SIMIC

The incident occurred on January 16, involving the 13,100-TEU Maersk Essen. The cargo loss is believed to have occurred due to severe weather.

"It is reported that up to 750 containers may have been lost overboard, and it is therefore also very likely that some containers will have collapsed or been damaged in the affected stacks, but remain on board. These containers will need to be removed or repositioned," said a WK Webster report.

"The vessel is understood to be continuing the voyage to Los Angeles where it is scheduled to arrive possibly as early as 22nd January," said the report.

Maersk confirmed the incident in a statement.

"We regret to announce the 13,100 TEU, Danish-flagged, Maersk Essen en route from Xiamen, China to Los Angeles, California on Maersk's TP6 Asia/US West Coast service experienced heavy seas during her North Pacific crossing on the 16th of January 2021, resulting in the loss of 750 containers overboard. All crew members are safe and a detailed cargo assessment is ongoing while the vessel continues on her journey. The US Coast Guard, flag state, and relevant authorities have been notified," said Maersk.

"We view this as a very serious situation that will be investigated promptly and thoroughly. Operations and vessel safety are our highest priority and we will be taking any necessary steps to minimize the risk of similar incidents occurring in the future," said Maersk.

"A customer communications plan and claims process was urgently put in place for those customers impacted," said the company.

The ship was built in 2010 and is registered in Denmark. It's 377 metres in length and weighs 141,000 gross tonnes.