ONE Henry Hudson Resumes Journey After Fire Incident
Two months after a significant fire incident, the container ship *ONE Henry Hudson*, which has a capacity of 8,212 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), is cautiously navigating the Pacific Ocean towards an undisclosed repair yard in Asia. The vessel was docked at Yusen Container Terminal in the Port of Los Angeles when the fire broke out, prompting extensive firefighting efforts and a temporary evacuation of the area.
Ocean Network Express (ONE) informed clients that the cargo discharging operation was successfully completed on Monday. All cargo has been securely stored at designated yard spaces within Yusen Terminal. However, shippers are required to pay a general average to retrieve their containers, a common practice in maritime law when a vessel incurs damage that affects the cargo.
Details of the Fire Incident
The Los Angeles Fire Department reported that the fire originated below deck, likely due to an electrical malfunction. The flames quickly spread through multiple sublevels of the vessel, leading to a mid-deck explosion that disrupted onboard power systems. This explosion resulted in the loss of lighting and crane operations, complicating the firefighting efforts.
In response to the escalating situation, authorities made the decision to tow the *ONE Henry Hudson* away from the terminal to an anchorage near Angel’s Gate Lighthouse. This strategic move allowed firefighting teams to continue their efforts while minimizing risks to the port and surrounding areas. The fire’s severity necessitated a coordinated response to ensure the safety of both the crew and the port facilities.
As the vessel now makes its way across the Pacific, the focus shifts to the upcoming repairs and the implications for the shipping schedules of affected clients. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the maritime industry in maintaining safety and operational efficiency amid unforeseen events.
The *ONE Henry Hudson* incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with maritime operations and the importance of swift and effective emergency response measures.
