Casualty News

CMA CGM PETRA

Date
August 23, 2026

Type
Cargo hold fire

Further to our earlier advisory below concerning the fire on board CMA CGM PETRA, we understand that the shipowners have now declared General Average and appointed Albatross Adjusters Limited as the Average Adjuster.

The vessel is presently at Port Klang, Malaysia, where approximately 450 containers are being discharged for inspection. General Average security will be required from cargo interests before their cargo can be released.

For cargo insurers with interests on board, early action is now important. Dolphin Maritime can assist to coordinate the General Average and cargo damage aspects of the claim through one point of contact, including arranging the required guarantees, appointing surveyors and protecting recovery rights.

We have extensive experience handling major containership casualties, including fire, General Average claims, and can assist cargo insurers from the initial security stage through to final adjustment and recovery.

If you insure cargo on board CMA CGM PETRA, we can assist immediately with:

• Arranging Average Guarantees to facilitate release of cargo
• Coordinating cargo surveys at Port Klang and subsequent destinations
• Reviewing and defending General Average claims on NO CURE NO PAY terms
• Protecting rights of recovery against potentially responsible parties
• Recovery of losses on NO CURE NO PAY terms

If you have any insured interest on board CMA CGM PETRA, please contact us and we can advise on the immediate steps required.

Reports have been received that CMA CGM PETRA suffered a fire in one of its cargo holds while sailing through the Strait of Malacca towards Lamu, Kenya on 23 August 2026.  

It is understood that professional salvors were engaged to assist with firefighting and salvage operations. No crew injuries or pollution have been reported. The fire has subsequently been reported as contained, although salvage operations are continuing.

Latest reports indicate that the vessel remains in waters off Penang, Malaysia. As at 1 September 2026, the vessel had not berthed and its scheduled call at Colombo had been missed. General Average has not presently been declared. Industry reports further indicate that the shipowners have entered into a Lloyd’s Open Form salvage agreement, although we have not seen confirmation of this in a subsequent CMA CGM customer advisory.

The vessel’s last port of call before the accident was Singapore. Prior to Singapore, the vessel had called at Qingdao and Nansha in China. Cargo loaded at Qingdao, Nansha and Singapore for East African destinations may therefore be affected. The vessel was proceeding on the KILIMA service towards Colombo, Lamu, Mombasa and Dar es Salaam.

As professional salvors have been engaged, claims for salvage are expected to arise. General Average may also be declared. Cargo may also have suffered fire, heat, smoke and/or firefighting water damage.

Photography courtesy of MarineTraffic