Ship that caught fire at Napier Port in December declared seaworthy, leaving Monday

The ship that caught fire at Napier Port last month will leave its berth, having been declared seaworthy.

Shipping agent Ferguson Marine Vessel Agents Limited said the Kota Bahagia will leave on Monday, its next port unknown.

A surveyor told Maritime NZ on Thursday he had finished assessing Kota Bahagia's seaworthiness and found it safe to sail, so the agency will today lift conditions preventing the ship's departure, a spokesperson said.

The 161m ship, operated by Singapore-based Pacific International Line, berthed in Napier on December 17, and the fire erupted late the next morning, resulting in a major alert and evacuation of nearby properties because of the threats from the billowing black smoke.

The Kota Bahagia can leave Napier Port, where it berthed on December 17 before catching fire. Photo / File

No one was reported injured, despite people being on the vessel.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand determined the fire was accidental but inquiries are continuing.