The Houston Ship Channel is fully reopened after a portion was closed Monday morning (Dec 14) because of a fire aboard a liquid gas tanker ship.

The fire broke out about 9:45 a.m. LT on a ship docked at the Targa Dock 1 facility in the upper reaches of waterway in Galena Park, said Petty Officer Ryan Cantu of the Coast Guard.

Houston Channel reopens after fire on board tanker Navigator Europa

Image: miranda reiffers te loo

The channel was reopened shortly after 12:30 p.m., according to Petty Officer Andy Kendrick. About two miles of the ship channel were closed near the scene while the fire was investigated.

No injuries were reported. The fire is still under investigation and a cause has not yet been determined.

Cantu said the fire broke out as the LPG tanker Navigator Europa was being loaded with about 43,000 metric tons of liquid ethylene/C2, which is colorless and flammable. None of the product spilled into the water. Air monitors have detected no threat from the product.

The flames were extinguished a short time after the fire broke out at 9:45 a.m. The fire appeared to have started in the compressor room.

Three ships and one tug and barge were affected by the ship channel's closure, Kendrick said, but the schedule is now back in order.

Source: www.chron.com