Fire in cargo hold container ship Maersk Kensington

Fire in cargo hold container ship Maersk Kensington

OMAN - Yesterday, Thursday, March 16, fire broke out on the Maersk Kensington container ship.

The fire raged in the cargo hold while the ship was on its way from Salalah, Oman, towards Suez.

All 26 crew members are safe and the fire is now extinguished, Maersk reports Friday.

When the fire broke out in one of the containers, immediate safety measures were taken. The crew reacted very alert and according to procedure by releasing CO2 into the cargo hold to control the fire.

The cause of the fire is still unknown. However, an initial investigation shows that there is no connection between the fire in the Maersk Kensington cargo hold and the fire that broke out on the Maersk Honam on 6 March. An extensive investigation will take place together with the authorities.

The Maersk Kensington is currently anchored outside the port of Salalah and receives assistance from the Coast Guard.

The ship transports 3518 containers (corresponding to 5616 TEU).

The Maersk Kensington was built in 2007. It has a capacity of 6188 TEU and sails under the American flag.