An investigation is taking place into two fires that broke out in containers on a Zeaborn-managed post-panamax off China.
The German company told TradeWinds the first blaze took place on the 5,754-teu ER Kobe (built 2001) on 13 February as it headed from Haiphong in Vietnam to Qingdao in China.
This occurred in three boxes on deck that were loaded with charcoal.
"The crew reacted quickly and prudently and brought the fire under control," Zeaborn said.
The vessel was diverted to Hong Kong, where all containers concerned were safely unloaded under close supervision of a salvage company, local authorities and fire experts.
The ship then continued its journey towards China, when another three containers caught fire while approaching the port of Shanghai.
Again, the fire was extinguished due to the professional and effective actions taken by the crew, Zeaborn said.
"At no time during the events was there any immediate risk for our valued seafarers or the vessel. No one was injured, crew are safe and there was no environmental pollution or any damage to the vessel at any time," it added.
Safely anchored
The ship is now safe at Luhuashan anchorage where all remaining 43 containers loaded with charcoal have been safely discharged.
The vessel will shift to the Waigaqiao terminal later on Friday.
Zeaborn said: "The detailed investigation of the cargo damage and the claims handling is ongoing. All actions are taken in close coordination with charterer, agents, P&I and port authorities."
The vessel will have an adjusted schedule when it gets underway again, the company added.
