A car carrier navigating the English Channel recently encountered a fire, prompting a request for assistance to safely tow the vessel. The incident involved the Grimaldi Euromed vessel, Grande Roma, which had departed from Antwerp, Belgium, on October 24, bound for Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates.
On the evening of October 25, shortly after 10:00 p.m. local time, the captain reported a fire in the engine room while traversing the English Channel. Fortunately, the fire was contained to the engine area and did not spread to the cargo. The crew quickly activated the vessel’s carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishing system and addressed the cooling of the bulkheads as the situation developed.
Despite the crew’s diligent efforts to manage the fire, the Grande Roma became immobilized and began drifting. As conditions evolved, the master of the vessel issued a request for assistance. The rescue tug Abeille Liberte was dispatched and successfully reached the disabled ship on the morning of October 27. A tow line was established, with the vessel being guided toward Le Havre, France. Grimaldi expressed gratitude to both British and French authorities for their swift and effective response.
The Grande Roma, which was launched in 2003, is a notable car carrier measuring 196 meters (632 feet) and capable of holding 5,379 car equivalent units (CEUs). In an effort to modernize its fleet, Grimaldi is actively building larger, ammonia-ready car carriers in China and expanding its range of cargo vessels and passenger ferries.
Notably, this incident represents the second fire related to a Grimaldi vessel in the English Channel this year, following an earlier occurrence involving the Grande Brasile in February. The Grande Brasile also faced fire challenges before ultimately being sold for scrap in April.
The effective implementation of maritime safety protocols is vital during such emergencies, highlighting the collaboration between maritime authorities and shipping companies. This recent event underlines the importance of preparedness and prompt response in maritime emergencies, contributing to improved safety measures at sea. Such collective efforts serve to enhance the resilience of maritime operations, ensuring the safety of both crew and cargo.