Maersk Kampala Containership on Fire Near the Suez [UPDATE]

Maersk Kampala file photo, taken 14 June 2007. Photo by Andrew McAlpine, via Maersk Line

Update: 30 August

Maersk Lines’s containership, Maersk Kampala is still on fire this morning according to a statement on Maersk Line’s website. The vessel is located south of the Suez Canal and the fire is limited to two containers in the foremost bays on deck.

Maersk notes the fire started at approximately 2100 local time on 28 August.

Tugs remain on scene providing fire-fighting support and an additional fire-fighting team is to arrive this afternoon.

Earlier report: 29 August

Maersk Line has confirmed their 6,802 TEU containership Maersk Kampala has caught fire in the vicinity of the Suez Canal today.

According to a Maersk Line statement on twitter, two containers are burning, however “the vessel is fully maneuverable, no injuries are reported.”

In an emailed statement, Maersk press officer Mikkel Linnet notes the two burning containers are in “within the foremost bays on deck. The vessel is fully maneuverable, but drifting south of the Suez Canal. ”

Over the past 14 months, five fires have broken out on board containerships around the world, nearly all of which have resulted in significant, or total loss of the vessel.

In July 2012, containers on board the MSC Flaminia caught fire and exploded in the mid-North Atlantic, killing 3.

In June 2013, a single container on board the Eugen Maersk caught fire near the entrance to the Suez, however the crew was able to extinguish the fire quickly.

In July 2013, the bow section of the MOL Comfort caught fire and ultimately sank with a total loss of all cargo.  That same month, the mixed cargo vessel Hansa Brandenburg caught fire off Mauritius resulting in significant damage to the cargo and the ship’s superstructure.

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