Hapag-Lloyd: Yantian Express Likely to Leave Freeport by Mid-May

The fire-stricken containership Yantian Express is likely to depart from Freeport, Bahamas during the first half of May 2019, according to German shipping major Hapag-Lloyd.

The repairs on the vessel are nearing completion and accordingly declaration of seaworthiness is expected shortly.

The company said that the ship’s departure is dependent on final technical approval of vessel class and refitting of hatch covers, after which Yantian Express would leave Freeport with the remaining cargo onboard.

The 7,506 TEU containership will then proceed to Halifax, Nova Scotia to deliver the containers. The exact date is currently unknown and will be confirmed once the company concludes forward schedule and terminal arrangements.

Hapag-Lloyd has urged all cargo interests to immediately provide the requested general average and salvage security to allow the remaining containers to be delivered with the aim of assisting the progress of vessel operational proceedings and salvage company approval.

“In spite of the fact that the deadline for submission has long expired, current status indicates that General Average and Salvage security has still not been posted for about one third of containers concerned.

As World Maritime News earlier reported, Yantian Express suffered a fire while sailing in the North Atlantic, some 650 nautical miles off the Canadian coast, on January 4.

In February, the boxship berthed in Freeport, Bahamas, to undergo the evaluation process and prepare for cargo discharge. Around 200 containers have been identified as a total loss.