MSC Containership Experiences Stack Collapse in Vigo: Authorities Act to Prevent Navigation Hazard

Authorities in the Port of Vigo, Spain acted swiftly to address a navigation hazard when the containership MSC Houston V experienced a stack collapse while off the southwest corner of Portugal near Cape St. Vincent. The vessel, with a deadweight tonnage of 58,300, encountered strong winds of up to 50 knots during a late winter storm, causing the last stack at the stern to collapse to starboard and rip open several boxes. To prevent further damage and loss of containers overboard, the ship was directed into port for immediate docking.

Upon arrival in Vigo, it was discovered that between 15 and 20 containers had gone overboard as a result of the collapse. Fortunately, port officials confirmed that there was no dangerous cargo in the containers that fell. However, Portuguese authorities issued a navigational warning regarding possible debris in the water. The vessel, which was en route from Piraeus to Liverpool, England, was unable to divert to Leixoes, Portugal due to its size, measuring 876 feet in length with a maximum draft of 41 feet and a carry capacity of 4,432 TEU.

Efforts to stabilize the cargo on the MSC Houston V proved to be a complex task for port officials in Vigo. They relocated the port’s cranes and brought in a mobile crane to assist with the operation. The repositioning work began on Sunday, March 23, with the vessel scheduled to remain in Vigo until March 27 according to MSC’s online schedule. Despite the challenges faced, the quick response and coordination of authorities helped mitigate the potential risks associated with the stack collapse and container loss.

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