We refer to our previous communication of 7 March 2018 in respect of the fire onboard the vessel “Maersk Honam” 806W.

The fire extinguishing operations are still on-going and Messrs. Smit Salvage and Ardent have now taken over the Salvage operations at Maersk Line’s request.

Maersk Line has not yet confirmed when and where their vessel will be berthed and discharged, but they expect these operations to result in high extraordinary costs and notified their customers and MSC MEDITERRANEAN SHIPPING COMPANY SA (MSC) of their decision to declare General Average.

Richards Hogg Lindley (RHL), London has been appointed as their General Adjuster and they notified us of their intention to keep all containers, including MSC’s containers, under their control until security arrangements have been made with the Average Adjusters, both for General Average and Salvage.

We are sorry for this development but you will find in the attachments an explanatory note from RHL on the next steps to be taken, copies of the required pro-forma bonds, guarantee and cash deposit forms. Further information in respect of Salvage security documents will be provided by RHL as soon as possible, together with more details on the process.

In the light of these recent developments, we kindly invite you to contact your insurance company to notify them of the situation so that your cargo can be released without delay.

We have not received any reliable information regarding the condition of your cargo, but we will be sure to inform you after we are notified.

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this incident may cause to your business and which is unfortunately fully beyond MSC’s control.

Our teams at your local MSC agency will be kept closely informed and we invite you to approach them as and when you need.