Date: 26 November 2025
Location: Port of Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Overview of the Incident
A major fire erupted aboard the Chiquita Voyager, a Liberian-flagged container ship, while docked at the Port of Wilmington early on Wednesday morning. The blaze originated in the engine room, reportedly due to a generator malfunction. Despite the vessel’s onboard suppression system, the fire escalated, prompting a multi-agency emergency response.
Emergency Response
- Wilmington Fire Department led the firefighting efforts, supported by county units and the U.S. Coast Guard.
- Fireboats and ladder trucks were deployed to contain the flames.
- Crews used CO₂ flooding systems to extinguish the fire after initial suppression attempts proved challenging.
- Approximately 70 firefighters and EMS personnel were involved, and the fire was declared under control after three hours.
Casualties and Crew Safety
- Three to four crew members sustained minor burns and were treated at Christiana Hospital.
- Initial reports suggested two missing crew members, but all were later accounted for.
- No fatalities were reported, but the incident highlights the critical importance of engine room safety protocols.
Impact on Port Operations
The Port of Wilmington experienced temporary disruptions as firefighting units remained on-site for most of the day to monitor for flare-ups and conduct investigations. Cargo operations were delayed, and vessel scheduling adjustments are expected in the coming days.
Why This Matters for Maritime Safety
This incident underscores the ongoing risks of engine room fires aboard large container ships. It comes just days after another major fire aboard the ONE Henry Hudson in Los Angeles, raising industry-wide concerns about:
- Preventive maintenance for generators and electrical systems.
- Crew training for emergency response.
- Enhanced fire suppression technologies for high-risk areas.
Key Takeaways for Ship Operators
- Conduct regular engine room inspections and generator maintenance.
- Ensure CO₂ flooding systems and fire detection equipment are fully operational.
- Implement crew drills for rapid response to onboard fires.
- Review port emergency coordination plans to minimise operational disruptions.
The Maritime-Hub Editorial Team
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Maritime-Hub. Readers are advised to research this information before making decisions based on it.
