Discover the Interasia-Catalyst: Ratings & Maritime News

On April 11, the 'Interasia Catalyst' was redirected to Port Klang after smoke was detected emanating from multiple containers on the ship's deck. The Selangor Fire & Rescue Department promptly responded, successfully extinguishing fires in six out of 11 affected containers. Their efforts intensified as they focused on two containers holding raw materials for yarn production and another containing plastic resin. In a collaborative response, four tugs were dispatched to assist in cooling down containers filled with sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate, while firefighters navigated the tight spaces between containers to mitigate the fire risks. By April 13, the fire had been completely extinguished. In the aftermath, officials from the Malaysian Marine Office, Port Klang, LPK, and a surveyor appointed by the shipowner conducted a thorough assessment onboard to evaluate the vessel's condition and the integrity of its cargo. Additionally, essential measures were implemented to prevent any potential pollution from the incident.

As of April 11, the intense fire on the 'Interasia Catalyst' continues to rage, marking its fourth day of disturbances. Over 50 individuals are engaged in this urgent operation, including crews from the Fire and Rescue Department, Marine Police, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, and the elite Paskal unit of the Royal Malaysian Navy. The incident involves various containers carrying goods such as wooden furniture, yarn, and plastics. However, three of the containers, which are loaded with sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate—a hazardous material used in combating algal and fungal pests—remain unopened and are currently under cooling processes to prevent further incidents. Firefighters have successfully extinguished flames affecting five containers, while operations to tackle blazes in three additional containers continue. Additionally, plans are underway to examine six adjacent containers to assess potential damage. The 'Nautica Tg. Puteri 25' is stationed at the site to assist with the ongoing efforts. For more details and visuals, visit the full report here: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2021/04/11/firemen-battle-blaze-on-container-ship-for-4th-day/

On April 5, 2021, a fire broke out aboard the 'Interasia Catalyst' while navigating the Andaman Sea, resulting in 11 containers igniting on the deck. The vessel, which departed from Port Klang at 1 a.m. on April 4, was bound for Cochin before turning back later that same day due to the incident. The 'Interasia Catalyst' returned to Port Klang on April 7 at 7 a.m., and upon arrival, was instructed to anchor at Pintu Gedong, positioned at 02° 48.79' N 101° 16.45' E, ensuring a safe distance from other vessels. Four tugboats were promptly deployed to combat the fire, initially focusing on cooling the deck to prevent further escalation while enabling the Fire Department to develop an effective extinguishing strategy. Of the deployed tugs, two were engaged in active firefighting, spraying water continuously, while the remaining pair stood by for operational support. A total of 17 personnel from the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department, alongside teams from Westport and Northport Fire Departments, were mobilized to manage the situation. The blaze predominantly affected approximately eight containers stacked four-high, with firefighters gaining access to several units to extinguish the flames within. A total of 35 containers were impacted, although the full extent of damages remains undetermined. By April 10, the tugs 'Kst Success' and 'Nautica Tg. Puteri 2' were on site, with cranes and rescue boats set to assist in operations by April 11. For more details accompanied by imagery, refer to the report at: https://www.hmetro.com.my/mutakhir/2021/04/693309/kontena-terbakar-kapal-berpatah-balik.