The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) successfully contained a potential disaster at Jaya Container Terminal (JCT) in the Port of Colombo following a fire on the MSC Capetown III. The incident occurred on August 11, 2024, while the vessel, part of the East Africa Service, was discharging and loading containers. The fire, which started in the 41/43 hatch area, affected around 100 under-deck and 60 on-deck containers, and escalated into an explosion. SLPA’s Director of Port Operations, H.J.K.U. Kumara, credited the swift response of firefighters and port services for preventing a catastrophic event. The cause of the fire and the status of the cargo are under investigation.
