Recent Ship Fires: A Reminder Of Insurance And Compliance Needs
A recent spate of ship fires and incidents serve as a timely reminder of the importance of both adequate cargo insurance and correct dangerous goods declarations.
This week, a major fire erupted aboard the MV Wan Hai 503 containership in the Arabian Sea, off India’s southwest coast. While the Indian Coast Guard managed to rescue 18 of the 22 crew members, four are still missing.
The ship was carrying hazardous materials, including around 150 containers of IMCO classes 3, 4.1 and 6.1, as well as 100 tonnes of bunker oil.
This follows another major incident in the same region last month, when the containership ‘MSC Elsa 3’ sank, leaking oil and hazardous cargo. The vessel had developed a severe list following harsh monsoon weather conditions.
And just last week, the car carrier ‘Morning Midas’, which was transporting nearly 3,000 vehicles off the coast of Alaska, was abandoned by crew after a major fire broke on board. Lithium batteries – dangerous goods class 9 – are suspected to be the probable cause.
These events emphasise the risks for crew and cargo aboard commercial ships. Carriers and logistics providers are protected by terms and conditions, which limit their liability, making adequate cargo insurance essential.
Additionally, several major incidents during recent years, involving misdeclared or incorrectly packed dangerous goods, have led to authorities tightening regulations.
Should you have any doubts about the insurance cover you have in place, or whether you are complying with dangerous goods regulations, then please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Envío team for expert advice.
