Fire In Container Underdeck Onboard Vessel Maersk Kensington, All Crew Safe

The Maersk Kensington, a vessel owned and operated by our U.S. subsidiary Maersk Line, Limited (MLL), reported a container on fire in a cargo hold while en route from Salalah, Oman, towards Suez. All 26 crew members are safe and accounted for and the fire is reported to be contained.

Madrid Maersk at Felixstowe's Berth 8 photographed by Captain Prithvi Singh, SCS pilot at HHA
Image for representation purpose only 

Safety measures were taken immediately. The crew reacted swiftly and as per procedure, by release of CO2 into the cargo hold to contain the fire.

The cause of the container fire is currently unknown. However, initial investigation indicate there is no link between the cargo in the cargo hold where the fire began on Maersk Kensington and the cargo in the cargo hold which caught fire on Maersk Honam on 6 March 2018. MLL, in coordination with Maersk Line, will investigate the matter thoroughly in cooperation with all relevant authorities.

Maersk Kensington is currently at anchor outside the port of Salalah, and is getting assistance from shore. The vessel is carrying 3518 containers (corresponding to 5616 TEU). In case of cargo delays all impacted customers will be contacted directly.

Maersk Kensington was built in 2007. It has a nominal capacity of 6188 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit), and sails under U.S. flag.

Press Release: maerskline.com

Latest Shipping News You Would Like:

Get the Latest Maritime News Delivered to Your Inbox!

Our free, fast, and fun newsletter on the global maritime industry, delivered everyday.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *