Maersk’s Ultra-Large Containership Resumes Journey After Container Fire

The containership Marie Maersk has resumed sailing after being stranded at sea for almost two weeks due to a container fire. Maersk confirmed that the fire has been contained and the vessel is safe to continue its journey.

The 19,000-TEU vessel had been lying off the west coast of Liberia since August 13, when smoke was first detected coming from containers. The ship was moved closer to the coast so firefighting equipment could be delivered, and it spent a week in the area before proceeding around the western coast of Africa.

On Friday, August 22, a supply vessel reached the Marie Maersk with additional firefighting gear. The equipment was transferred on board the next day, Saturday, August 23.

Three tugboats and a platform supply vessel equipped with firefighting systems also assisted in the containment. According to reports, one water-flooded container continued to show high temperatures but remained under control.

Maersk released photographs from August 22 showing the vessel heavily laden, with no visible signs of external fire damage to the containers. The company confirmed that all machinery, steering, and navigational equipment are fully operational and that the ship remains stable. The crew is also safe.

After inspections of the affected areas and consultations with authorities and classification societies, officials decided on Sunday, August 24, that the vessel could resume its eastbound voyage around the Cape of Good Hope. Its declared destination is Cape Town, South Africa, although Maersk said the next port of call is still under review.

The vessel’s original routing included Malaysia and China. The company said that an intermediate stop might be arranged to handle damaged containers and reduce disruption across its network.

External firefighting teams will remain on board throughout the voyage. Maersk said “special measures” are in place to ensure the safe continuation of the journey. The company has not provided details about the location of the affected containers or the type of cargo involved.

The Marie Maersk, built in 2013, is one of the largest container vessels in the world. It measures 399 meters in length and 59 meters in width, with a nominal capacity of 19,076 TEU.

Source: Maritime Shipping News