Completed PE Summary
Bitfjord
| Category | Merchant |
| Registered Owner & Manager: | Tarbit Shipping |
| Port of registry: | Skarhamn |
| Flag: | Sweden |
| Type: | Tanker |
| Built: | Details |
| Classification society: | Lloyds Register |
| Length overall: | 85.2 |
| Gross tonnage: | 1573.00 |
| Date & Time | 28/04/05 08:30 |
| Location of incident: | Dundee harbour area |
| Incident Type: | Fire/Explosion |
| Persons onboard: | 8 crew |
| Injuries/ fatalities: | None |
| Damage/ Pollution: | Minor Damage/No Pollution |
Synopsis
The bitumen carrier, Bitfjord, suffered a small fire in the pump room while it was alongside her loading berth in the Port of Dundee . The fire was caused by spontaneous combustion of oil-soaked lagging.
Action taken:
The Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents has written to the vessel’s owner with advice on the following:
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Correct entry procedures for enclosed spaces
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The provision of effective protective coating on cargo pipework insulation to prevent contamination by flammable liquids
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The importance of inspection and maintenance to avoid flammable liquid spills.
