Discover the Msc-Dubai-Vii: Ratings & Maritime News

On March 24, the APL Austria departed from Ngquara following the unloading of her cargo. The vessel made its way to Durban, docking at berth 104 of the New Pier Container Terminal on March 27. The ship is slated for extensive repairs, expected to last up to one month, due to the fire damage it incurred near Jeffrey’s Bay. This unfortunate incident had previously compelled the APL Austria to take refuge in Ngqura harbour. For images related to the incident, visit: http://africaports.co.za/2017/03/30/africa-news/#pic

A fire that broke out aboard the APL Austria is now believed to have been triggered by calcium hypochlorite, a chemical commonly used in chlorine production. The incident occurred on February 12 while the vessel was navigating near Jefferies Bay, west of Port Elizabeth. Crew members detected smoke emanating from containers in hold number 4, prompting an immediate report of the unfolding situation. The ship was subsequently directed to seek refuge in Algoa Bay, where tugboats from either Port Elizabeth or Ngqura were poised to assist in quelling the blaze. Despite efforts to extinguish the flames, the situation escalated, leading authorities to advise the APL Austria to dock at Ngqura Port. This strategic maneuver allowed local firefighting teams to engage directly and facilitated the removal of affected containers, which were essential for accessing the fire's origin. After successfully transferring multiple containers ashore, firefighters managed to bring the inferno under control and eventually extinguished it. In the aftermath of the fire, fire department officials, port authorities, and representatives from the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) initiated a thorough investigation. Their inquiries revealed that calcium hypochlorite, which was stowed within the ship’s hold, was responsible for the fire. Alarmingly, the vessel's manifest failed to disclose the presence of this hazardous chemical, leaving the crew unwittingly unaware of its storage on board. Currently, the APL Austria remains docked as investigators continue to probe the incident. Additionally, ship repair teams are working diligently to address damage inflicted on the hatch covers due to fire and heat exposure. The implications of this incident serve as a critical reminder of the importance of accurate cargo documentation and safety protocols in maritime operations.

The APL Austria continues to remain at the Ngqura port as efforts to clear the vessel progress. Mop-up operations are actively taking place, although no definitive timeline has been provided for their completion. Captain Daron Burgess, a technical adviser with the South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa), mentioned that the investigation into the cause of the fire is still ongoing, with no conclusions drawn yet. Currently, 62 containers are still housed in cargo hold No. 4 and await discharge once it is deemed safe for entry. Weather conditions have played a significant role, as container unloading was halted on February 25 due to strong winds. The containers sustained considerable damage, posing challenges to the retrieval process. Initial estimates suggest the damage to the ship could reach into the millions of US dollars.