1,816 containers confirmed lost in ONE Apus incident

Contents of the estimated 64 DG containers among them revealed, with 54 containing fireworks, eight holding batteries, and two containing liquid ethanol.

The owner and ship manager of the One Network Express (ONE) container vessel ONE Apus have confirmed that 1,816 units were lost overboard after the vessel encountered severe weather on 30 November, today also revealing the contents of the estimated 64 Dangerous Goods containers that were among them.

Chidori Ship Holding and NYK Shipmanagement said 54 of the DG containers carry fireworks whilst a further eight hold batteries, and two contain liquid ethanol. They said a notification was sent to the JRCC in Honolulu and Guam, with maritime navigational warnings subsequently broadcast, adding: “We are continuing to liaise with the JRCC in Honolulu, who has advised that there have not been sightings of any containers as yet.”

They said the vessel was “cautiously proceeding to the port of Kobe, Japan with an ETB of 1200LT on December 8, subject to all operations proceeding as planned”. With the priority on getting the ship and crew safely to port, they said once berthed, it was expected to take some time to offload the dislodged containers that remain on board.

“Then, a thorough assessment will be made on the exact number and type of containers that have been lost or damaged,” the two parties added. “Once the ONE Apus is in port and deemed safe, a full investigation will be conducted into this incident in conjunction with the Flag State and the relevant maritime authorities.”

Source: Lloyd´s