Casualty News
HMM PLATINUM
Type
Fire / LOF Salvage
Voyage
Kattupalli, India / Santos, Brazil
Casualty date: Late September / Early October 2026 (exact date unconfirmed)
Reports have been received that the HMM PLATINUM suffered a fire in a container while sailing in the Indian Ocean, off the southern coast of Madagascar, during her voyage from Kattupalli, India, to Santos, Brazil.
It is understood that the vessel was carrying approximately 2,300 containers at the time of the incident. The extent of damage to the vessel and cargo remains unknown.
Professional salvors SMIT have reportedly been appointed under Lloyd’s Open Form (LOF) terms. The vessel was initially reported to be heading towards Durban, South Africa, as a port of refuge. However, subsequent reports indicate that an alternative port is being sought, with Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) under consideration.
The vessel had previously called at Qingdao, Busan, Ningbo, Shenzhen and Singapore before departing Kattupalli, India, for Santos, Brazil.
Salvage security will be required from cargo interests before the cargo can be forwarded or released.
General Average may also be declared, in which case separate General Average security may be required.
Dolphin Maritime has many years of experience dealing with claims arising from container vessel fires. If you are the insurers of cargo on board this vessel and require assistance with any claims arising, please do not hesitate to contact us. We can assist with:
- Arranging cargo damage surveys
- Investigating the cause of the incident
- Provision of Average Guarantees
- Provision of Salvage Guarantees (from a premium of 0.50% of the guarantee amount)
- Recovery of losses on NO CURE NO PAY terms
- Defence of General Average claims on NO CURE NO PAY terms
- Representing cargo insurers in relation to LOF Salvage Claims