Terminal operations at the Port of Rotterdam were temporarily disrupted after a stack of containers collapsed from a large container vessel and struck an LNG bunkering ship, port and maritime sources reported.
The incident occurred on February 6 during cargo unloading from the German-flagged ultra-large container ship Bangkok Express at APM Terminals Maasvlakte II. A section of the container stack gave way, causing several containers to fall onto the deck of the LNG bunkering vessel K. Lotus, which was berthed alongside and in the process of transferring liquefied natural gas (LNG).
While K. Lotus was damaged in the impact, early reports indicated no injuries among crew or terminal workers. The LNG transfer operation was halted immediately as a safety precaution, and responders from the Port of Rotterdam Authority and maritime police were deployed to secure the area and evaluate risks.
Several containers also fell into the Nieuwe Maas river, prompting navigational warnings and a temporary suspension of nearby port activities until the debris could be cleared. Terminal operations resumed once safety inspections and clearance work were completed, though officials said some delays may linger as shipping schedules adjust.
The Bangkok Express — one of the world’s largest container vessels — was involved in the ongoing handling operation when the collapse occurred, underscoring continuing concerns about safe container stowage and handling procedures in busy port environments.
Port authorities said they are reviewing the incident to prevent similar occurrences, highlighting the importance of strict safety protocols when simultaneous cargo operations are taking place near sensitive LNG bunkering vessels.