Further to previous Casualty Advice and Update, Hapag-Lloyd have reported that the container fire on the vessel YANTIAN EXPRESS, WHICH started on 3rd January, has been brought under control.
Whilst the crew of the vessel had been evacuated to salvage tug SMIT NICOBAR, five transferred back to YANTIAN EXPRESS on Wednesday evening.
The vessel is currently being towed at “slow speed” by the tug MAERSK MOBILISER towards the Port of Halifax, although no formal ETA has yet been set. A third ocean tug is expected to join the venture around 13th January to assist in the towage operation.
Although Hapag-Lloyd advised that it was not yet possible to make any detailed assessment of damage to the vessel or its cargo, partner Ocean Network Express (ONE) offered the following advisory to customers:
“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 &/or damage caused by firefighting water”.
It added that damage caused by smoke, heat &/or firefighting in adjacent areas was possible and that all reefers in Bays 1 – 24 were without power and switched off.
If W E Cox Claims Group can be of any assistance in arranging surveys, appointing fire experts, adjusting potential losses, providing Salvage and/or General Average Security, or undertaking recovery action please do not hesitate to contact us.
As appropriate, please contact:
United Kingdom – Paul Friett cargoclaims@w-e-cox.co.uk
Hong Kong – Wendy Lee wendy@ceemis.com.hk
Singapore – Paul Sansom psansom@w-e-cox.com.sg
USA – Charles Droll cdroll@w-e-cox.com
Australia – Robert Hammersley rhammersley@w-e-cox.com.au
If this or future casualty notices should be forwarded to any of your colleagues, we would be pleased to receive their contact details and we will add them to our Client List.
