Höegh Autoliners confirms that at approximately 1600 local time a fire broke out aboard the vessel Höegh Xiamen on her seventh deck shortly after it completed loading operations at Blount Island, Jacksonville, USA.
"Höegh Autoliners would like to thank the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department who are in attendance at the scene, and currently working to contain the fire. Our thoughts and prayers are with those firefighters and their families who were injured during this response.
There are no injuries to any of the 21 crew members, who have all been evacuated from the vessel. There are no reports of any pollution. A safety zone has been established around the vessel as a precautionary measure.
Höegh Autoliners has activated its emergency response team and is working closely with all necessary authorities to contain the incident. Our priorities at this time are to secure the vessel and ensure the preservation of the local environment.
There is no further information at this time however, we will provide updates as they become available."
Hoegh Xiamen (IMO: 9431848) is a 12,250 dwt vehicle carrier built in 2010 and registered in Norway.
Source: Höegh Autoliners