Damietta port fire engulfs LNG re‑gasification and storage vessels; no injuries
Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum confirms fire on LNG re‑gasification and storage vessels at Damietta port on July 29, 2026; no injuries, emergency response active
Fire Erupts on LNG Re‑Gasification and Storage Vessels at Damietta Port
The Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources confirmed a fire broke out on a liquefied natural gas (LNG) re‑gasification vessel and an adjacent storage ship at Damietta port on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
Authorities said the incident involved two vessels moored at the facility and that emergency teams intervened promptly.
The ministry reported there were no injuries or loss of life as a result of the blaze.
Officials stressed that work to control the situation and secure the area is ongoing.
Emergency Response and Coordination
Port fire crews, maritime authorities and specialist technical teams were dispatched immediately after the alarm was raised.
Equipment and firefighting vessels were mobilised to contain flames and prevent escalation, officials said.
Coordination between the ministry and local emergency services continued through the day to manage the incident site.
Technical Teams Continue Containment Work
Specialist technicians boarded the affected vessels to assess damage and carry out controlled extinguishing operations.
Responders focused on cooling adjacent structures and monitoring fuel and gas lines to reduce the risk of secondary incidents.
The ministry indicated teams would follow industry safety protocols while completing salvage and inspection tasks.
Port Operations and Maritime Safety Monitoring
Authorities said navigation and port activities were being closely monitored to safeguard other vessels in the vicinity.
Officials did not announce an immediate full closure of Damietta port, but said assessments were underway to determine any operational impact.
Nearby shipping and terminal operators were advised to maintain heightened vigilance while contingency measures remain in place.
Ministry Appeals to Media and Public
The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources urged media outlets and social media users to rely on official statements for updates.
A ministry release said information would be provided in real time as the situation evolved and that unverified reports could hamper response efforts.
Officials pledged to publish further details once technical evaluations are completed and any regulatory or safety findings are confirmed.
Background on LNG Re‑Gasification Vessels and Port Safety
Floating re‑gasification units and LNG storage ships are specialised maritime installations used to convert and hold liquefied natural gas before distribution.
Because they handle cryogenic fuels and pressurised systems, such vessels operate under stringent international and national safety standards.
Ports that accommodate LNG-related vessels typically maintain trained firefighting teams, emergency shutdown procedures and coordinated response plans with national authorities.
The ministry’s confirmation that there were no casualties underscores the effectiveness of the initial emergency response, while technical inspections continue to establish the cause and full extent of material damage.
Officials said they will provide further updates after engineers and investigators complete their on-site work and safety clearances are issued.
