General Average declared on fire hit Yantian Express

Alliance partner Ocean Network Express (ONE) said in an advisory to customers that General Average had been formally declared by the vessel’s owners as result of the deck fire on the Yantian Express and resulting firefighting efforts.

Starting in a single container, on 3 January in the Atlantic, the fire spread to other boxes and the crew was forced to abandon the vessel with it taking a week to largely contain and bring the blaze under control.

Under a declaration of General Average all cargo interests will be required to contribute to fund to the costs of preserving the vessel before cargo can be released.

“In conjunction with declaring General Average, the owners will appoint Average Adjusters. The Average Adjusters will be responsible for coordinating the collection of General Average securities and all documentation required from parties with interest in cargo, containers, vessel, and fuel. Cargo interests (or their insurance companies) should plan to contact the Average Adjusters directly once they are appointed,” ONE said.

The Yantian Express is currently be sailed by salvors Smit under tug escort to Freeport in the Bahamas.

Read more: Fire hit Yantian Express sailing to Freeport, Bahamas