Svendborg Maersk lost 520 containers overboard

The 8,160 teu Svendborg Maersk was battered by winds reaching 60 knots and waves reaching 10 m resulting the collapse of container stacks on the vessel.

The vessel docked in Malaga on 17 February evening and examination by cargo surveyors that around 520 containers had been lost overboard.

"The total number of lost containers turned out to be even worse than we feared. Svendborg Maersk experienced unexpected, extreme weather conditions – and we will now carefully examine our procedures to see if they need correction in order to avoid similar incidents in the future,”said Palle Laursen, vice president of operations for Maersk Line.

Of the 520 boxes lost overboard 85% were empties which will significantly reduce the level of potential cargo claims. Maersk said none of the boxes contained dangerous goods. Read an update on containers in the English Channel here.

“As of now we remain focused on supporting our vessel crew and getting correct information about lost or delayed cargo to our customers and ultimately get the ship back in service as soon as possible,”Laursen added.

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