An APL containership that suffered a fire in one of its cargo holds while off Vietnam is now said to be en route to Singapore.
The 9,200-teu APL Vancouver (built 2013) was cleared for departure on 12 February following inspection by the salvage team and class surveyor.
“Additional safety measures have been provided for its voyage to Singapore, including an escort tug,” APL said in an update.
“The incident has been brought to an end with swift emergency response by its crew and immediate salvage operations that were activated,” it added.
APL said all crew onboard have remained safe and that no pollution has resulted from the situation. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident.
The APL Vancouver was en route from China to Singapore, Sri Lanka and India when a fire broke out in the vessel’s cargo hold seven on 31 January 2019.
Preliminary information is that about 4,515 containers were stowed onboard the vessel at the time.
General average was declared earlier this month after the appointment of Cyprus-based Albatross Adjusters.
“Rather substantial damage to the cargo and containers as a result of the fire and contact with water are anticipated and the extent of the damage is under investigation,” Albatross Adjusters said.
