Port of Baltimore Reopens Shipping Channel After Bulker Explosion

The Port of Baltimore announced on Tuesday that the U.S. Coast Guard has reopened the shipping channel into Baltimore following the recent explosion and fire aboard the bulker W-Sapphire. The incident occurred on Monday night, prompting a temporary closure of the channel. As of midday on Tuesday, a dozen large vessels were waiting for clearance to enter the harbor while the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

According to AIS signals, the vessels are currently anchored south of the harbor in the Chesapeake Bay near Annapolis, Maryland. Among the waiting vessels are containerships from MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company and CMA CGM, as well as bulkers and vehicle carriers. The Port of Baltimore has indicated that the timing of vessel arrivals and departures will be determined by the U.S. Coast Guard.

The W-Sapphire, a bulk carrier registered in Liberia and managed from Greece, remains anchored in the channel with McAllister tugs standing by. The vessel, built in 2012, has a history of deficiencies, including fire safety issues noted during inspections in Australia and Spain earlier this year. Despite these previous issues, the vessel was not detained.

The Baltimore Fire Department responded to the explosion and assisted with firefighting efforts below deck. While the fire has been extinguished, there are visible signs of damage on the vessel. The Coast Guard reported that a hatch detached during the explosion, posing a potential navigation hazard. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers deployed a survey vessel equipped with sonar to assess any obstructions in the channel.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the 23 crew members and two pilots on board the W-Sapphire. The Coast Guard established a safety zone around the incident site as a precautionary measure. The Baltimore County Police Department’s Marine Team assisted in securing the perimeter around the vessel following the explosion.

Authorities are currently awaiting verification of safe conditions before conducting further investigations onboard the W-Sapphire. The exact cause of the explosion is still under investigation, and the timeline for reopening the channel to vessel traffic remains uncertain.

For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to local news outlets and official statements from the Port of Baltimore and the U.S. Coast Guard.