MSC Houston V Diverts to Vigo After Losing Containers at Sea

The container vessel MSC Houston V, sailing under the Portuguese flag, encountered severe weather off Portugal’s southern coast on March 20, leading to a cargo shift. As a result, approximately 15 to 20 containers were lost overboard near Cape St. Vincent, within Portuguese territorial waters. 

Due to the vessel’s substantial size and deep draft, docking at Portugal’s port of Leixões proved unfeasible. Consequently, the ship's operator sought an alternative port and requested access to Vigo, Spain. 

MSC Houston V reached the port of Vigo on March 21, where it received authorization from the Maritime Authority to dock. The vessel was unable to continue its voyage due to the cargo displacement. Images taken at the port show several containers hanging precariously over the starboard side near the stern. 

Carlos Botana, President of the Vigo Port Authority, confirmed that the ship successfully berthed at the Guixar Container Terminal, managed by Termavi. Port officials are currently devising a safety plan to either secure or remove the shifted containers. A mobile crane will be used for the delicate operation. 

Authorities have confirmed that none of the cargo poses a hazardous risk to safety or the environment. 

The timeframe for MSC Houston V’s stay in Vigo remains unclear, as assessing potential damage and repositioning the containers is expected to be a lengthy process. The vessel had departed from Piraeus, Greece, and was bound for Liverpool, UK, at the time of the incident.