------------------UPDATE 3-------------------
15 November 2021
* The ZIM KINGSTON remains at anchor at the Constance Bank Anchorage off Vancouver. It is understood that the vessel may proceed to Nanaimo B.C. to discharge damaged containers before proceeding to Vancouver for regular discharge operations. We are awaiting further information in this respect.
* We have appointed experts to investigate the cause of the casualty and we have also retained legal resources to assist should that be necessary. In the meantime, we continue to assist our clients with the provision of General Average security so that sound containers can be released to consignees upon discharge.
* Should your cargo still not be represented or if you require assistance in completing the General Average security formalities, please contact us at https://www.wkwebster.com/casualty-details/241/zim-kingston or email: wkwcasualtyreports@wkwebster.com
* We are also inviting our clients to register claims and submit documentation in support of their GA interests to our GA Document Portal at https://wkwccmdocs.azurewebsites.net/Vessel/NewClaim?id=7. Documents can be uploaded via the portal to allow for more efficient document management so that GA guarantees can be issued promptly upon receipt of the required information.
------------------UPDATE 2-------------------
1 November 2021
* According to our enquiries, ZIM KINGSTON
currently remains at anchor at the Constance Bank Anchorage off the
southern tip of Vancouver Island.
* Reports now indicate that
up to 109 containers may have been lost overboard from two container
bays that appear to be distinct from the seat of the fire on board the
vessel. According to the reports from the Canadian Coast Guard, the
contents of the containers lost overboard include toys, clothing,
automotive parts, industrial parts and furniture. It is likely that
physical damage will have been sustained by other containers affected by
the collapse of the container stacks but which remain on board.
* In addition, other containers in the area of the seat of the fire may have sustained fire/heat/smoke and/or water damage.
* Shipowners have now declared General Average as a consequence of the
incidents. Consequently, GA security is now required to be provided by
all Cargo Interests prior to the delivery of their cargo and we are
likely to be able to assist in that regard, as well as in respect of
recovery issues arising as a result of physical loss of or damage to
cargo.
* We are already instructed by insurers interested in
certain cargo stowed on board the vessel and we may therefore be able to
offer some economies of scale in terms of any third-party investigation
costs likely to be incurred.
* We therefore strongly recommend
that you contact us urgently if you are concerned with any cargo stowed
on board the vessel so that we may take immediate steps to protect your
position.
------------------UPDATE 1-------------------
27 October 2021
* We have received the following updated casualty report:
* ZIM KINGSTON remains at anchor at the Constance Bank Anchorage on the
West Coast of Canada. It is reported that the fire is now under control
but that 5 containers, reportedly containing tyres, continue to
smoulder.
* 6 firefighters and 7 crew members were able to
board the vessel overnight and are working to tackle the remaining
hotspots on board the vessel.
* Three tugs are currently attending the vessel as well as a Canadian Coast Guard rescue vessel.
* Initial reports suggest that the fire on board the vessel was first
ignited in two containers stowed with potassium amylxanthate, used in
the mining industry, which substance is classified as being
spontaneously combustible.
* Photographs indicate that the fire
on board the vessel is limited to the vicinity of 1 bay of containers
in the fore section of the vessel.
* It is likely that General
Average and/or Salvage issues may arise from as a result of this
casualty. In addition to recovery issues arising in respect of lost
and/or damaged cargo, the schedule for the ZIM KINGSTON seems certain to
be delayed, which may adversely affect any time sensitive or
refrigerated cargoes on board.
*Furthermore, Experts have been retained by WKW to investigate the causes of the fire and the reasons for the collapse of stow.
* Instructions have also been received from certain parties interested
in cargo carried onboard the vessel and WKW may be able to offer some
economies of scale in terms of third-party costs.
* Should you insure any cargo and require our assistance we recommend you contact us on an urgent basis so that we may assist.
------------------ORIGINAL-------------------
* It has been reported that fully cellular containership ZIM KINGSTON
has lost a number of containers overboard in the Pacific Ocean on or
around 22nd October 2021 and, possibly as a result of this incident, the
vessel has now also suffered a fire in the cargo stacks.
* The
initial incident occurred whilst the vessel was on passage from Busan
(Korea) to the port of Vancouver (Canada), reportedly during adverse
weather conditions.
* It is reported that approximately 40
containers may have been lost overboard and it is therefore also likely
that some containers will have collapsed or been damaged in the affected
stacks, but remain on board.
* The vessel is now understood to
be at anchor in the Straits of Juan de Fuca (US-Canada border) and is
subject to on-going fire-fighting efforts. The vessel crew have
reportedly been evacuated from the vessel for safety reasons.
*
It is possible that General Average and / or Salvage issues may arise
from this casualty. In addition to recovery issues arising in respect of
lost and/or damaged cargo, the schedule for the ZIM KINGSTON seems
certain to be delayed, which may therefore also adversely affect any
time sensitive or refrigerated cargoes on board.
* Should you
insure any cargo stowed on board this vessel and require our assistance
we would urge you to contact us as soon as possible so that we may take
immediate steps to start protecting your position.