A fire has been reported on board the Maersk Kensington while the 6,188 TEU containership was en route from Salalah, Oman, towards Suez, Maersk Line said.
As informed, the fire erupted in one of the containers in a cargo hold of the ship on March 16.
All 26 crew members are safe and accounted for and the fire is reported to be contained.
“Safety measures were taken immediately. The crew reacted swiftly and as per procedure, by releasing CO2 into the cargo hold to contain the fire,” Maersk Line said.
The company added that the cause of the fire is unknown, however, based on the initial investigation there seems to be no link between this fire and the one that broke out in the cargo hold of Maersk Honam on March 6, claiming five lives.
A full investigation into the matter is expected to ensue.
The containership is owned by Maersk Line’s U.S. subsidiary Maersk Line, Limited (MLL).
The U.S.-flagged Maersk Kensington is currently at anchor outside the port of Salalah and is getting assistance from shore.
The 2007-built vessel is carrying 3518 containers corresponding to 5,616 TEU, Maersk Line added.