The fire-damaged Maersk Honam – now fully repaired and re-christened Maersk Halifax – started its maiden voyage yesterday (Wednesday), departing Qingdao China en-route to Busan, South Korea.
The Danish-owned Maersk Group said in a statement that the ship had been rebuilt at South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries and was delivered at the start of the month.
The vessel was badly damaged by a fire which broke out onboard in March last year. It was towed to Jebel Ali for the discharge of the remaining cargo and clearance of debris.
The Maersk Honam was probably one of the most horrific fires in recent years – in which five people lost their lives – but global corporate insurance company, Allianz, has highlighted that the maritime industry’s struggles with containership fires is escalating.
“There are a number of issues driving container ship fire exposures, including the adequacy of fire-fighting capabilities, ongoing problems with misdeclaration of cargo, salvage challenges and how long it can take to access ports of refuge,” said an Allianz spokesperson.
