If you have insured cargo on board the following vessels and would like us to assist you in pursuing any claims arising from these incidents (or any similar cases), or if you require assistance in providing GA or salvage guarantees, please contact us as soon as possible.
Date: 31st January 2019 Type: Fire Voyage: China/Singapore/Sri Lanka/India;
*****UPDATE 11 FEBRUARY 2019*****
APL VANCOUVER, which has suffered a major fire on board, is presently at Phan Rang Bay, Vietnam.
Salvors, Ardent, have been contracted by the Shipowners on a Lloyd’s Open Form (LOF) salvage contract.
It is understood that the fire has largely been brought under control. However, there is cargo damage as a result of the fire and fire-fighting water.
The fire reportedly started in hold number 7. Cargo damage is most severe in bays 50 and 57 on deck. There are suggestions of a fuel leak, although it is not clear whether this was the cause of the fire.
At the moment, salvage services are still on going. It is expected that the vessel will proceed to Singapore after she leaves Vietnam.
Before the cargoes on board can be delivered, cargo insurers will be expected to provide Salvage security. The Shipowners have also declared General Average, and therefore cargo insurers will also be expected to provide General Average security.
Security demands will be circulated by Albatross Adjusters in Cyprus. Salvors are represented by Hill Dickinson in Singapore and APL are represented by Reed Smith in London.
*****INITIAL REPORT*****
Reports have been received that a fire broke out yesterday on board Singapore flag vessel APL VANCOUVER (109,712gt, built 2013).
The vessel has deviated to Vietnamese waters and anchored. It is understood fire-fighting operations are underway.
No injuries have been reported. The fire appears to have started in cargo on the deck of the vessel. This is the second major containership fire this year, after YANTIAN EXPRESS caught fire in January.
APL VANCOUVER is on a voyage from Shekou to Singapore. She had previously called at Chiwan, Nansha, Hong Kong, Xiamen and Shanghai. After Singapore, she is destined for ports in Sri Lanka and India.
