The HMM Platinum tanker, sailing under the Liberian flag, is seeking refuge off the coast of South Africa. The ship, with a capacity of 5,593 TEU, caught fire while en route from Kattupalli, India, to Santos, Brazil. The fire reportedly occurred in one of the containers near the shores of Madagascar.
Details of the fire and damages
According to reports, damage specialist attorney W.E. Cox stated that the ship is currently carrying approximately 2,300 containers and it is likely that the damages to the ship and cargo are substantial. Salvage experts, SMIT, have been appointed under the "Lloyd’s Open Form" (LOF) conditions to assist the vessel, and there is a possibility of declaring a "general average".
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Change of course and refuge location
Initially, the ship was expected to head to the port of Durban and arrive there on October 8. However, the latest advisory regarding the incident indicates that other options are being considered, and the port of Gqeberha, previously known as Port Elizabeth, has been identified as a potential refuge.
Additionally, a notice from cargo claims specialist WK Webster identified the location of the fire near Lavanono, close to the southern tip of Madagascar, and stated that some of the cargo is temperature-sensitive. This could have serious implications for the cargo and the companies involved.
Therefore, the status of the HMM Platinum and the impacts resulting from the fire are related not only to the cargo situation but also to the supply chain and maritime trade. Given the importance of this vessel in international shipping, tracking its developments in the coming days seems essential.
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