Ports

CMA CGM Declares General Average on Petra After Container Fire

CMA CGM invoked General Average provisions on the 8,000-teu Petra following a container fire on August 23. The vessel was transiting from Singapore to Colombo when the blaze erupted. The 2024-built ship's crew contained the fire without injuries, with professional salvors providing additional firefighting assistance while the vessel anchored near Penang. The Petra was subsequently towed to Port Klang, where approximately 450 containers underwent inspection. CMA CGM declared General Average due to extraordinary costs tied to preserving the maritime venture. All cargo interests must provide General Average security before receiving their shipments, according to W K Webster, the appointed claims consultant. Average Adjusters are determining security requirements, while fire experts have been engaged to investigate the incident's cause and origin.