LNG Bunkering Suspended after Container Collapse at Port of Rotterdam
Operations at the Port of Rotterdam were temporarily disrupted on 6 February 2026 after a container stack collapsed aboard an ultra-large container vessel during cargo handling activities.
According to maritime industry reports, the incident occurred on the German-flagged Bangkok Express while it was undergoing discharge operations in the Nieuwe Maas area. A section of the vessel’s container stack gave way, causing multiple containers to fall.
At least five containers reportedly landed on the stern of the LNG bunkering vessel K. Lotus, which was berthed alongside the container ship and actively engaged in LNG transfer operations at the time of the incident. Several additional containers fell into the river, raising navigational safety concerns and prompting authorities to temporarily halt nearby port activities.
The Bangkok Express is a next-generation LNG dual-fuel container ship with a carrying capacity exceeding 23,000 TEU and was conducting routine cargo operations when the collapse occurred. The impacted K. Lotus is a 166-metre LNG bunkering tanker delivered in 2022 and designed to support ship-to-ship LNG fuel transfers.
Industry sources indicate that the crew of the K. Lotus immediately suspended LNG bunkering operations and implemented onboard safety procedures following the impact. Terminal operations in the affected section of the port were also paused to allow for inspections and recovery measures.
As of the latest available information, no injuries have been reported. The extent of any structural damage to either vessel has not yet been officially confirmed.
