Firefighters in the port were trying to extinguish a blaze aboard the 6,350-TEU MOL Prosperity that has been burning since Thursday. The Malaysian carrier MISC Berhad posted a note to customers on its Web site Friday reporting the fire.
“It is with much regret to inform that a fire breakout recently (cargo hold) on one (New World Alliance) vessel of EU6 service after vessel sailed from (Hong Kong),” the note said. “Vessel is now returning back to Hong Kong for further checking and investigation and details on the caused has not been identified. Vessel is still not able to berth until the fire is completely extinguished. Hong Kong Fire service department is still undergoing firefighting process. Under current condition, vessel is expected to delay and MISC is still waiting further information from vessel owner.”
The ship, built in 2006, initially caught fire outside of Hong Kong but steamed into port to get assistance, according to reports.
An inquiry to MOL about the incident was not returned at the time of writing. There were no details about casualties, if any, or how many containers the ship was carrying. According to a Containerisation International report Monday, MOL advised that the situation has been stabilized and the ship and crew were not in danger, although the ship is still on fire.
According to ComPair Data, the ship was deployed on an Asia/Europe service (the EU M, or MED as marketed by MOL) jointly operated by the carriers in the New World and Grand alliances. It is the only MOL ship deployed on the service.
