CMA CGM has declared General Average following a fire on the tanker CMA CGM Petra. This tanker arrived at Port Klang, Malaysia on September 11 and is currently under the management of the SMIT salvage team, with efforts ongoing to control the fire that started on August 22.
Details of the Fire and Current Status
The tanker CMA CGM Petra, with a capacity of 86,715 tons, is currently anchored at Port Klang and was previously en route to Kenya through the Strait of Malacca when it had to change course to Malaysia due to the fire. The fire was discovered in one of the cargo holds on August 22 while the tanker was 45 miles northwest of Penang. With the help of the salvage team and several fireboats, the crew managed to control the fire, and fortunately, no injuries to the crew have been reported.
Consequences and Safety Notes
Reports indicate that this incident was due to a defect in the cargo, and currently, 450 containers have been prepared for inspection in Malaysia. Given that the fire occurred in one of the cargo holds, it is likely that the containers in this area have been damaged by heat, smoke, as well as water or chemical extinguishing agents. CMA CGM has signed the standard Lloyd's salvage contract, which is considered the first step towards General Average, and has also stated that it will utilize a professional salvage team.
This fire is recognized as the latest incident in a series of high-profile events, emphasizing the ongoing hazards for vessels. The Maritime Transport Council recently published statistics showing that one in every ten cargo inspections reveals deficiencies. The council has also called for stricter regulations regarding the transport of lithium batteries, following tighter regulations for coal transport.
Reports indicate that this is the second fire in the past 12 months that CMA CGM has experienced in the Strait of Malacca. Previously, a fire was recorded on CMA CGM J. Madison in August 2025. Loss consultants WK Webster indicate that the fire on CMA CGM Petra occurred shortly after a fire was reported on September 4 on Maersk Lanco near Brazil. This vessel, with a capacity of 8,700 TEU, arrived at port on September 11 and marks the fourth fire on container ships in 2026.
New statistics from insurer Allianz show that, on average, a fire occurs on container ships every 17 days.
Read more: New Fuel Management with Bank Cards at Fuel Stations Begins · Explosion of Super Tanker Algaya in the South of the Strait of Hormuz Due to Collision with a Sea Mine
