A total of 198 containers are likely to be declared a total loss on Hapag-Lloyd's fire-hit Yantian Express.

The 7,150-teu boxship (built 2002) suffered a blaze on 3 January off Canada, forcing crew to evacuate.

It has now berthed in Freeport, Bahamas, for inspections and cargo discharge.

Japanese container line ONE, which has boxes on board, said "significant headway" had been made on safety, logistical, operational and other aspects arising from the casualty.