Maersk boxship on fire off Port Klang

Port Klang: The boxship Charlotte Maersk is on fire in the Malacca Strait after leaving Port Klang bound for Oman. According to industry sources a fire started in a container carrying dangerous goods at 2130hrs local time yesterday after the 8,194 teu Charlotte Maersk had left Port Klang. "We can confirm that the captain on board Charlotte Maersk, currently off Port Klang in Malaysia, has reported a fire on the foredeck of the vessel," a Maersk spokesperson told Seatrade Asia Online. "The vessel has initiated fire fighting procedures. Our priority right now is to assist the vessel in extinguishing the fire and ensure the safety of the crew, vessel and cargo. We do not have any further details at this point." The Malaysian authorities are understood to have sent fire fighting vessels to the help put out the fire on the Charlotte Maersk. There are no reports of any injuries to crew members or pollution. The vessel's engines and thrusters are understood remain operational. [08/07/10]