Incident Overview
On 17 December 2025, a fire broke out aboard the Panama-flagged livestock carrier Zein I while the vessel was docked for maintenance at Kuzeystar Shipyard, Tuzla, near Istanbul, Turkey. The incident drew immediate attention from maritime safety professionals due to the vessel’s size, cargo, and the rapid response required to contain the blaze.
How the Fire Started
Initial investigations indicate the fire originated in the cargo hold, likely caused by sparks from maintenance cutting operations. These sparks ignited paint residues on the lower decks, causing thick smoke to engulf the vessel. The Zein I, a six-deck livestock carrier, was loaded with animals at the time, raising concerns about animal welfare and emergency preparedness.
Emergency Response and Containment
Firefighting teams from Tuzla and neighbouring districts responded within minutes. The coordinated effort brought the fire under control in approximately 90 minutes, with cooling operations continuing to prevent reignition. No injuries or pollution were reported, and all livestock were safely evacuated. Turkish authorities have launched a formal investigation into the incident’s cause and handling.
Safety and Compliance Insights
Hot work, such as welding and cutting, remains a leading cause of shipboard fires. Strict adherence to safety protocols—including fire watches, isolation of flammable materials, and use of protective barriers—is essential during maintenance, especially on vessels carrying livestock or hazardous cargo.
The Zein I incident highlights the importance of rapid response and coordination between shipyard teams and local emergency services. Regular fire drills, clear evacuation routes, and robust communication systems are critical for minimising risk to crew, animals, and the environment.
Livestock carriers face unique operational challenges. Regulatory bodies and port authorities must ensure that vessels comply with international safety standards, including SOLAS and MARPOL requirements, and that shipyards maintain rigorous oversight during repair and maintenance operations.
Industry Context
Livestock carriers have come under increased scrutiny following several high-profile incidents worldwide. The Zein I fire underscores the need for continuous improvement in safety management systems, risk assessment, and crew training. Maritime professionals should review lessons learned from such events to enhance operational resilience and regulatory compliance.
Conclusion
The fire aboard Zein I at Tuzla Shipyard was contained without loss of life or environmental damage, thanks to swift action by emergency teams. For maritime professionals, the incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with shipyard maintenance and the critical importance of safety protocols, emergency preparedness, and regulatory compliance.
References:
- World Ports Organization: Fire on animal transport ship in Tuzla
- Aksiyon: Tuzla Tersanesi’nde ‘Zein 1’ Gemisinde Yangın
- Itibar Haber: Tuzla’da Zein 1 gemisinde yangın kontrol altına alındı
