Fire on X-Press Pearl boxship ‘contained considerably’

Sri Lanka’s authorities are hoping to avert the complete break-up of the 2,700 teu feeder ship X-Press Pearl, stating today that the eight-day fire on the container ship had been “contained considerably”.

As the Sri Lankan authorities begin to clean up chemical debris and assess pollution from the eight-day blaze, the fire has decayed although flames are still visible and smoke still emerging from the Singapore-flagged, 2021-built, 2,700 teu feeder ship, anchored off Colombo. 

Insurers are bracing for a constructive total loss on the hull as well as a hefty pollution payout.

Bad weather disrupted the salvage but conditions improved on Friday, helping tugs and the Sri Lankan navy spray the ship. A team of six firefighters is travelling to the site, Lloyd’s List Intelligence reports.

Sri Lanka’s government said police, environment and conservation authorities started a special operation to remove chemical and other debris from the sea on Thursday. Officials are inspecting the coastline from Negombo in the north to Colombo in the south and removing daily debris washing up on the coast. 

“The fire has been contained considerably,” the Sri Lanka Ports Authority said. “Local authorities along with the assistance of the firefighters and salvors are engaging in assessing the impact of the incident and mitigating the possible environmental damage.

“All efforts are being taken to save the vessel and cargo and protect the marine environment, and it appears that the onboard fire has diminished somewhat.”

X-Press Pearl had 1,486 containers on board, loaded among other goods with nitric acid, other chemicals and cosmetics, and had 25 crew.

The ship’s operator X-Press Feeders said the ship had applied to Hazira Port in India and Hamad Port in Qatar to offload a container that was leaking nitric acid, but was told it lacked the specialist facilities and expertise. It said reports that ship had been denied entry to the two ports were incorrect.

The ship is entered with the London Club for P&I cover and the Swedish Club is lead hull insurer.

X-Press Feeders said a crew member, who was taken to a military hospital after testing positive for coronavirus, was classed as asymptomatic. The seafarer is recovering from a leg injury sustained when evacuating the vessel. 

“A second injured crew member continues to recover from his injuries in a local hospital,” the company said. “All other crew members remain in a Colombo quarantine facility and are in good health and are in contact with their families.”