Scrap Metal Fire on Bulker at Cardiff Renews Cargo Screening Concern
Federal Welland had loaded 20,000 tonnes of scrap bound for Turkey when the blaze started
Fire crews warned residents in Cardiff to close windows and doors and stay inside as they fought a smoky scrap metal fire aboard a bulk carrier at the Welsh port, the latest in a run of similar fires that has raised concerns about the screening of the cargo.
The South Wales Fire and Rescue Service issued an alert on the morning of 25 August, warning of large plumes of smoke from the firefighting operation. It was responding to a fire aboard the dry bulk carrier Federal Welland, 36,563 dwt, docked at the Queen Anne Docks and reported to have been loading scrap metal bound for Turkey.
The Marshall Islands-registered ship was reported to have loaded 20,000 tonnes of scrap when the blaze ignited in her hold. The fire service said there was no immediate risk to the public other than the potential for smoke.
Associated British Ports, which owns and operates the Port of Cardiff, was supporting the fire services, and there were reports that fireboats were being brought in to help fight the blaze.
Unconfirmed reports from residents said fire services believed lithium-ion batteries mixed in with the scrap were likely contributing to the fire. Authorities have previously said such batteries can start fires when damaged, with the blaze then fuelled by contaminants such as oils on the metal.
The pattern is becoming familiar in the region. South Wales Fire fought a very similar fire in April aboard another bulker at the Newport Docks complex, extinguishing it within a few hours. Scrap fires can also smoulder for days.
The screening question has already been raised formally. The United Kingdom's Marine Accident Investigation Branch flagged concerns in a report on a similar incident at Hull in June 2025, finding that the scrap yard had performed only a brief visual check and was relying on suppliers and recycling centres to screen the material for contaminants.
