Severe Damage to LNG Tanker After Container Incident in Rotterdam
The LNG bunker vessel ‘K. Lotus’ sustained extensive damage after a serious incident at the APM Terminals Maasvlakte II in Rotterdam on February 6, 2026. During the unloading of the container ship ‘Bangkok Express’, a remotely operated crane struck a stack of ten containers, causing them to topple. This resulted in nine containers falling, with several landing on the deck of the ‘K. Lotus’. Fortunately, no LNG was released during the accident, and no injuries were reported. The situation has prompted immediate inspections and a response from safety authorities.
Following the incident, the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) was called to assess the situation. The Dutch Safety Board (OVV) dispatched two investigators to the scene the next day to evaluate the circumstances surrounding the accident. The OVV is expected to determine within a week whether a formal investigation will be launched. The ‘Bangkok Express’ was allowed to depart from Rotterdam on February 8, heading to Salalah, with an estimated arrival date of March 10. Meanwhile, the ‘K. Lotus’ remains docked in Rotterdam due to damage to its mooring system, preventing it from departing.
Details of the Incident and Response
On the evening of February 6, the ‘Bangkok Express’ arrived from Wilhelmshaven. As it was unloading, several empty containers became dislodged due to a crane mishap. The falling containers landed on both the quay and the ‘K. Lotus’, which was moored alongside the container ship. Three of the containers fell into the water, prompting a swift response from patrol vessels from the Port of Rotterdam Authority, the Seaport Police, and Rijkswaterstaat.
The port was temporarily closed for two hours to assess the situation and ensure the safety of the area. The crew of the ‘K. Lotus’ moved to a secure location, and LNG bunkering operations were halted immediately. While the containers that fell into the water were expected to be recovered without disrupting shipping traffic, several others remained precariously positioned on the deck of the ‘K. Lotus’, leaning against the vessel’s accommodation.
The ‘K. Lotus’ is registered under the IMO number 9901362, and it continues to be evaluated for further damages. The tug ‘VB Ginger’ (IMO: 9507063) has been assigned to secure the bunker vessel. Investigations by the authorities are ongoing as they work to fully understand the impact of this incident on port operations and safety protocols.
