Deadly Fire Aboard Tanker in Batam Raises Alarms Over Shipyard Safety

Tragedy Strikes ASL Shipyard

A tragic fire broke out on the MT Federal II, a Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) tanker, at PT ASL Shipyard in Tanjunguncang, Batu Aji, Batam, on Tuesday afternoon. The incident resulted in the loss of five lives and caused serious injuries to several others, including several with severe burns.

The tanker was undergoing maintenance when the fire began, reportedly at approximately 14:15 local time, catching several workers inside one of the ship’s storage tanks. The fire quickly escalated and took hours to bring under control.

Fire Breaks Out During Tank Repairs

Authorities confirmed that the blaze started while contractors were working inside the tanker’s oil storage compartments. Initial findings suggest a spark or ignition occurred during the repair process, which involved flammable residues. The confined space made both evacuation and firefighting efforts extremely difficult.

Witnesses reported a loud explosion followed by thick black smoke billowing from the vessel. The scene quickly turned chaotic as nearby workers attempted to escape and assist in the rescue efforts.

AKP Raden Bimo Dwi Lambang, Head of Batu Aji Police, stated that the fire occurred shortly after the workers resumed activity following a lunch break. Emergency response teams and fire units arrived promptly, but the situation inside the tank compartments severely delayed rescue operations.

Victims and Emergency Response

The number of fatalities has risen to five. All of the deceased were subcontracted workers involved in tank maintenance on the vessel. Their bodies were first brought to RS Mutiara Aini before being transferred to RS Bhayangkara Polda Kepri for further identification and autopsy.

In addition to the five deaths, three workers sustained serious burn injuries and were transported to RS Graha Hermin and RS Aini Batu Aji for emergency treatment. One other worker suffered minor injuries and is currently in stable condition.

Identification efforts for some of the injured are still in progress, as they are not yet fit for questioning.

Federal II: Vessel Background

The vessel involved in the incident was identified as MT Federal II, IMO number 8818946, according to VesselFinder data. The ship is classified as a Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) unit, typically used to store crude oil or gas before it is transferred to other tankers.

The Federal II had last been docked at Batu Ampar Port before being moved to the ASL Shipyard for maintenance. It is believed that the ship was undergoing tank cleaning and structural repairs at the time of the incident.

Investigations Underway

The exact cause of the fire remains unknown. Forensic teams from the Barelang City Police (Polresta Barelang) have secured the site and begun collecting evidence. Initial suspicion centers around possible violations of safety procedures, particularly in confined space entry and hot work protocols.

“The victims were working inside the tank when the fire began. The situation was extremely dangerous,” AKP Bimo added. “Evacuation was delayed due to the intense heat and toxic smoke within the compartment.”

As of Wednesday morning, investigators were still examining the wreckage, and authorities were interviewing witnesses and reviewing safety compliance records from the shipyard and subcontracting firms involved.

Broader Safety Concerns in Batam Shipyards

This tragedy is the latest in a series of incidents that have raised concerns over worker safety in Batam’s maritime industrial sector. Known as a regional hub for ship repair and construction, Batam’s shipyards play a vital role in the Southeast Asian maritime economy, supporting both Indonesian and foreign vessels, particularly from nearby Singapore.

The fire aboard MT Federal II underscores the need for stricter oversight, improved safety training, and updated hazard prevention protocols, especially for high-risk tasks such as tank entry, welding, and gas cutting.

For neighboring countries and industry stakeholders who depend on Batam’s shipbuilding capacity, this event could reignite scrutiny on labor standards and emergency preparedness.

A Call for Change

As investigations continue, families are left grieving while serious questions are being asked about how such a devastating fire could occur during regulated repair operations.

Authorities have committed to a full investigation, and the Ministry of Manpower is expected to review labor practices and safety compliance at the shipyard.

This tragedy is a powerful reminder of the risks faced by maritime workers and the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety procedures in high-risk environments. In an industry that operates on precision and accountability, protecting lives must remain the top priority.

References:

• Adrianto. (2025, June 24). 4 Tewas dalam Kebakaran Kapal Tanker FSO Federal II di Galangan Kapal Batam . Retrieved from Batam News: https://www.batamnews.co.id/berita-120475-4-tewas-dalam-kebakaran-kapal-tanker-fso-federal-ii-di-galangan-kapal-batam.html
• Nurdin, A. (2025, June 25). Kronologi Terbakarnya Kapal Tanker di Batam yang Sebabkan 4 Pekerja Tewas. Retrieved from Liputan 6: https://www.liputan6.com/regional/read/6068060/kronologi-terbakarnya-kapal-tanker-di-batam-yang-sebabkan-4-pekerja-tewas?page=3
• Tragedy in Tanjunguncang: Four Dead in Tanker Fire at Batam Shipyard. (2025, June 25). Retrieved from Batam News Asia: https://batamnewsasia.com/2025/06/25/tragedy-in-tanjunguncang-four-dead-in-tanker-fire-at-batam-shipyard/