The containership Laust Maersk, which can carry 4,258 TEU, is currently docked outside the Port of Charleston due to a fire in its cargo hold while it was traveling from Charleston to Cartagena, Colombia.

On November 5, smoke was detected in one of the cargo holds of the Hong Kong-flagged ship, leading to immediate safety actions. The 24-year-old vessel, built in 2001, is stable as authorities conduct thorough inspections.

Maersk confirmed in a statement to gCaptain, “On November 5, the container vessel Laust Maersk experienced smoke in one of its cargo holds while en route from Charleston to Cartagena, Colombia.”

Currently, the ship is anchored outside Charleston as operational teams and officials follow safety procedures to evaluate the situation on board. Maersk is in regular contact with the team handling the incident.

After the inspections are finished and the harbor gives approval, the Laust Maersk is expected to dock and unload the affected containers in cooperation with the relevant authorities and in line with safety guidelines.

Maersk added, “Our teams are working to minimize disruption to our customers’ logistics operations.”

There have been no reported injuries, and the ship’s stability is intact as the investigation is ongoing.