Engine Room Fire Leaves Car Carrier Drifting Without Power In The English Channel

A Grimaldi Euromed vehicle carrier, Grande Roma, suffered an engine room fire while transiting the English Channel on October 25, leaving the vessel without propulsion and requiring emergency towing assistance.

According to marine claims specialist WK Webster, the incident occurred approximately 21 nautical miles south of Weymouth, United Kingdom.

The Italian-flagged vessel, built in 2003, was en route from Antwerp, Belgium, to Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates when the fire broke out at around 10 p.m. local time.

Per reports, the crew activated the onboard carbon dioxide fire suppression system and cooled the bulkheads to contain the blaze.

The fire was subsequently brought under control, with no injuries or pollution reported. However, the vessel lost power and drifted in the Channel.

Following the loss of propulsion, the ship’s master requested assistance, and Grimaldi arranged for the 21,740-bhp French tug Abeille Liberté, owned by Les Abeilles, to reach the scene.

The tug secured a tow line at around 9:30 a.m. on 26 October and began towing the disabled car carrier towards Le Havre, France.

By late 27 October, the tow had arrived at Le Havre, where the vessel was due to undergo inspection and possible repairs. MarineTraffic data later showed the vessel as “not under command” in the English Channel off the northwest coast of France.

WK Webster has cautioned that the incident may lead to general average, salvage, and associated recovery considerations.

The 14,483-deadweight-tonne vessel measures 196 metres in length and has a capacity of 5,379 cars. It is insured through the Britannia P&I Club in the United Kingdom.

Port State Control records show that Grande Roma underwent an inspection in Antwerp earlier this month, during which six deficiencies were recorded, including two related to jacketed high-pressure lines and oil leakage alarms.

Additional issues were identified concerning boiler alarms, bilge pumping arrangements, and means of control in machinery spaces.

This is the second such incident involving a Grimaldi vessel in the English Channel this year. In February 2025, the company’s ConRo vessel Grande Brasile experienced a fire on board.

Although the crew initially believed it was contained, a second fire broke out on one of the vehicle decks hours later, forcing them to abandon the vessel. It was later towed to Belgium and scrapped in April 2025.

Grimaldi Euromed, part of the Emanuele Grimaldi-led group, is currently modernising its fleet. The company is building larger, ammonia-ready car carriers and other vessels in China to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.

Reference: shippingtelegraph

Source: Maritime Shipping News