Alert in International Cargo Transport: 67 Containers Lost at Sea in Long Beach

One of the most significant recent news items concerned the incident on September 9th at the Port of Long Beach, California, which became the site of another logistical event related to international cargo transport. 

During an operation at Dock G, the container vessel Mississippi experienced a stowage collapse, resulting in 67 containers falling into the sea. Although no injuries were reported, the incident necessitated the establishment of a 500-yard safety zone and temporarily halted port operations for several hours. 

While official figures regarding the value of losses have not yet been released, the loss of 67 containers overboard represents a significant economic impact. From the total or partial loss of cargo to cleanup costs, operational disruption, wreckage removal, and potential legal claims, such incidents generate consequences that extend beyond logistics and directly affect the value chain. 

Furthermore, shippers often fail to recover their losses if they do not possess specific insurance policies that cover everything from damages due to improper stowage to general average incidents.  

According to World Shipping Council data, in 2024, over 11% of inspected shipments exhibited deficiencies related to stowage, packing, or handling. These figures indicate that, despite technological advancements, human error and lax procedures remain a critical source of risk. 

In response to this situation, the industry has promoted the use of the CTU Code Quick Guide and Checklist, a practical tool that establishes international guidelines for the safe packing and transport of cargo units. However, its implementation is not yet uniform or mandatory across all ports and routes. 

For importers, exporters, logistics operators, and cargo owners, incidents such as that involving the Mississippi reinforce a key truth: risk exposure cannot be eliminated, but it can be intelligently managed. 

At Hanseatica, we design Cargo Insurance and Container Insurance with door-to-door coverage, as well as Logistics Operators' Liability Insurance, including incidents arising from improper stowage, operational accidents, climatic phenomena, and general average. Our All-Risk coverage protects your cargo even against unforeseen events in premier ports such as Long Beach, Rotterdam, or Santos. 

With a presence in 18 Latin American countries and Florida (USA), and international backing, we support our clients with: 

• Specialized coverage for maritime, land, air, river, and multimodal transport. 
• Technical and legal assistance in the event of incidents. 
• Agile claims management and a global network of adjusters. 
• Preventive analysis and consultancy to minimize critical points within the logistical chain. 

At Hanseatica, we design tailored insurance solutions that anticipate risk. Contact us! or schedule an appointment.