MAERSK Essen is heading to Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico, after losing some 750 containers overboard in heavy seas on 16 January.
According to a statement from Maersk obtained by DCN, the vessel is due to call at APM Terminals at the port on 29 January for cargo survey, port operations and initial repair.
The 13,100-TEU vessel was en-route from Xiamen to Los Angeles on Maersk’s TP6 Asia/US West Coast service when it experienced heavy seas during its North Pacific crossing.
Maersk said all crewmembers are safe and a detailed cargo assessment is ongoing while the vessel continues on her journey. The US Coast Guard, flag state and relevant authorities have been notified.
“We view this as a very serious situation which will be investigated promptly and thoroughly,” Maersk said.
“Operations and vessel safety are our highest priority and we will be taking any necessary steps to minimise the risk of similar incidents occurring in the future.”
Maersk Essen was carrying cargo for MSC as part of its Pearl service. A statement from MSC said half of the estimated 750 containers lost overboard were carrying cargo for MSC customers.
Also, MSC said there are “several dozen” damaged MSC containers on the vessel.
Maersk Essen was originally scheduled to call at Los Angeles on 28 January, as part of the usual Pearl service port rotation: Vung Tau – Hong Kong – Yantian – Xiamen – Los Angeles.
