KMTC CONTAINER SHIP SUFFERS FIRE OFF MALAYSIA

The 2,778 TEU container ship KMTC Shenzhen experienced a fire off Port Klang in Malaysia on 12 August, according to the UK insurance company WK Webster.

Photo: KMTC Shenzhen. Source: Jabatn Laut Malyasia (Facebook)

It is reported that at least three fire-fighting tugs were deployed to assist in the fire incident, in conjunction with the local fire brigade, which was brought under control within two hours.

The 2013-built boxship had 18 crew members and 1,189 containers onboard, but no injuries have been reported at the time of writing.

WK Webster noted that nine boxes located in the forward section of the vessel are reported to have been affected by the fire. "Other cargo stowed in the vicinity of the fire may be affected by heat, smoke and/or wet damage as a consequence of the fire-fighting operation," added the company.

The container vessel seems to be operated by Taiwanese ocean carrier TS Lines.

Writer: Antonis Karamalegkos