The fire-damaged Yantian Express will sail to Halifax in Nova Scotia to discharge its remaining onboard containers, it has been confirmed.
The 7,150-teu containership (built 2002) is expected to depart Freeport in the Bahamas “during the first half of May 2019”, Ocean Network Express (ONE) said in an update to clients.
“Vessel repairs are now nearing completion and accordingly declaration of seaworthiness is expected shortly,” ONE said.
However, it said the final departure date was dependent on the final class approval and the refitting of hatch covers.
ONE also revealed that general average and salvage security has still not been posted for about one third of containers concerned, despite the fact that the deadline for submission has long expired.
“In order to assist progress of vessel operational proceedings and salvage company approval, we again encourage all cargo interests to immediately provide the requested general average and salvage security in order to allow the containers to be delivered,” ONE said.
The Yantian Express suffered a blaze on 3 January off Canada, but was eventually found a port of refuge in the Bahamas, berthing in Freeport on 4 February.
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 German-flagged vessel was on its way from Colombo in Sri Lanka to Halifax via the Suez Canal, when the fire broke out.
