A Chinese-controlled bulker has been releasing toxic fumes into the atmosphere in St Helena Bay in South Africa after its cargo reacted with rain.
The ship has been directed to a protected anchorage under the escort of a tug. Salvors, chemical experts and other emergency personnel are on board to contain the situation.
"The vessel poses no immediate threat to the marine environment and humans," the South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) said in a press release marked "urgent" on Wednesday.
The incident occurred on board the 56,700-dwt NS Qingdao (built 2011), a geared supramax listed under the management of Ningbo-based YKJ Shipping Co.
The vessel's cargo suffered a chemical reaction as it was unloaded in the port of Durban.
"Concentrated toxic fumes were released into the atmosphere and as a result, the Transnet National Port Authority in consultation with Samsa, the [Department of Environment, Forestry & Fisheries] and other stakeholders decided to evacuate the vessel from the port so that the hatches can be ventilated offshore," Samsa said.
It did not provide details on the cargo.
Sources close to the matter told TradeWinds that the NS Qingdao is carrying sodium metabisulphite. The material, which is also known as sodium pyrosulphite, is used as a disinfectant, antioxidant and preservative agent for food and beverages.
Managers at YKJ Shipping, which is listed as a subsidiary of Zhejiang Xinxin Shipping, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Samsa, however, said the owner was cooperating with authorities and has been "very proactive to help contain the situation".
"The cargo will be discharged into skips, chemically neutralised and landed ashore at an approved dumping site in a safe and controlled manner," it added.
