Maersk Container Ship Fire Off Liberia: Marie Maersk Blaze
Introduction
Breaking news: a significant Maersk container ship fire occurred on the ultra‑large vessel Marie Maersk off the coast of Liberia on August 13, 2025. Fortunately, all crew members are confirmed safe, and the ship remains stable amid ongoing firefighting efforts.
Incident Overview
On the morning of August 13, smoke was detected rising from containers on deck aboard the Marie Maersk—a 2013-built Triple‑E class vessel with a capacity of approximately 19,076 TEU—while en route from Rotterdam, The Netherlands to Tanjung Pelepas, Malaysia via the Gemini Cooperation’s Asia–Europe AE4 service . The crew promptly activated onboard firefighting systems and followed all emergency protocols .
Response and Stability
Maersk reports that all crew members remain safe, and critical systems—including propulsion, steering, and navigation—are functioning normally . The vessel was diverted toward the West African coast to receive shore-based assistance .
Two firefighting‑equipped tugboats were dispatched late on August 13 and arrived to assist the crew . The Dutch salvage company SMIT is involved in coordinating the response and support .
According to maritime tracking data, the ship’s status remains “Restricted Maneuverability”, indicating controlled navigation while firefighting efforts continue .
Location & Vessel Profile
The fire occurred off Harper, Liberia, in the Atlantic Ocean on August 13, 2025 . The Marie Maersk is 399 meters long, 59 meters wide, and forms part of Maersk’s prestigious Triple‑E class of ultra-large containerships, representing efficient design and high capacity .
Current Status & Uncertainty
Maersk continues to maintain constant communication with the crew, providing full support on-site . At this time, the company has not confirmed the extent of cargo damage or fire impact . Importantly, no secondary incidents—such as explosions—have been reported, and monitoring of the situation remains active .
Industry Context
This incident highlights ongoing fire safety challenges aboard mega‑container vessels. As these ships grow in size and complexity, the risks posed by fires—especially from unidentified or hazardous cargo—demand robust preventive and response mechanisms . Maersk’s previous experience with the 2018 Maersk Honam fire off Oman, which underscored vulnerabilities in container fire management and led to revised safety recommendations, provides important precedent .
Looking Ahead
- Firefighting efforts continue both onboard and from shore-based support.
- SMIT Salvage and local responders remain mobilized to extinguish the blaze.
- Further updates may include assessments of cargo loss, vessel condition, and adherence to fire safety protocols.
Sources & Further Reading
Special thanks to TradeWinds for providing detailed coverage and updates on the incident. Read more here: Blaze reignites on Maersk container ship as firefighting extends into second day
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