New Diamond, a very large crude carrier (VLCC), chartered by state-controlled refiner Indian Oil Corp, caught fire in the morning off Colombo, Reuters reported on Thursday. The fully loaded vessel was heading to Paradip in India from Mina Al Ahmandi in Kuwait, Refinitiv's ship tracking data shows.
The cause of the fire is unclear. Fellow Indian refiner Reliance Industries has diverted one of its nearby tankers to assist the VLCC, reported online energy portal Argusmedia.
The vessel was built in 2000. The vessel was due to arrive at Paradip, where IOC operates a 300,000 b/d refinery, on September 5. It is carrying 1.9mn bl of Kuwait Export Crude, according to Vortexa.
