Gas hazard warning to carriers

UK-based Calor Gas has issued a warning to ocean carriers over the illegal shipment of stolen gas containers which could cause an explosion if stowed badly

Calor Gas said some of its distributors were being approached two or three times a week with offers to buy hundreds of empty gas cylinders. When the offer is declined, they are raided at night – one distributor in Cardiff was recently hit twice in one week.

Paul Blacklock, head of strategy and corporate affairs at Calor Gas, said: "Metal theft has become common practice everywhere in the UK, but it seems that we are now being specifically targeted because of the huge demand for cooking gas cylinders overseas.

"The problem for shipowners is that many of our stolen cylinders are being illegally shipped abroad, particularly to Africa, and if they are stowed badly, could cause an explosion."

Last month 1,500 gas cylinders were seized after being discovered in five containers, and a further container has just been discovered in Felixstowe following a spot check by the authorities.

Blacklock continued: "It is very dangerous if the cylinders are stowed on their side because our gas is heavier than air, so leaking gas can build up very quickly.

"It is difficult to give ocean carriers any tips over what they should watch out for when taking cargo bookings, other than the fact that West Africa seems to be the preferred destination, and if the maritime containers used are stuffed only with empty tanks, they will be very heavy.

"Also, Calor Gas currently only ships gas cylinders to the Falklands, so if any are found going elsewhere overseas, they will have been stolen."

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