Fire-Damaged ONE Henry Hudson Departs Los Angeles After Two-Month Salvage Effort

January 27th, 2026

The fire-damaged containership ONE Henry Hudson has departed the Port of Los Angeles for repairs in Asia, closing the book on what U.S. Coast Guard officials described as one of the most technically demanding salvage operations in recent port history.

The vessel sailed from Yusen Terminal last Wednesday, January 21, after completing cargo discharge operations earlier in the week. The departure comes exactly two months after a fire broke out in the ship’s lower-deck compartments on November 21, 2025, while the vessel was moored at the port.

U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Stacey Crecy, who served as incident commander, said the response evolved from an emergency firefighting effort into a complex, multi-phase salvage operation involving careful coordination across multiple agencies and private contractors.

“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 blaze forced the evacuation of all 23 crew members as nearly 200 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel battled the fire. A midship explosion knocked out the vessel’s power during the incident, forcing crews to withdraw and fight the fire from the pier.

Due to risks involving hazardous materials, the Unified Command ordered the vessel moved offshore, where it was anchored to continue firefighting operations. The vessel remained there for nearly a week.

Salvage operations presented major logistical challenges, particularly in cargo hold 03, which was estimated to be about 80 percent flooded from firefighting efforts. International salvage firm DONJON-SMIT mobilized specialists from around the world to stabilize the ship, remove damaged cargo, and prepare the vessel for transit.

All discharged cargo has been stored in designated yard areas at Yusen Terminal. The ship’s owner, Fukujin Kisen, declared General Average — a maritime legal mechanism that distributes losses among all parties when extraordinary sacrifices are made to save a vessel and its cargo. Richards Hogg Lindley was appointed as average adjuster to manage claims, securities, and documentation.

Ocean Network Express (ONE) has overseen the complex cargo release process, requiring containers to clear both General Average and salvage security requirements before delivery. The carrier established a dedicated customer hotline and coordinated onward transportation for affected shipments.

At the height of the emergency, the incident forced the temporary closure of four of the port’s seven container terminals and prompted shutdowns along State Route 47 due to heavy smoke, though broader port operations resumed within days.

The U.S. Coast Guard and National Transportation Safety Board continue to jointly investigate the cause of the fire.