Emergency at Odisha’s Paradip port; Smoke emanates from coal-laden ship, fire services deployed

Dense smoke billowed from coal stored in the hold of bulk carrier MV Eco Colonel Monrovia during loading operations at the IOB berth of Paradip Port late Saturday night, prompting authorities to shift the vessel to the CQ-2 berth for urgent unloading and to deploy firefighting teams.

According to sources, port control personnel noticed thick smoke emerging from the ship while coal was being loaded at the IOB berth, leading to an immediate response to avert a potential fire hazard.

The smoke increased in intensity, leading the port administration to order an immediate transfer of the ship to CQ-2, which is a berth designated for contingency operations, where the coal was offloaded under supervision.

Cooling Operations After Coal Discharged

Following the vessel’s relocation, Paradip Port’s fire and rescue teams were immediately deployed. After the coal was unloaded, firefighters sprayed water on the material to reduce its temperature and suppress the smoke.

Port officials confirmed that the on-site firefighting teams managed the visible smoke and assisted stevedores during unloading.

Official sources said that thermal coal consignments can sometimes undergo spontaneous heating due to self-oxidation, trapped moisture, or poor ventilation within cargo holds or stockpiles.

Operations Resumed After Containment

Port authorities confirmed that no crew members, dock workers, or emergency responders were injured in the incident. Cargo operations at nearby berths resumed after port control declared the situation under control.

The Port said that the affected coal consignment was unloaded and taken under control by the fire unit for cooling and further examination.

Reports added that an inspection of the discharged cargo and the ship’s hold was undertaken to determine the precise cause of the smoke.

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The Directorate of Ports and the vessel’s local agent have been notified and are coordinating technical checks. An internal report is expected after investigators complete thermal and safety assessments of the coal and cargo spaces.

As of the latest update from port control, MV Eco Colonel Monrovia remains berthed at CQ-2 pending completion of inspections and clearance from the fire and port safety teams.