Massive Fire Aboard Ferry At One of Italy’s Busiest Maritime Hubs Disrupts Port Operations
Our take
The recent fire aboard a ferry at one of Italy’s busiest maritime hubs has raised significant concerns about safety and operational integrity within the maritime industry. As reported, the incident generated a substantial column of smoke over the port area, prompting local authorities to monitor air quality conditions closely. Such events are not isolated; they occur at a time when the maritime sector is grappling with rising tensions and operational challenges, as evidenced by incidents like the [Iran Fires Warning Shots At 4 Vessels Attempting To Cross Strait Of Hormuz Without Prior Coordination](/post/iran-fires-warning-shots-at-4-vessels-attempting-to-cross-st
A fire broke out aboard the ferry GNV Phoenix while the vessel was docked for maintenance at the port of Naples in Italy.
The blaze started on Wednesday evening at around 1845 local time while the ro/pax ferry was moored at docks 29-30 at Molo del Carmine.
According to reports, the fire broke out near the upper decks of the vessel, which was undergoing maintenance work at the time.
Shortly before 7 p.m., the ship reportedly issued a mayday call requesting assistance from the Harbor Master’s Office and emergency services.
Firefighters responded immediately, supported by a fireboat and three tugboats equipped for firefighting operations.
Crews worked through the night to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further through the vessel.
Authorities said all 85 people aboard the ship evacuated safely and no injuries were reported. There were no passengers on board during the incident.
The fire led to a large column of smoke rising above the port area, prompting local authorities to monitor air quality conditions.
The Campania Regional Environmental Protection Agency (ARPAC) installed a high-flow sampler near the affected area to check for substances including dioxins, furans and polychlorinated biphenyls potentially released into the atmosphere.
#Napoli, proseguono le operazioni dei #vigilidelfuoco per l’incendio su una motonave ormeggiata tra le banchine 29 e 30 del porto. Squadre al lavoro da terra e da mare, in corso la bonifica [#28maggio 7:30] pic.twitter.com/uM0P71lCAY
— Vigili del Fuoco (@vigilidelfuoco) May 28, 2026
According to ARPAC, initial readings from fixed air quality monitoring stations between 2100 and 2200 local time did not show abnormal pollutant levels directly linked to the fire.
However, authorities noted that a strong smell could be detected in nearby areas and may cause breathing discomfort.
As a precaution, Naples health authorities advised residents to avoid going outdoors and to limit the use of ventilation systems.
An emergency meeting of the Rescue Coordination Center was convened by Naples Prefect Michele di Bari on Wednesday evening to review the response operations.
Officials attending included representatives from the Harbor Master’s Office, Fire Brigade, Guardia di Finanza, ARPAC, ASL Napoli 1 Centro, emergency medical services and Naples municipal authorities.
For safety reasons and to allow rescue vessels to operate, the Port Authority temporarily restricted maritime traffic between Molo Beverello and Calata Porta di Massa.
However, most of the port remained operational, with restrictions limited mainly to piers 29 and 30 where firefighting operations were taking place.
By Thursday morning, firefighters said the blaze had been brought under control and decontamination work was under way.
GNV Phoenix, formerly known as Athara, is a 23-year-old ro/pax ferry previously operated by Tirrenia and currently used on domestic routes.
References: cronachedellacampania, ilmattino
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