Tankship carrying sulphuric acid on fire off Hvaler

A 120-metre tankship carrying sulphuric acid is burning off Skjærhalden in Hvaler municipality after an explosion on board, Dagbladet reports.

The vessel, Bergstraum, ran aground near Storesand according to police, though the ship’s owner Utkilen told the newspaper it had not struck ground. All 15 crew members are accounted for and uninjured.

At 16:18 police said the captain reported the fire was under control, but this had not been confirmed by fire services. No spill has yet been reported.

Marine biologist Fredrik Myhre of WWF warned that a sulphuric acid leak could seriously harm Oslofjord’s ecosystem, damaging fish gills and shell-forming organisms. The area is home to cold-water coral reefs and kelp forests.

The ship was en route from Boliden Rönnskär in Sweden to Fredrikstad, where a large sulphuric acid terminal can store 10,000 tonnes. Rönnskär is one of northern Europe’s biggest sulphuric acid producers.

Hvaler mayor Mona Vauger said the municipality is activating its crisis team and that she heard “terrible bangs” from the explosion. Rescue helicopters, police boats, and fire and health services are on scene, with Norwegian and Swedish resources assisting.

The Norwegian Coastal Administration is monitoring the situation for any potential spill.