Casualty News
MARIE MAERSK
Date
August 13, 2025
Type
Container fire on deck
Voyage
Netherlands / Malaysia
Reports have been received that MV Marie Maersk experienced a container fire on deck while sailing off the coast of Liberia on the morning of 13 August 2025. The crew detected smoke arising from containers onboard and promptly initiated emergency firefighting procedures. All crew members remain safe aboard, and propulsion, steering, and navigational systems remain unaffected. The vessel is reported to be stable.
It is understood that Maersk has engaged Dutch salvage company Smit for assistance. Firefighting tugs are en route, and the vessel has been diverted toward the Liberian coast to facilitate rapid access to land-based support. The full extent of cargo damage remains unknown, and monitoring of the situation is ongoing.
In addition to potential cargo damage, claims for salvage and general average are likely to arise.
Prompt notification and securing of general average guarantee may become necessary as the situation develops.
If you are the cargo insurers for goods on board this vessel and require assistance the any claims arising, then please do not hesitate to contact us. We can assist with:
Arranging cargo damage surveys
Investigating the cause of the incident
Recovery of losses on NO CURE NO PAY terms
Provision of Salvage Guarantees (for a premium starting from 0.4% of guarantee amount)
Handling of Salvage claims (without the need for lawyers)
Providing Average Guarantees
Handling of GA claims
Defence of GA claims in NO CURE NO PAY terms