Fire Outbreak on ‘Thames Highway’ Leads to Investigation

On January 26, 2026, a fire broke out in the engine room of the vehicle carrier ‘Thames Highway’ shortly after it departed the port of Emden, heading for Grimsby. The vessel was carrying 1,294 vehicles, including 477 electric cars, and had 18 crew members and a pilot on board. The crew acted swiftly by sealing off the engine room to contain the fire. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and no hazardous materials were released during the incident. The vessel dropped anchor outside the fairway of the Ems estuary, northwest of Borkum, to ensure safety.

The Maritime Emergency Response Team took charge of the situation shortly after the fire started. By January 27 at 12:10 a.m., a specialized six-person firefighting team from the Cuxhaven Fire Department was dispatched to the ship via helicopter. Additional firefighters from nearby locations, including Emden and Wilhelmshaven, were also mobilized to assist in extinguishing the fire. The weather conditions were challenging, with waves reaching up to two meters and winds at force 4. The fire was successfully extinguished by the morning of January 27, and fire crews remained on board for precautionary measures.

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Investigation Reveals Cause of the Fire

Following the fire, investigators from the Federal Bureau of Maritime Casualty Investigation (BSU), along with local police and the Emden Water Police, initiated an investigation into the incident. Their findings confirmed that the fire was caused by a crack in a fuel line of an auxiliary diesel engine located in the engine room. Diesel fuel leaked through this crack, igniting upon contact with hot engine parts. The pressure in the fuel line exacerbated the situation, causing the crack to widen and fuel to spray out, leading to the outbreak of fire.

Importantly, the investigation revealed no indication of human error contributing to the incident. The crew’s prompt and professional response was crucial in preventing the fire from spreading further. As a precaution, the responsible maritime safety authority has temporarily prohibited the ‘Thames Highway’ from continuing its voyage until the ship is certified seaworthy by the relevant classification society. As of February 9, the vessel remains docked in Emden while experts assess the damage and determine necessary repairs.

The two tugs, ‘Waterstroom’ (IMO: 9428047) and ‘Waterstraat’ (IMO: 9428059), towed the ‘Thames Highway’ back to Emden on the afternoon of January 27, where it arrived safely at 8:40 p.m. The effective response involved 63 rescue personnel, four ships, and two helicopters, highlighting the extensive coordination required during maritime emergencies. The cargo aboard the ‘Thames Highway’ remained unaffected by the fire, ensuring that the vehicles were safe despite the incident.