Russian media said the chief engineer of the 6,000-dwt Seachampion (built 1984) was killed during the fire in the Sea of Japan near Nakhodka on Thursday.
The blaze started in the engine room.
The rest of the crew escaped on to a fishing boat after attempting to control the flames.
The vessel may be towed into Vladivostok.
It is managed by Kamchatka Lines of Russia.
