A serious container-handling incident disrupted terminal operations at the Port of Rotterdam on the evening of February 6 (local time), after a container stack collapsed during unloading operations in the Nieuwe Maas area.
The accident occurred aboard the German-flagged ultra-large container vessel Bangkok Express, when multiple containers toppled from a stack and struck the LNG bunkering vessel K. Lotus, which was berthed alongside the terminal at the time.
Containers Fall onto LNG Bunker Vessel and into River
According to preliminary information released by port authorities, at least five containers fell directly onto the stern deck of K. Lotus, while several others dropped into the river.
Rise of the Data-Driven Smart Port
The fallen containers posed immediate navigational and operational risks in surrounding waters, prompting swift emergency responses.
At the time of the incident, K. Lotus was actively engaged in LNG bunkering operations.
About the Bangkok Express
The Bangkok Express is a next-generation 23,000+ TEU LNG dual-fuel container ship, measuring approximately 400 meters in length with a 61-meter beam and a deadweight of about 229,000 tonnes.
Operated by Hapag-Lloyd AG, the vessel is part of a 12-ship LNG-fuelled series constructed by Hanwha Ocean. Launched in February 2025, the ship is primarily deployed on deep-sea container trades and represents the latest scale of ultra-large LNG-powered container vessels entering global service.
LNG Bunkering Suspended, Emergency Protocols Activated
Following the impact, the crew of K. Lotus acted immediately, suspending all LNG bunkering operations and evacuating personnel to designated safe areas in strict accordance with emergency response procedures.
These actions successfully prevented secondary hazards, including LNG leakage, fire, or explosion, despite the proximity of heavy container impacts to LNG handling equipment.
Terminal operations involving Bangkok Express were halted, and the vessel is cooperating fully with port authorities as investigations continue.
About the LNG Bunker Vessel K. Lotus
The K. Lotus is a 166-meter LNG bunkering vessel with a deadweight of 12,351 tonnes. Built in 2022 by Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, the vessel sails under the Panamanian flag and is designed for port and near-shore LNG bunkering operations.
The extent of structural or equipment damage to the vessel has not yet been officially disclosed, with inspections and technical assessments still underway.
No Injuries Reported, Safety Review Ongoing
Port authorities have confirmed that no injuries were reported as a result of the incident. Terminal activities in the affected area were temporarily suspended pending comprehensive safety checks and clearance of fallen containers.
A Warning Sign for LNG-Linked Port Operations
The Rotterdam incident highlights the critical importance of container stack stability, terminal safety procedures, and risk management—particularly at interfaces involving LNG-fuelled and LNG-bunkering vessels.
As LNG propulsion and bunkering become increasingly common at major ports worldwide, the event serves as a stark reminder that operational complexity and risk exposure are rising in parallel, demanding tighter safeguards, training, and coordination across terminals and vessels alike.
Read More: Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk to Transit Red Sea with One Gemini Service