News / Fire in DG hold of Seaspan ship results in 300 boxes damaged

Zim Charleston Credit VesselFinder.

A fire aboard the Seaspan-owned Zim Charleston has seen the vessel held at the East Container Terminal, Colombo.

Fire broke out on the 8,586 teu containership on 8 August in cargo hold four as the ship was leaving Colombo. Damaged containers in the affected bays were discharged on 12 August.

A source at Zim told The Loadstar  “the incident is being handled by the owner”.

Insurance consultant WK Webster reports that the number of affected containers may be around 300 – the result of flames, heat and smoke and water damage caused by firefighting operations.

Seaspan said the fire happened under-deck, in a dangerous goods hold, and first response to the blaze was by the vessel’s crew.

Further investigations are being made by the local authorities at Columbo and there are no reports of any casualties.

Zim does not know yet whether the fire has caused any environmental damage or pollution to the surrounding area.