HMM Containership Heading to Port of Refuge Due to Container Fire

The HMM containership HMM Platinum is displaying a message of “restricted manoeuvrability” on its AIS transmission as the vessel approaches South Africa. The insurance claims consultants are reporting that the vessel suffered a container fire while crossing the Indian Ocean and is currently heading to a port of refuge.

The extent of the damage is unknown, but the reports indicate the vessel, which has a capacity of 5,023 TEU, is seeking to make a stop in South Africa. Its AIS shows a destination of Durban with an ETA of October 11, but both WE Claims Group and Dolphin Maritime & Aviation Services are reporting that alternates are being explored. The reports suggest the vessel might proceed to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), possibly due to the congestion and delays at Durban.

The 63,000 dwt ship departed Kattupalli International Container Terminal in India on September 27 and was scheduled to proceed on a month-long crossing to Santos, Brazil. WE Cox, is reporting that there are 2,300 TEU aboard, with all the consultants warning that there could be heat, smoke, or water damage to containers located near the source of the fire.

The vessel was built in 2013 and is registered in Liberia. Its AIS signal shows it moving at a speed of 6.5 knots on October 12 as it approaches South Africa. SMIT has reportedly been appointed to organize the salvage operation, and the ship appears to be traveling accompanied by a tug.

It is unclear if the fire has been totally extinguished. Based on the reports, the fire began while the ship was south of Lavanono, Madagascar, around the beginning of the month.

The reports again highlight the persistent danger to vessels from container fires. Data from commercial insurer Allianz in June shows a containership fire occurred every 17 days on average in 2025. The World Shipping Council said the information underscored the persistent risk that misdeclared and undeclared dangerous goods pose to seafarers, shipping, and global supply chains.

“Fires on large vessels, including containerships and car carriers, remain a major concern. There were more than 200 reported fire incidents during 2025, down from 2024, but still representing the second-highest total over the past decade,” reported Allianz based on claim data. Fires and explosions were the second-highest cause of casualties, following mechanical failures on vessels.

Misdeclared cargo, Allianz warns, is a leading fire contributor. Its analysis of claims showed cargo, such as batteries or chemicals, remains a major contributor to containership fires – a quarter of cargo-related incidents, according to reports. Allianz said failure to properly declare, document, and pack such hazardous cargo can result in containers being stowed inappropriately or hamper firefighting efforts.

In 2025, a catastrophic fire was believed to have started in a container and resulted in a months-long struggle and the loss of a Wan Hai ship. There were many smaller incidents, such as several reported on Maersk vessels in 2025 and the fire on the ONE Henry while docked in California, that, while contained, still demonstrated the ongoing challenge to ships.

HMM is reporting that the cause of the fire on HMM Platinum will be investigated once the ship reaches its port of refuge.