Maersk Essen Loses 750 Containers Overboard In North Pacific

MAERSK ESSEN, a 2010 built Danish flagged, 13100 TEU container ship has reportedly lost about 750 containers overboard in the Pacific Ocean on 16 January 2021.

The incident occurred whilst the vessel was on passage from Xiamen, China to the port of Los Angeles, USA, reportedly during severe weather.

As per WK Webster, a cargo claims consultancy, it is also believed that in addition to the lost containers, few containers have collapsed and damaged but remained on board. These affected containers will be removed or re-positioned later.

Maersk has confirmed the incident in a statement. “All crew members are safe and a detailed cargo assessment is ongoing while the vessel continues on her journey. The US Coast Guard, flag state and relevant authorities have been notified,” said Maersk in its statement.

Maersk Essen is understood to be continuing the voyage to Los Angeles where it is scheduled to arrive possibly as early as 22nd January. WK Webster will make arrangements for surveyors to be in place in order to investigate the cause of the incident and to attend to any cargo surveys as may be necessary or possible.

This is the fourth incident since November 2020 when a container ship has lost a significant number of containers overboard. Recently, the ultra-large containership ONE Apus lost about 1,800 containers overboard in North Pacific due to severe weather. In that incident, the vessel reversed course and sailed to Kobe, Japan, where the recovery operation is still ongoing.