Terneuzen, Netherlands – November 7, 2025: A major fire erupted in the cargo hold of the bulk carrier Strait Pearl while docked at the port of Terneuzen late Friday night. The blaze, which started around 11:23 p.m., originated in a large pile of steel scrap stored inside the vessel’s hold, according to the Safety Region Zeeland.
What Happened?
The Strait Pearl, a Belgian-flagged supramax bulk carrier built in 2011, was loading steel scrap when the fire broke out. Initial attempts to extinguish the flames using the ship’s CO₂ fire suppression system failed. Firefighters deployed multiple fire engines and specialized equipment, including a Cobra high-pressure system designed for enclosed spaces.
Challenges in Extinguishing the Fire
Steel scrap fires are notoriously difficult to control because heat can become trapped within large piles, causing smoldering hotspots that reignite easily. The fire brigade escalated the situation to GRIP 1, a regional emergency protocol, to coordinate efforts among local authorities and maritime response teams.
To suffocate the fire, responders sealed the cargo hold and began introducing nitrogen gas, a process expected to take up to 24 hours. Meanwhile, boundary cooling was applied to prevent heat transfer to adjacent areas.
Impact on Port Operations
The incident triggered alarms across the port, with the ship’s horn sounding repeatedly as part of its fire alert system. Operations in the affected area were halted, and non-essential personnel were evacuated. Authorities confirmed that the fire was contained but warned that complete extinguishment could take several days.
Safety Lessons for Maritime Operators
This event underscores the importance of fire prevention and emergency preparedness for vessels handling bulk cargo. Fires in cargo holds can escalate quickly, especially when dealing with materials that retain heat, such as steel scrap. Key preventive measures include:
- Regular monitoring of cargo temperature.
- Strict adherence to fire safety protocols during loading and unloading.
- Ensuring fixed fire suppression systems are fully operational
About Strait Pearl
The Strait Pearl (IMO 9607576) is a 183-meter general cargo ship currently sailing under the Bahamas flag. It arrived at Terneuzen on November 4 and was scheduled for steel scrap operations at the time of the incident.
Here’s a technical specification table for the vessel Strait Pearl (IMO 9607576):
Strait Pearl – General Particulars
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Strait Pearl |
| IMO Number | 9607576 |
| MMSI | 311001727 |
| Call Sign | C6IO8 |
| Type | Supramax Bulk Carrier |
| Flag | Bahamas |
| Year Built | 2011 |
| Length Overall (LOA) | 183 m |
| Beam | 32.2 m |
| Depth | ~18 m (typical for Supramax) |
| Summer Deadweight (DWT) | 50,630 tonnes |
| Gross Tonnage (GT) | 29,218 |
| Draft (Summer) | ~12.15 m |
| Cargo Capacity | Grain: ~59,117 m³; Bale: ~58,700 m³ |
| Holds / Hatches | 5 holds / 5 folding hatches |
| Cargo Gear | 4 cranes, each 30-ton SWL |
| Builder | (Not publicly disclosed) |
The Maritime-Hub Editorial Team
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Maritime-Hub. Readers are advised to research this information before making decisions based on it.
