The mega-container ship ONE Continuity lost around 45 containers after encountering severe weather south of the Canary Islands.

The Singapore-flagged vessel, operated by Ocean Network Express (ONE) and owned by Seaspan, ran into powerful waves near Maspalomas in the early hours of 10 December while sailing from Le Havre to Singapore.

The heavy waves caused significant cargo instability at the stern, with multiple container stacks leaning dangerously to starboard. The ship’s master declared an emergency and altered course to seek shelter, temporarily halting the voyage.

The vessel arrived safely at the Port of La Luz in Las Palmas on 10 December and berthed at Boluda’s container terminal. Port authority sources said the ship docked without incident, with unstable containers positioned on the dock side, removing any immediate risk of boxes falling into the harbour.

Initial inspections revealed that around ten rows of containers at the stern had collapsed after being struck by heavy seas. While about 45 containers fell overboard, several others were crushed or left displaced on deck after stacks toppled.

Per reports, nearly 100 containers were destabilised during the incident. The ship was carrying more than 16,000 containers, most of them empty, at the time.

At the request of the shipowner, authorities carried out an aerial drone inspection to assess the extent of damage across the vessel and its cargo.

Local dockworker representatives explained in media interviews that the containers being empty likely contributed to them breaking free under the force of the waves.

A complex cargo recovery and re-lashing operation began on 11 December. A team of eight specialised personnel, supported by crane operators, welders and lashing experts, was deployed to stabilise the damaged stow and unload affected containers safely.

Dockworkers are also freeing containers caught in twisted securing gear and removing them ashore under controlled conditions.

In addition to cargo damage, parts of the ship’s mooring equipment were found to be partially damaged and will undergo repairs once unloading is completed. Port authorities said the operation could take several days due to the need to inspect and secure the stow block by block.

Despite the scale of the incident, officials confirmed that there were no injuries. Once cargo is fully stabilised and repairs are finished, the ONE Continuity is expected to resume its voyage to Asia.

References: indiaseatradenews, safety4sea