explosive range.
It is possible that fuel may have leaked from one or more of the tanks, which gradually led to an explosive atmosphere developing within the container causing the cargo explosion. Although no old or damaged batteries were sighted in the container, it was not discounted that an intermittent electrical spark could have been the likely source of ignition.
Conclusions
– Contents inside a container which had been loaded inside cargo hold no. 7, exploded;
– It was hypothesized that fuel had leaked from a cargo of vehicle fuel tanks inside the container inducing an explosive atmosphere within;
– An intermittent electrical spark may have been the source of ignition which may have caused the explosion;
– The container was not marked as containing any dangerous goods;
– Without an accurate, a prior knowledge of the contents of the container, the crew members had no way to comprehend the situation and anticipate potential developments which would have necessitated mitigating actions from their end;
– Considering the contents of the container and the location of the bunker tanks below cargo hold no. 7, the stowing of this container inside cargo hold no. 7 posed a serious hazard to the vessel.
Actions taken
During the safety investigation, the company contacted the charterers to inquire about what steps would be taken to prevent reoccurrence of such accidents. The Charterers drew the attention of their shippers to their cargo policies, which addressed measures to be followed when classifying used auto parts commodities and components. Furthermore, it raised awareness of the importance of making a correct declaration for used auto parts, making specific reference to the accident involving Croatia.
Download the full report: MV Croatia Final Safety Investigation Report
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