General Average declared after CMA CGM Petra fire

General Average has been declared following the cargo hold fire aboard the CMA CGM Petra , with cargo interests now required to provide security before their cargo can be released. Marine claims specialist W K Webster said it had been advised that the shipowners declared General Average due to extraordinary costs incurred to protect the vessel and cargo following the casualty. The development follows a fire aboard the containership on 23 August while it was sailing through the Strait of Malacca. The fire was initially contained by the crew. However, professional salvors were subsequently required to assist with firefighting and salvage operations.