Operations at Port Kembla have been suspended as firefighters continue to battle a large blaze that broke out on a ship in Port Kembla early Monday morning.

A large amount of smoke is still coming off the bulk carrier with about 100 firefighters battling the blaze that broke out in the ship’s hold just after 3am.

More than 100 firefighters battled the blaze at Port Kembla. Credit:Robert Peet

The Iron Chieftain, owned by freight company CSL, is carrying dolomite, a substance that resembles sand to look at.

Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Norm Buckley said it was a challenging job.