ONE Henry Hudson Cargo Operations Resume at Port of Los Angeles After Fire

January 15th, 2026

Ocean Network Express has begun discharging the remaining containers from the fire-damaged M/V ONE Henry Hudson at the Port of Los Angeles, marking a critical new phase in what the U.S. Coast Guard has described as the the most technically complex salvage operation in recent port history.

The vessel remains berthed at Yusen Terminal following the completion of water removal and distressed-cargo extraction from affected bays on January 12. According to the company’s latest customer advisory, full container discharge operations are scheduled to begin mid-week.

U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Stacey Crecy, the federal on-scene incident commander, said the response so far has required exceptional coordination. “The initial firefighting response, relocation of the vessel to a remote anchorage, and recent movement back to the pier were all critical operations that required careful coordination and execution,” Crecy said. “Now, a new phase begins where damaged cargo and firefighting water will be properly removed and disposed of. I’m confident the team will accomplish the work ahead safely and efficiently.”

The emergency began in late November when a fire broke out in lower-deck compartments while the ship was moored. All 23 crew members were safely evacuated as nearly 200 Los Angeles City firefighters responded. A mid-ship explosion knocked out the vessel’s power, forcing crews to withdraw and battle the blaze from the pier.

General Average surveyor Ken Shortall has begun arranging cargo surveys, which are expected to start January 14. The vessel’s owner, Fukujin Kisen, has declared General Average, the maritime principle that shares extraordinary losses among ship and cargo interests when property is sacrificed to save a voyage. Richards Hogg Lindley has been appointed as average adjuster to collect required securities and documentation.

Under the General Average declaration, cargo will not be released until arrangements are finalized with the adjuster, who will work directly with cargo owners and insurers.

The operation has been complex. Cargo hold 03 was estimated to have been flooded up to 80 percent during firefighting. Salvage firm DONJON-SMIT mobilized specialists from around the world, while all waste — including contaminated firefighting water — were disposed of under an approved waste-management plan and transported to licensed treatment facilities.

The fire temporarily shut down four of the port’s seven container terminals and forced closures along State Route 47 due to heavy smoke, though operations resumed within days. The Coast Guard and National Transportation Safety Board are conducting a joint investigation into the cause of the incident.

Once containers clear General Average and salvage-security requirements, Los Angeles-bound imports will be released at Yusen Terminal for local pickup or inland delivery. Oakland-bound cargo may be collected in Los Angeles following customs clearance or railed north by ONE. Export cargo will continue to be forwarded to destination unless customers request changes.