MAJURO, Marshall Islands — The MV Meram, a fuel and cargo vessel owned by the Marshalls Energy Company (MEC), caught fire while en route to Ebeye earlier this week, forcing its crew to abandon ship and escape by liferaft.

According to a government source, the vessel’s bridge caught fire while the ship was traveling from Majuro to refuel in Ebeye. The last communication between the MV Meram’s captain and Majuro occurred at approximately 11 p.m. Monday. After contact was lost, search efforts began, and the crew was located safely on Tuesday. No injuries have been reported.

The Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority (MIMRA) dispatched a patrol vessel to the scene. Chikin Melele has obtained exclusive photographs from the response showing extensive fire damage to the ship’s bridge and wheelhouse.

Community sources report that cargo belonging to several business owners may have been lost in the fire, although officials are still assessing the extent of the damage. The fire is believed to have been extinguished by heavy rain associated with a passing storm before it spread further through the vessel.

The damaged MV Meram will be towed back to Majuro from where it was located between Namu and Kwajalein Atoll for further assessment.

A Critical Lifeline for the Outer Islands

The MV Meram is one of MEC’s most important vessels, serving as a vital part of the Republic of the Marshall Islands’ energy and transportation network.

With a fuel storage capacity of approximately 160,000 gallons, the vessel routinely transports diesel, gasoline, and other petroleum products from Majuro to Ebeye, Jaluit, and Wotje, supplying power plants that provide electricity to homes, businesses, public services, and local fishing industries.

Reliable fuel deliveries are essential to daily life throughout the outer islands, supporting electricity generation, water production, transportation, and commercial activity.

By owning and operating the MV Meram, MEC also reduces its reliance on private shipping companies, helping avoid significant transportation costs while improving the reliability of fuel deliveries throughout the country.

Officials have not yet released the cause of the fire. The vessel is expected to be returned to Majuro, where investigators will assess the damage and determine the next steps for repairs and the recovery of any remaining cargo.