Port Newark fire: What we know about cargo ship Grande Costa D'Avorio

NEWARK, N.J. -- Two firefighters were killed battling an overnight fire aboard a cargo ship in Port Newark.

Officials said multiple vehicles on the ship caught fire around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, and the flames spread to at least two floors above.

CBS New York's John Dias and Zinnia Maldonado have live team coverage from the scene this morning, and this is what we have learned about the ship so far.

Grande Costa D'Avorio  

The ship was built in 2011 and sails under the flag of Italy, because it's owned by one of the country's leading ship owners, a family-owned company called the Grimaldi Group. The company specializes in the maritime transport of cars, as well as shipping containers. 

"Sadly, during the firefighting operations, Grimaldi Deep Sea were informed that two fire fighterslost
their lives. All Company's thoughts, prayers and sympathies are with their families and team
currently," the company said in a statement Thursday afternoon. "At this time, it is not known how the fire started but the Company will undertake a full investigation in close cooperation with all relevant authorities."  

Where it came from

The ship traveled from Baltimore on a roughly two-day journey and was docked at Corbin and Marsh streets.

What it's carrying

The ship is capable of carrying more than 47,000 tons. A source briefed on the situation told CBS New York it was loaded with used cars apparently headed overseas to be refurbished and sold. 

Largest port on East Coast

Officially called the Port Newark Container Terminal, it spans about 272 acres.

What's still unknown

While the firefighters have since been identified, we are still waiting to learn more about the cause of the fire. 

Stick with CBS New York for the latest on this developing story.

In:
• Newark
• Port Authority