Question Period Note: Incident involving container ship “ZIM KINGSTON”

Overboard containers and fire onboard container ship “ZIM KINGSTON” (Source: Canadian Coast Guard)

• The Government of Canada is actively working with the Province of British Colombia, First Nations and local authorities to respond to a fire onboard the vessel Zim Kingston in the Strait of Juan de Fuca at an anchorage approximately 4 nautical miles from Victoria, British Colombia.
• The fire is largely under control and presently poses no risk to the population ashore. There have been no reported injuries to the crew.
• Transport Canada is actively monitoring the situation and will ensure the vessel’s seaworthiness and structural integrity before allowing the vessel to move from its current location.
• The Canadian Coast Guard is lead agency coordinating the unified response.
• The United States and Canadian Coast Guard are working closely to track and potentially recover the 109 lost containers.

If pressed:

• The transportation of packaged dangerous goods in Canada is strictly regulated. All ships entering Canadian waters and carrying dangerous goods must comply with requirements under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 and the Cargo Fumigation and Tackle Regulations, which require compliance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS) and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code. In port, vessels must comply with the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and its regulations.
• Transport Canada will be following up with the shipper to verify compliance with the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 and its regulations. Following the incident, Transport Canada’s role is to determine any potential non-compliances under both the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 and the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act.

• On October 22, 2021 the Malta flagged container ship “ZIM KINGSTON” reported to Canadian Coast Guard - Prince Rupert Marine Communications and Traffic Services that their vessel heeled 35 degrees in heavy swell and lost approximately 40 containers overboard. The company later determined that the number of containers lost was 109.
• Following the incident, the vessel proceeded to anchorage at Constance Bank (approximately 4 nautical miles off shore from Victoria, BC). Early in the afternoon of October 23, 2021 some containers caught fire, including some containing dangerous goods.
• The Canadian Coast Guard is the lead department and also responsible for any potential marine-based pollution. Environment and Climate Change Canada is responsible along with the British Colombia Ministry of Environment for monitoring and ensuring air quality.
• An incident command structure under Canadian Coast Guard Unified Command -- comprised of federal and provincial authorities, local communities and coastal indigenous communities -- is stood up and assisting with the response. The ship’s owners are cooperating fully.
• The United States and Canadian Coast Guard are working closely to track and potentially recover the 109 lost containers. The drift and projected trajectory are being monitored.
• The containers were carrying Christmas decorations, sofas, poker tables, metal car parts, clothing, toys, yoga mats, stand-up paddle boards, industrial parts and other everyday items.

Location: Juan de Fuca Straight, Victoria, BC