Hapag-Lloyd say Yantian Express fire brought under control

Working with salvage company Smit the fire, which started in a single container and spread, has been largely contained and brought under control according to Hapag-Lloyd.

While the crew of the vessel was evacuated to the salvage tug Smit Nicobar five transferred back to the Yantian Express on Wednesday evening.

The Yantian Express is currently being towed at “slow speed” by the tug Maersk Mobilser to the Port of Halifax and remains about 800 nm off the coast of Canada. A third ocean tug is expected to arrive around 13 January to assist in the towage operation.

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While Hapag-Lloyd said it was not possible to make a precise to any damage to the vessel or its cargo more details were provided by partner Ocean Network Express (ONE).

“Based on current available information, we have to assume that all cargo in bay 12 on deck and forward is directly affected by the fire, as well as all cargo in Hold 1 (Bay 1 to 9). Furthermore, we have to expect that all cargo in Hold 2 (Bay 11 to 17) is affected by fire, smoke and / or damage caused by firefighting water,” ONE said in an advisory to customers.

It added that damage caused by smoke, heat and/or firefighting in adjacent areas was possible and that all reefers in Bays 1 – 24 were without power and switched off.