Container Ship ONE Continuity Loses 45 Containers in the North Atlantic

Container Ship ONE Continuity Loses 45 Containers in the North Atlantic

In early December, the international maritime industry recorded a serious incident involving the container ship ONE Continuity (Singapore flag, capacity 9,362 TEU). The vessel encountered difficulties during its voyage from Le Havre, France, to Singapore while transiting the Bay of Biscay in the North Atlantic, a region well known for harsh sea and weather conditions.

According to initial reports, amid heavy seas, strong winds and severe rolling, approximately 45 containers were lost overboard, most of which were identified as empty containers. In addition, several container stacks on deck were shifted, collapsed and damaged, posing further safety risks to the vessel and crew.

Faced with the escalating situation, the master issued a distress alert and decided to divert the vessel to the port of Las Palmas, Spain, for technical inspection and assessment. ONE Continuity is scheduled to arrive at the port on 10 December 2025, where a comprehensive evaluation will be carried out before any decision is made on resuming the voyage.

At the port, technical teams have deployed drone inspections to assess the extent of damage to the deck structure and the remaining container stacks. In parallel, specialist crews are working to stabilize the affected stacks, safely remove damaged containers, and repair and reinforce the lashing systems. Only after all corrective actions are completed and safety standards are met will the vessel be cleared to continue its journey.

The incident highlights that operational risks in container shipping remain significant, even when the cargo involved consists of empty containers. The passage of large container vessels through areas with strong wave patterns and pronounced transverse motion, such as the Bay of Biscay, combined with high container stacking on deck, significantly increases the risk of rolling and stack collapse. Key factors typically investigated after such incidents include the stowage plan, weight distribution, condition of lashing equipment, and compliance with the Cargo Securing Manual.

Although no cargo loss has been reported so far, the incident may still lead to temporary shortages of empty containers, schedule disruptions, and indirect risks to global supply chains. In the short term, export shipments, including those from Vietnam moving on ONE’s network, could be affected.

Following this incident, industry experts advise cargo owners and freight forwarders not to underestimate the risks associated with empty containers. Adverse weather conditions and the increasing size of container vessels remain difficult variables to fully control. Accurate cargo declarations, adequate cargo insurance, and careful review of liability clauses in contracts of carriage, especially during the rough-sea season, are essential measures to mitigate potential losses and disputes.