Destination: Sines, Portugal
Previous port of call: Montreal, Canada

https://shipfax.blogspot.com/2024/03/msc-sao-paulo-v-fire.html
TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2024
MSC Sao Paulo V - FIRE - update #2
Ship traffic on the St.Lawrence River off the Escoumins pilot station was delayed this morning when fire broke out in the engine room of the ship MSC Sao Paulo V.

The Escoumins pilot station located on the north shore of the St.Lawrence, 255 km (158.4 mi, 137.7 n.mi.) downstream from Quebec City is a busy spot. All ships of any size embark or disembark pilots there for the St.Lawrence and Saguenay Rivers.

The MSC Sao Paulo V was outbound for Sines Portugal from Montreal when the fire broke out near Escoumins and both pilot boats and the nearby icebreaker CCGS Amundsen responded. As a result pilotage operations were halted for a time and some ships had to stand by.


https://shipfax.blogspot.com/2024/03/msc-sao-paulo-v-update-2.html
THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2024
MSC Sao Paulo V - Update #3
The container ship Sao Paulo V is anchored near Prince Shoal at the mouth of the Saguenay River as eforts continue to extinguish a fire on board. Tugs moved the ship from its initial position to deeper water to prevent it from running aground at low tide. It initially stopped off Grandes Bergeronnes on March 3 when fire broke out in the engine room.

Owners, the Mediterranean Shipping Company, MSC, have brought in teams of specialist fire fighters from the United States and have stated that the fire is under control but not fully extinguished. The fire is believed to have spread from the engine room to the accommodation block.

It appears that MSC has been very careful not to abandon the ship, as that could launch a costly salvage claim. Instead they have been rotating some crew members to standby fleet mate MSC Giovanni for rest, while ensuring that some crew members remain on the ship at all times. The hired fire fighters from the US have been engaged directly - not as salvors. Another fleet mate MSC Celine is also anchored nearby, and may also be providing facilities.