A fire has been reported on board the containership Espirito Santo Express while the vessel was en route from Singapore to Santos, Brazil.
Hapag-Lloyd announced the incident on October 16 after being informed by Seaspan, the vessel’s head owner. The ship is currently chartered by Hapag-Lloyd.
All crew members were safe and accounted for and necessary measures were being taken to bring the situation under control, the German shipping group Hapag-Lloyd said, citing Seaspan.
The exact location of the fire was not disclosed. In its latest update, Hapag-Lloyd confirmed that it had been notified of the fire by Seaspan, with whom the company remains in close contact.
“At this stage, the extent of the incident and any potential impact on cargo and vessel operations are still being assessed. We are closely monitoring developments and will keep you informed as further information becomes available,” said Hapag-Lloyd.
In accordance with Seaspan’s operating fleet data, the vessel Espirito Santo Express (2020-built by Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group) is chartered to Hapag-Lloyd.
Claims specialist WK Webster said it had received reports that the containership Espirito Santo Express (IMO: 9793923) experienced an explosion whilst navigating the South Atlantic Ocean in a position approximately 975 nautical miles northwest of Tristan da Cunha on October 15, 2026.
“It is reported that the vessel experienced a fire as a consequence of the explosion and currently remains adrift,” WK Webster stressed in its casualty report on October 15. “We understand that vessels in the vicinity were requested to attend the scene to provide assistance and all crew members have safely abandoned the vessel.”
