Ocean Network Express has halted cargo discharge operations for the fire-damaged containership ONE Henry Hudson at the Port of Los Angeles, where crews are currently working to remove contaminated water from a cargo hold. A barge has arrived at Yusen Terminal to assist in this process, resulting in a temporary suspension of cargo removal. The vessel remains under the supervision of the United States Coast Guard (USCG), and any resumption of cargo operations will require their clearance.
This situation has added complexity to what U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Stacey Crecy describes as “the most technically demanding salvage operation in recent port history.” Capt. Crecy emphasized the critical nature of past operations, including the initial firefighting response and relocation of the vessel to a remote anchorage. A new phase now begins, focused on safely disposing of damaged cargo and firefighting runoff.
The incident initially began in late November when a fire broke out in the ship’s lower compartments, necessitating the evacuation of all 23 crew members and a response from nearly 200 firefighters. Following a mid-ship explosion that cut power to the vessel, crews fought the blaze from the dock. The vessel’s owners declared General Average, a legal principle for distributing losses among stakeholders when a vessel must be sacrificed to save a voyage, further complicating the situation.
As part of the salvage operation, it has been estimated that cargo hold 03 is about 80% flooded. A global expert team from the salvage company DONJON-SMIT is helping with the operation. All waste, including contaminated firefighting water, will be managed per an approved waste management plan, with treatment facilities designated for cleanup. The Coast Guard and National Transportation Safety Board are conducting a joint investigation into the incident’s cause, which temporarily shut down several container terminals and State Route 47.
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