Fuel Spill Cleanup Underway After Bulk Carrier Collision in China’s Yangtze River

A fuel spill cleanup operation is currently in progress following a collision between two large bulk carriers in the busy Yangtze River in China. Fortunately, no injuries were reported to the crews of the vessels involved, and both ships are said to be stable despite sustaining hull damage.

The incident occurred between a Japanese 175,000 dwt Capesize bulker named Vega Dream, which was built in 2010 and operates under the Japanese flag for Mitsui O.S.K., and a smaller Chinese-owned, Japanese-managed bulker named Yangze. The Yangze, built in 2022, is an 82,000 dwt vessel registered in Singapore.

Details of the collision have not been disclosed, but it is believed that the Yangze was outbound from Shanghai en route to Singapore when the incident occurred near Changjian, close to the river’s mouth. Both ships have been directed to an anchorage on the river for further investigation.

The Maritime & Ports Authority of Singapore has been in contact with the Singapore-registered bulker, which reported hull damage and a fuel spill of approximately 9 metric tons. The Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration, along with vessels deployed by the ship’s owners, are working diligently to contain and clean up the spill.

The Singapore authority has offered assistance if needed, demonstrating international cooperation in managing maritime incidents.