M2026-02 Smoke emission on the car deck of Silja Serenade resulting from a trailer carrying metal scrap on 2 March 2026

The Safety Investigation Authority will launch an investigation into an incident on the Silja Serenade passenger car ferry on 2 March 2026, in which aluminium dross cargo carried by a lorry began to smoke. This self-heating reaction of the cargo resulted in a demanding extinguishing and cooling operation on board the vessel and later in the Mariehamn harbour. The incident caused no personal injury.

The focus of the investigation will be on the chain of events that led to the incident, the transport of pyrophoric metals, rescue operations and measures by public authorities.

Specialist Jaakko Niskala will be appointed as Head of the Investigation Team, and Specialist Pia Broumand, Specialist Jussi Kangasmaa, Specialist Gunnar Silander and Senior Safety Investigator Leo Evijärvi will be appointed as members. The Investigator in Charge is Mirva Salokorpi, Chief Safety Investigator.

Applicable legislation: Safety Investigation Act (525/2011), sections 1, 2.1 (4), 17 and 38.