A real maritime incident highlighting container risk exposure
The container vessel ONE Continuity, with an approximate capacity of 8,110 TEU and operated by Ocean Network Express (ONE), made an emergency call at the Port of Las Palmas after a significant container shift during its Atlantic crossing. As a result, the incident led to the confirmed loss of around 45 containers overboard and the destabilization of nearly 100 additional units within the stowage—primarily affecting the vessel’s aft section.
The event unfolded under severe weather conditions and heavy swell south of the Canary Islands, forcing the interruption of a voyage originally scheduled from Le Havre (France) to Singapore. For that reason, Las Palmas was selected as a port of refuge to manage operational risk and protect the vessel, crew, and cargo.
According to specialized maritime outlets such as Marine Insight and Safety4Sea, the Las Palmas Port Authority released initial assessments before an urgent and technically complex operation began at the Boluda-operated terminal. That response included re-lashing, de-stowage, and container recovery measures to stabilize the stowage plan and prevent further escalation.
Far from being an isolated case, incidents of this nature highlight structural and operational risks inherent to large container vessels—especially when navigating under adverse weather conditions. Therefore, for importers, exporters, and container owners, the ONE Continuity incident at the Port of Las Palmas raises key questions: what happened on board, which major risks were contained, what happens to the affected containers, and how do container, cargo, and demurrage & detention (D&D) insurance policies respond?
What happened on board the ONE Continuity: beyond “containers lost at sea”
What happened on board the ONE Continuity: beyond “containers lost at sea”
While navigating in severe weather and heavy swell, several container stacks in the aft section began to lose stability. The vessel’s master identified an abnormal list and stack inclination to starboard—clear indicators of progressive stack collapse risk—and declared an emergency.
Initial assessments confirmed that:
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Approximately 10 container rows collapsed in the aft section.
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At least 45 containers were lost overboard.
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Several containers were crushed or structurally deformed due to inter-stack impacts.
At the shipowner’s request, port authorities carried out an aerial drone inspection, which is increasingly used to assess damage without exposing personnel to unnecessary risk. Based on those findings, continuing navigation would likely have increased container losses and amplified crew safety exposure.
Operations at the Port of Las Palmas: re-lashing, recovery, and risk containment
Once berthed at the Port of La Luz (Las Palmas), a highly specialized operation commenced—well beyond standard cargo handling. In practice, the response involved:
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A dedicated technical team, including crane operators, welders, and lashing specialists.
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Controlled removal of damaged containers.
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Repair of twisted or damaged lashing equipment.
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Re-stowage and re-lashing under strict safety protocols.
Ultimately, these actions are not driven by commercial schedules. Instead, the priority is clear: preventing risk escalation.
What happens to the affected containers: real operational scenarios
When incidents like the ONE Continuity event occur, the impact on containers is not uniform. Each scenario carries distinct operational and insurance implications.
Containers lost at sea: total loss exposure
Containers that fall overboard are generally treated as a total loss. For container owners, this goes beyond physical loss and may include replacement costs, temporary capacity shortages, and increased operational expenses.
Crushed or deformed containers: assets out of service
Containers trapped in collapsed stacks often suffer severe structural damage. Even when they appear recoverable, many units lose structural integrity, fall outside safe transport specifications, or require specialized repairs that may not be economically viable. From an insurance standpoint, the container itself constitutes a loss, even if cargo damage is not evident.
Open or compromised containers: cargo exposure
When container structures fail—through deformed doors, shifted panels, or damaged frames—the risk transfers directly to the cargo. Saltwater ingress, contamination, or partial loss can convert a stowage incident into a cargo claim, potentially rendering goods commercially unsalvageable.
If your container or cargo is on board the ONE Continuity: what happens next?
In incidents like this, time is a critical factor. From an insurance practice perspective, effective claims management starts well before the final loss amount is known.
ICI recommends acting with technical discipline:
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Immediately notify your broker or insurer, formally reserving rights even if loss quantification is pending.
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Preserve the condition of the container and cargo, avoiding repairs or disposal prior to inspection, unless strictly necessary to mitigate further damage.
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Collect and submit supporting documentation, including the bill of lading, booking confirmation, packing list, invoices, photographs, terminal or carrier reports, and official communications.
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Where exposure involves demurrage and detention (D&D), carefully document all delays, operational restrictions, and time-related costs.
Secure logistics requires informed risk management
The ONE Continuity incident at the Port of Las Palmas offers a clear lesson: in maritime logistics, risk does not announce itself—however, it can be managed. The difference between an operational loss absorbed by the business and a properly indemnified claim lies in anticipation, procedural knowledge, and adequate insurance coverage.
At International Container Insurance (ICI), we support container owners, shippers, and logistics operators before, during, and after incidents—integrating container insurance, cargo insurance, and demurrage & detention (D&D) coverage as part of an operational continuity strategy. Learn more here.
al exposure in containers and delays.
Speak with an ICI specialist and confirm whether your operation has the right coverage in place before risk materializes. Email sales@icicoverage.com.
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