SALVAGE crews are providing assistance to the Yantian Express, the container ship that caught fire in the North Atlantic earlier this month, according to Ocean Network Express.

Yantian Express (IMO 9229831) is a Hapag-Lloyd vessel, however fellow liner company Ocean Network Express has also released a statement in relation to its cargo on board the ship.

“The fire has been primarily contained. Three salvage tugs are currently providing assistance to Yantian Express,” ONE stated.

“Another ocean-going tug is also on its way to further assist the operations.”

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According to ONE, a possible port of refuge and estimated time of arrival were still to be confirmed.

“At this time, it is not possible to make a precise estimate of any damage to Yantian Express or its cargo,” ONE stated.

“Ocean Network Express is in close cooperation with all relevant authorities and will continue to update you as this situation progresses.”

ONE is a Japanese company with headquarters in Tokyo and Singapore.

The cargo fire on Yantian Express reportedly broke out on the foredeck earlier this month as it sailed off Canada’s eastern seaboard.

Yantian Express is flagged in Germany, was launched in 2002 and has a 10,000 dead weight tonnage.