Tanker Loaded With 25,000 Tonnes Of Fuel Catches Fire At France’s Port-la-Nouvelle

A Greek-operated product tanker, Kriti Captain (37,434 dwt) has been safely towed to Marseille, France after a fire started in its engine room.

The vessel, carrying diesel fuel, was unable to continue its journey by itself and required assistance.

The fire broke out late on January 25 while the Kriti Captain was docked at Port-la-Nouvelle. The tanker had arrived from Augusta, Italy, on the same day loaded with 25,000 tonnes of diesel fuel for shipment to France.

Per reports, the vessel was discharging ultra-low sulphur diesel when the fire started at around 01:00 local time on January 26. The Aude Perfect reported that the captain requested assistance, and 55 firefighters were deployed to contain and extinguish the fire.

The Maritime Prefecture of the Mediterranean confirmed the incident and stated that the fire was extinguished by the crew.

Avin International, the ship’s operator, reported that after evaluating the situation and implementing safety precautions, the engine room was evacuated, and the CO₂ fixed fire extinguisher system was activated.

The company stated that the fire was extinguished shortly thereafter. No injuries or pollution were reported.

After the fire was extinguished by 07:00 local time on January 26, crews looked for possible hotspots. The vessel was anchored off Port-la-Nouvelle with tugs to assist it.

#CommuniquéDePresse | Début de remorquage du « Kriti Captain » vers le grand port maritime de Marseille 👇 pic.twitter.com/VdIV09M0sM

— Préfecture maritime de la Méditerranée (@Premarmed) January 28, 2025

WK Webster, a claims specialist, stated that the vessel might be taken under tow to Marseille for inspection and possible repairs.

On January 28, the French rescue tug Abeille Mediterranee arrived at Port-la-Nouvelle. At 15:00 local time, the tanker was taken under tow. The Mediterranean Maritime Prefecture reported that all necessary safety conditions were met for the slow-speed transit.

The operation was closely monitored by the Regional Operational Center for Surveillance and Rescue of the Mediterranean (CROSS MED) and the French Navy.

Per the Mediterranean Maritime Prefecture, the tow was proceeding at low speed towards the Gulf of Fos-sur-Mer. Marine traffic data showed the vessel “not under command” on the morning of January 29 heading towards the Fos-sur-Mer Anchorage.

By 14:00 local time on January 29, the Kriti Captain was secured at the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille (GPMM). Authorities confirmed that the next steps will include unloading the ship’s cargo and conducting a full inspection to assess damage and determine the necessary repairs.

The L’Independant website reported that the tanker was carrying 33,000 tonnes of fuel, which was being discharged into the underwater sealine. The ship had left Augusta, Italy, on January 22 before arriving in France.

The Kriti Captain was built in 2007 and has been operating for Avin International of Greece since 2022. The tanker is registered in Liberia.

According to reports, the vessel has insurance coverage through NorthStandard P&I Club in the UK. Records reveal that the Kriti Captain has a clean port state control detention record.

Reference: Maritime Prefecture of the Mediterranean

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