Priority now the vessel’s return to service

The fire-fighting teams aboard the Maersk Kampala have succeeded in putting out the fire aboard the Maersk Kampala. Some smoke continues to come from some of the containers that had fire but will stop eventually with continued spraying by the tugs and flooding by the fire-fighting teams. Maersk Line says operational planning is now the priority, including port selection, contingency planning for cargo as well as the vessel’s eventual return to service.

Maersk Kampala

(Image Source: Maersk Line)

The fire on board Maersk Kampala began on 28th August while the vessel was heading north towards the Suez Canal. As a result of weather conditions the fire spread to several more containers and fire fighting tugs could not get close enough to have maximum effect, but fire was contained in the two foremost bays.

On September 4th, Maersk Line announced that fire aboard the vessel had been put out.

Get more background information of the Maersk Kampala blaze in the Safety4Sea articles