Hanjin Pennsylvania

11 November 2002

Explosion & Fire

VESSEL & Interveners

NB : Information 1 to 14 are extracted from the database EQUASIS. Information are updated at the date of the casualty.

Information from 15 to 20 were found on public websites

Explosion on board the M/V "Hanjin Pennsylvania" while sailing between Singapore and Suez at 6:00 am (local time). The vessel was 88 miles south Sry Lanka. The fire was under control the 25 november 2002. The vessel was towed to Singapore where she arrived the 4 January 2003. Due to the extent of damage, it was decided to scrap the Vessel in April/May 2003. But according to the information contained in the IUMI News Letter (see below), it seems that the vessel was repaired for a re-enter in January 2004

 
Agrandir le plan

Date :

N.F.A (National Fireworks Ass)

On the website of this organisation, you will find a report issued by Charles P. Weeth on behalf of this organisation. This report contains a summary of the evens and a discussion about the potential causes.

See the Report and the Pictures

Date :

I.U.M.I. News Letter

Hanjin Pennsylvania settled as a CTL ($60 million) sold for scrap ($2.3 million) is rebuilt in Shanghai ($20-30 million) ready to re-enter the lucrative panamax box market early 2004 renamed Phoenix Tower. Poetic miracles do happen.

Date :

Lloyd's Agency

London, Jul 15 - C.c. Hanjin Pennsylvania so badly ravaged by fire last November that it was written off as a total loss, could be back in service early next year. But its repair is considered highly controversial by the original owning company which was under the impression that the vessel was to be scrapped. Instead, Hanjin Pennsylvania has been purchased by Zodiac Maritime Agencies, Lloyd's List understands. London-headquartered Zodiac has bought the ship and taken it from Singapore to China to be fixed. However, German ship financing firm Dr Peters regards any rebuilding of the badly damaged boxship a breach of contract, managing director J¸rgen Salamon told Lloyd's List. Following an explosion last November off the coast of Sri Lanka the ship was declared a constructive total loss and sold for scrap. Hanjin Pennsylvania was taken over by Chinese Breakers, a holding group to three companies, at the end of March. In mid-June, the ship left Singapore in tow for demolition in Shanghai. Dr Peters reportedly received $2.3 million from the Chinese buyer. "The contract says that the ship has to be scrapped," Mr Salamon stressed. He added that he did not regard rebuilding as sensible, either. Otherwise, the insurers would have insisted on it.

London, Jul 7 - The wreckage of c.c. Hanjin Pennsylvania, declared a constructive total loss after a massive explosion and fire off Sri Lanka Nov 11, is expected to arrive in tow at Shanghai this week. The vessel will undergo major reconstruction at Shanghai before being delivered to new owners, the Israeli-owned Zodiac Group, according to market sources in Asia. The explosion reportedly resulted in insured losses of around $40million.

Date :

30 April 2003

Source :

Reederei F. Laeisz

After discharge of the sound respectively only partly damaged Container/Cargo the vessel/wreck has been sold for scrapping on basis, as is where is“ and has been delivered to Buyers in Singapore on 22.04.03. It has been agreed not to disclose the price. The various inspections of the vessel/wreck led to the conclusion that the vessel is repair unworthy. In accordance herewith the underwriters have meanwhile settled the total loss value of the vessel.

Date :

9 January 2003

Source :

Reederei F. Laeisz

The convoy with Pennsylvania arrived Singapore, Raffles Anchorage, on 4th of January 2003. Discharge of undamaged containers has commenced.

Date :

16 December 2002

Source :

Reederei F. Laeisz

Towage of the vessel towards Singapore has begun, the convoy giving ETA 29.12.02. After discharge of cargo further procedure shall be decided.

Date :

10 December 2002

Source :

Reederei F. Laeisz

Experts presently analyse 40 miles off Colombo cause and extent of damage. A decision where to tow the vessel shall be taken shortly, presently substantial heat is still developing in hold no. 3, thus the vessel is still considered unsafe.

Date :

25 November 2002

Source :

Reederei F. Laeisz

MV Hanjin Pennsylvania is now under towage. The fire is under control. However, fire fighting still necessary. Salvors have not yet declared this vessel as safe.

Date :

Reederei F. Laeisz

During the weekend and the last night further explosions occurred on the vessel. The endangered areas, at which declared dangerous cargo (fireworks) is located are constantly cooled.

The vessel can still not be boarded, therefore the extent of damage is not assessable. It is assumed that the vessel cannot sail with own engine.

Date :

Reederei F. Laeisz

Further explosions in containers loaded on top of hold no. 6, additional salvage boats arrived at the vessel and continue firefighting.

Date :

Reederei F. Laeisz

Further firefighters of Salvage and Rescue Company Wijsmuller are on the way to the place of accident with specialized firefighting equipment.

The cause of the damage is not known yet and can only be analyzed after the fire has been extinguished.

Date :

12 November 2002

Source :

Reederei F. Laeisz

Even with the use of all firefighting equipment and techniques on board an expansion of the fire could not be avoided. The crew had to leave the vessel when the fire came close to dangerous cargo stowed on deck. A part of the crew has joined the firefighting tug, the remaining crew left the place of accident on board the container vessel MV „WEHR ALTONA“.

Date :

11 November 2002

Source :

Reederei F. Laeisz

After an explosion on board the MV „Hanjin Pennsylvania“ a fire broke out on 11. November ´02 around 06:00 a.m. local time. The vessel was on its journey from Singapore to Suez, at time of the incident its´ position was 88 miles south Dondra Head, Sri Lanka. One crewmember died shortly after from heavy burn injuries, one crewmember is still missing.

TBA

Hull :

Sources :

AON MARINE & REINSURANCE REPORT about the renewal 2003

* Settled as a CTL ($60 million) ; Sold for scrap ($2.3 million) and rebuilt in Shanghai ($20-30 million) ready to re-enter the lucrative panamax box market early 2004 renamed Phoenix Tower.