A Hapag Lloyd containership ravaged by fire in January has finally arrived at its intended destination – the Canadian port of Halifax.
AIS data shows the 7,150-teu Yantian Express (built 2002) anchored in Bedford Basin ahead of discharge operations, which are due to start on Tuesday.
The vessel had departed Freeport in the Bahamas on 15 May 2019, where the ship has been held after salvage operations were completed in early February.
However, owners of containers aboard the German-flagged vessel still face a lengthy wait to take delivery of the much delayed cargo.
“Due to the complexity of the discharge operations in Halifax, it is expected that this alone, could take up to two weeks. Therefore, the focus of the operations in Halifax will be to expedite the delivery of cargo,” vessel operator Ocean Network Express (ONE) said in an update to clients.
“For those customers who have arranged salvage and general average security, cargo will be delivered in the usual way under the relevant contract of carriage.”
ONE said it was “working with relevant parties” to arrange for the on-carriage of containers to the destination beyond Halifax port.
However, it warned that any containers still without salvage and general average security posted, will “not be permitted to move beyond Halifax”.
“Cargo interests are fully responsible and liable for liable for all costs and charges associated with their cargo, such as freight, demurrage, general average security and salvage security,” it said.
Last week a London law firm called on shipowners, salvors, insurers, freight forwarders and others to work together to secure the speedy release of containers that have been stranded on the vessel.
TradeWinds reported that specialist cargo law firm Roose & Partners is seeking a bridging guarantee for non-damaged boxes on the Yantian Express.
A total of 202 containers were declared a total loss, according to general average and salvage adjusters Richards Hogg Lindley.
It also identified an additional 460 containers that were stored in the affected area that required inspection.
The Yantian Express was on its way from Colombo in Sri Lanka to Halifax via the Suez Canal, when the fire broke out.
