One worker was killed and another badly injured after a fire broke out inside an under-construction MR tanker newbuilding at Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI).
Shipbuilding sources said an explosion and fire occurred on Thursday evening inside a 50,000-dwt product tanker newbuilding that is under construction at Geoje yard.
The accident took place in the forward tank of the ship while coating work was being carried out.
The fire was reported to be extinguished by the shipyard’s own firefighting team.
One fatality and one serious injury with 40% burns was reported, one source said.
It is understood that all spray work at SHI in confined spaces has been suspended by the Korean authorities until further notice.
Samsung confirmed the Thursday accident and the casualties but would not go into details.
“The cause of the accident is being investigated,” said a Samsung spokesman. “We cannot comment further.”
Shipbuilding sources say the affected MR tanker newbuilding is one of the six product carriers that was ordered by Japanese trading house Mitsui & Co last year.
The newbuilding which is due for delivery in the first quarter of next year, is said to be registered under Lepta Shipping, one of the special purpose vehicles (SPV) of Mitsui & Co.
“We understand Mitsui has already secured charter employment for all the MR tanker newbuildings,” said one tanker broker.
Officials at Mitsui & Co and Lepta Shipping were not available for comment.
Shipbuilding players say the fire on the MR tanker is the first accident for the shipyard this year.
Last May, Samsung was ordered to stop operations at its Geoje plant after a fatal crane accident. A worker was killed when a 1.5 ton steel beam fell from a crane and hit him.
