Norwegian chemical tanker Bergstraum suffers explosion and fire off Hvaler

On July 28, 2026, the 120‑metre chemical tanker Bergstraum, owned by Utkilen Shipping and carrying sulphuric acid, experienced an onboard explosion that ignited a fire while anchored off Hvaler near the entrance to the Oslofjord. The blast occurred in an empty tank, and the vessel’s main cargo remained untouched.

All 15 crew members, a mix of Baltic and Filipino seafarers, were accounted for and suffered no injuries. Emergency services—including the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue, the Norwegian Coast Guard, Swedish rescue vessels, police boats, fireboats and a helicopter from Norway’s 330 Squadron—responded, extinguished the fire and prevented any pollution. Utkilen CEO Siri‑Anne Mjåtvedt confirmed that no sulphuric acid was released and that a crisis committee had been activated by Hvaler municipality. An investigation into the cause of the explosion is underway.