An explosion aboard the Norwegian chemical tanker triggered a major emergency response off southeastern Norway. Authorities quickly brought the situation under control. No one was injured, and the vessel did not release its sulfuric acid cargo.
The 9,494-dwt tanker Bergstraum was anchored near Fredrikstad, at the entrance to the Oslofjord, when the explosion occurred at about 15:30 local time on 28 July. Norwegian rescue services sent rescue vessels, police boats, a fireboat, Coast Guard units and a rescue helicopter. Swedish rescue teams also joined the operation because the tanker was close to the border. Firefighters reached the vessel by boat and helicopter while the crew fought the fire.
The crew extinguished the fire without injuries. MV Bergstraum had 15 Baltic and Filipino seafarers on board. Vessel manager Utkilen AS said onboard and shore-based emergency teams worked with Norwegian authorities to stabilise the tanker before moving it to port.
Utkilen said the explosion occurred in an empty cargo tank and did not involve the sulfuric acid cargo. Crews continued cooling the affected area to remove remaining hot spots. Authorities confirmed there was no cargo leak or marine pollution. Investigators are still examining the cause of the explosion.
Built in 1996, MV Bergstraum sails under the Norwegian flag and is classed by DNV. The double-hulled tanker belongs to Utkilen Shipping AS and is managed by Utkilen AS. It regularly transports bulk liquid chemicals across Northern Europe.
