Damaged containers onboard Hapag Lloyd’s fire-hit Yantian Express have yet to be discharged, despite the ship being alongside in Freeport, Bahamas, for over two weeks.
The port authority is still said to be “monitoring the preparation of the site” and is yet to give final approval to start discharge operations.
Freeport was designated exclusively to receive the distressed containers for reasons of security, health, safety and environmental considerations.
However, approval is expected to be received in “the next few days” according to an update to clients by Ocean Network Express (ONE).
“We are in close contact with the local authorities to be able to start discharging of the distressed containers soonest,” ONE said.
“We hope to receive permission to commence this operation shortly and based on the information currently available, we expect the discharge to take approximately two months.”
ONE said with regards to containers unaffected by the fire incident, and that are in a dry and sound condition, it was “currently exploring the options” and will advise clients further on this aspect “as soon as feasible”.
The 7,150-teu boxship containership (built 2002) suffered a blaze on 3 January off Canada, but was eventually able to berth in Freeport on 4 February.
“We regret the inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding in this regard,” ONE added.
A total of 198 containers are likely to be declared a total loss, according to general average and salvage adjusters Richards Hogg Lindley.
It has also identified an additional 460 containers that were stored in the affected area that require inspection.
