The growing risks associated with fires on mega-containerships was looked at in a recent seminar of the American Institute of Marine Underwriters (AIMU). It noted that the past 18 months had seen a number of major containership casualties, including a fatal fire last March on the 15,252 teu Maersk Honam and a fire on the 7,510 teu Yantian Express in January this year.

A panellist on the Megaships session at the seminar, representing cargo interests, noted that General Average was a long-standing concept, but said that it was inappropriate where ships might be carrying goods belonging to thousands of cargo owners.

In both the cases of Maersk Honam and the Yantian Express General Average was declared. The speaker suggested that a move to a more streamlined system of electronic documentation would go a long way towards smoother and quicker resolution of claims.

In discussing whether large containerships might see a differential insurance rating, previously under consideration but not implemented, he hinted that: “With more data now, this debate will re-open. Large containerships do indeed present more risk.”

In discussing whether large containerships might see a differential insurance rating, previously under consideration but not implemented, he hinted that: “With more data now, this debate will re-open. Large containerships do indeed present more risk.”

 

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