Fire in scrap metal hold of bulk carrier at Gdańsk port; 17 fire units and two vessels deployed
A fire broke out in the cargo hold of a Panama-flagged bulk carrier loaded with scrap metal at the Szczecin Quay in Gdańsk port late Thursday night. Firefighters with 17 units and two firefighting vessels are still working to control the blaze as of Friday morning.
Fire reported late Thursday
The fire was reported to the Gdańsk municipal fire brigade at around 22:30 on Thursday, 2 July 2026. The blaze started in the cargo hold of a bulk carrier moored at the Szczecin Quay. The vessel, flying the flag of Panama, was loaded with scrap metal in Gdańsk.
Firefighting operation
Seventeen fire units were dispatched to the scene, along with two firefighting vessels. Radio Gdańsk reported that 18 units took part. Water and foam are being applied from the canal side, from the ship's deck, and onto scrap metal that has already been lifted out of the hold using a grab. The port fire service vessel "Florian" was the first to arrive.
We are applying extinguishing agents into the cargo hold hatch where the burning materials are stored. We are attempting to pull out what is in the hold and douse it with water. At present the firefighting efforts are not yet producing the intended effect. There are suspicions that the fire has spread to the adjacent hold.
Difficult access and unknown materials
The fire is not yet under control. Access to the hold is limited to the top, making it hard to reach the seat of the fire, which is believed to be burning deeper inside. The scrap metal may contain oily elements or other flammable materials, but the exact fuel is unknown.
The situation is not developing dramatically. The difficulty of the operation is that the hold is only accessible from above. There is no other way to apply extinguishing agents.
No injuries, crew safe
No one has been injured. The ship's crew did not require evacuation and remain on site. Before the fire brigade arrived, the crew attempted to extinguish the fire themselves, following onboard procedures. The ship's fuel tanks are being cooled as a precaution.
Ongoing situation
Firefighting is expected to continue for many hours. As of around 7:00 on Friday morning, the blaze was still not under control, and efforts were focused on pulling the cargo out of the hold and dousing it on the quay.
- Fire reported in cargo hold of bulk carrier at Szczecin Quay.
- Fire units dispatched; crew attempts onboard extinguishing.
- Port fire vessel 'Florian' first on scene; water and foam applied.
- 17 fire units and two vessels engaged; scrap metal being lifted out and doused.
- Fire still not under control; suspicion of spread to adjacent hold.
