Fire-stricken Höegh Xiamen declared constructive total loss

The 2010-built car carrier Höegh Xiamen, which was hit by a major fire in early June, while in Jacksonville, USA, has been declared a constructive total loss, Ocean Yield, the ship’s owner said.

The 12,250 dwt vehicle carrier was employed on a bareboat contract to Höegh Autoliners.

“Ocean Yield expects to receive insurance proceeds in Q3 2020 of about $26 million, which is close to the book value of the vessel. The net cash proceeds after repayment of debt related to the vessel will be about $8 million,” the company said in a statement.

The fire broke out on June 4, 2020, shortly after the vessel had completed loading operations at Blount Island Marine Terminal, Jacksonville.

Firefighters with Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and specialist marine firefighters with Resolve Marine Group managed to extinguish the fire on June 12.

Nine firefighters were injured during the incident. There were no reports of injury to the 21 crew members that were on board the vessel at the time.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.