Jebel Ali port operations normal after container ship explosion and fire: UAE minister

Operations at Dubai's Jebel Ali port have returned to normal service, following an explosion and fire on the container ship Ocean Trader overnight, UAE energy minister Suhail al-Mazrouei said in a statement July 8.

"We assure the people of Dubai and the UAE, including individuals, institutions and those associated with the maritime sector, that the logistics and operational facilities of Jebel Ali Port have not suffered any damage, and the accident has not affected the movement of ships due to its distance from the main shipping line and the water channel in the port," Mazrouei said.

The energy ministry's maritime department is investigating the incident "to gain insights and chart out a blueprint in coordination with the relevant international authorities to intensify precautionary measures."

Jebel Ali, in the emirate of Dubai, is the busiest port in the Middle East and also a frequent port of call for the US Navy. It is also the location of Emirates National Oil Co.'s 210,000 b/d condensate refinery.

Authorities said they are still investigating the cause of the fire, which did not cause any casualties.

The explosion occurred at 11:55 pm, authorities said, and was heard across the city, according to witnesses. The blaze took 44 minutes to contain, and images shared by the Dubai government showed extensive damage.

No radioactive materials were found on the ship, Mazrouei said.

"Our priority now is to safeguard the marine environment by monitoring the situation and preventing the release of harmful substances in the water body," he said.

The Ocean Trader, which has a deadweight tonnage of 3,240 mt and sails under the Comoros flag, is operated by Dubai-based Inzu Ship Charter. The company declined to comment.

According to Platts trade flow program cFlow, the Ocean Trader has mainly been involved in lightering operations in and around Jebel Ali. It was berthed at the port at the time of the explosion and fire.