Jebel Ali Port 'running seamlessly' after Dubai explosion, says DP World

Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, thanks the swift response of the emergency services following Jebel Ali Port explosion

Sheikh Maktoum inspects scene following Jebel Ali Port Fire

Read More: Dubai port explosion: fire on ship in Jebel Ali brought under control

Operations at Dubai's Jebel Ali Port are "running seamlessly" after the explosion on board an anchored container ship on Wednesday night.

Jebel Ali Port authorities said they were continuing an extensive investigation on the cause of the fire and its circumstances, which was brought under control in 44 minutes.

DP World, operator of Jebel Ali Port, said operations at the port are running as normal.

"The operations are running seamlessly at Terminal 1 & across Jebel Ali Port," DP World said on Twitter.

"We take pride in the proactive efforts of our leadership, the dedication of the authorities & our team that ensured the safety of people and the continuity of business."

Suhail Al Mazrouei, the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure said the fire broke out on the Ocean Trader at 11.55pm on Wednesday.

After the ship’s crew and workers were taken to safety, rescue teams ensured there was no radioactive material on board, he said.

"This robust response comes as a result of years of proactive planned preparation in developing world-class infrastructure in the ports and marine facilities in the UAE," Mr Al Mazrouei said.

He said the response of the teams and the availability of state-of-the-art equipment to tackle the blaze "ensured the resumption of all operational and logistical operations in Jebel Ali Port".

"Our priority now is to safeguard the marine environment by monitoring the situation and preventing the release of harmful substances in the water body," he said.

"The Maritime Department at the Ministry will continue investigations to gain insights and chart out a blueprint in coordination with the relevant international authorities to intensify precautionary measures."

He said the logistics and operational facilities of Jebel Ali Port "have not suffered any damage, and the accident has not affected the movement of ships due to its distance from the main shipping line and the water channel in the port".

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  A helicopter circles overhead as smoke rises from the tightly secured facility at Jebel Ali Port on July 7, 2021.

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  In a Dubai Civil Defence video, flames and smoke are seen pouring from the damaged vessel, which is right by the dock.

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  Fire fighters battle the blaze on a container ship in Dubai's Jebel Ali Port.

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  The blaze started in the early hours of Thursday.

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  Fire caused by an explosion is seen in this still image taken from video obtained from social media.

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  Smoke rises from the container ship.

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  Dubai Civil Defence fire services arrive at Jebel Ali Port.

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  The explosion sent tremors across the commercial hub of the UAE.

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  A general view of Jebel Ali Port where the explosion occurred.

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  Dubai Media Office reported that the fire broke out "on a container within a ship anchored in Jebel Ali Port".

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, said he was "very proud of our teams for the timely and professional way they handled the fire situation at Jebel Ali".

"By implementing the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Dubai’s government has exceeded all expectations in responding to emergencies and crises."

Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, praised the response of the emergency teams following a visit to the port today.

"We would like to thank the Civil Defence and the security services for quickly controlling the fire which broke out in Jebel Ali Port," Sheikh Maktoum said.

"We also appreciate the efforts of the port authorities in ensuring the resumption of the ship activities at the port and the efforts of the media office in reassuring people. The efficiency of the government's work in confronting accidents preserves human life and economy gains and achieves a comfortable lifestyle in Dubai."

DP World also thanked Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed, chairman of Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, Dubai Civil Defence and Dubai Police "for their swift response in resolving the fire incident within 40 minutes at Jebel Ali Port's Terminal 1".