A modern Japanese-owned handymax has suffered an engine room explosion off the US West Coast, according to the US Coast Guard (USCG).
The 63,498-dwt Federal Iris (built 2016) was 120 miles west of the Columbia River entrance after main diesel engine components malfunctioned and caused a localized explosion,
“None of the 21 crew members were injured, but the damage rendered the main propulsion system inoperable,” the USCG said in a statement.
“The crew of the Federal Iris enacted emergency salvage operations and contracted the crew of the emergency response towing vessel, the Denise Foss.
The crew of the emergency response towing vessel reached the Federal Iris on Friday and the tow was estimated to take around 48 hours to reach Seattle.
The Panamanian-flagged bulker was en route from the Port of Changzhou, China, to pick up cargo in Longview, Washington, when the explosion happened.
The USCG’s Marine Safety Unit Portland received notification that the bulker had experienced a marine diesel engine casualty late on Thursday.
“Prior to the notification, the vessel was limited in operations due to a reduction of propulsion issue and an inoperable ballast water treatment system,” the USCG said.
“An examination of the vessel is scheduled to ensure regulatory compliance when it reaches its intended destination.”
Captain Tom Griffitts, commanding officer, Marine Safety Unit Portland commented: “The Coast Guard maintains the safety of the port by preventing damage to property or the marine environment.
“Our primary concern now is the safety of the vessel and the crew aboard. Inspectors from our unit will ensure the vessel can safely operate before it continues operating in US waters.”
Databases show the vessel to be owned by interests linked to Japanese shipowner Daiwa Kisen, but the vessel is on long-term charter to Fednav.
