Fire Erupts on Bulk Carrier Chang Min in Lagos Port

A fire broke out aboard the Chang Min, a Panama-flagged bulk carrier, on June 20 while it was anchored at the ENL Consortium Terminal at Lagos Port, Nigeria.

The 190-meter vessel, carrying a mix of flammable cargo—including compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks, tires, and wooden goods—caught fire during cargo discharge operations. At around 5:55 p.m. local time, flames were detected in cargo hold number 2, prompting a swift and coordinated emergency response.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) activated its emergency protocol and dispatched response teams from the Onipanu Cobra Base. They were soon joined by firefighting units from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.

Working in tandem with the ship’s crew, emergency responders evaluated the situation and quickly initiated safety procedures. One of the critical first steps was sealing the affected cargo hold to cut off oxygen supply and limit the spread of the fire.

With the hold secured, the responders proceeded with a structured firefighting effort. After stabilizing the area and ensuring conditions were safe, teams re-entered the cargo hold to fully extinguish the flames and eliminate the risk of reignition.

According to LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, the fire was successfully put out, and all crew members were accounted for and unharmed. While the extent of material damage has not yet been determined, response and recovery operations have concluded. An official investigation is underway to identify the root cause of the fire.