We reported previously that part of the 16-year-old Yantian Express the 7,510 TEU, 320m German-flagged ship of Hapag Lloyd went up in flames on the 3rd of Jan 2019 while on its way from Colombo to Halifax via the Suez Canal..
The container fire that broke out was largely contained and brought under control after one week through the launching of immediate fire-fighting efforts.. Since then, the remaining salvage operations have made considerable progress as per updates from Hapag-Lloyd..
Hapag-Lloyd reports that the responsible salvage master from the company Smit has decided to sail the “Yantian Express” on the 25th of Jan 2019, to the Port of Freeport (Bahamas)..
Once there, the recovery and assessment efforts of the cargo damage will proceed in a safer environment.. At present, the container ship is approximately 1250 nautical miles from the Bahamas and is expected to arrive in Freeport by next week..
The “Yantian Express” currently sails with its own machine and in tug escort so there is no issue of any engine failure etc..
Hapag-Lloyd and its salvors are however still unable to make a precise estimate of any damage to the “Yantian Express” or its cargo..
Hapag-Lloyd has advised that they are working in close cooperation with all relevant authorities and remain committed to updating all customers of the actions they are taking in this situation..
