"There will be a meeting and a decision later [Monday] on what will happen to the ship," said Liezl Moodie, spokesperson for the city's emergency services.

The Verano caught fire at berth 703 in the container terminal last Wednesday.

It was loaded with polystyrene and oil, and firefighters have battled to completely extinguish the blaze.

On Saturday, firefighters were ordered off the vessel as it started listing to starboard due to all the water they had sprayed into the hold. A tug was then used to spray water onto it.

The SA Maritime Authority said an oil boom, a floating device, had been placed around the ship to contain any spills. An extra boom would be placed around it on Monday.

Transnet Ports Authority's fire department and the City of Cape Town's fire and emergency services were on site, trying to cool the ship with hoses.

It was not immediately clear how it would be removed from the harbour.

- News24.com