Evergreen Loses 50 Containers Overboard, Paralyzing Peru’s Port of Callao Amid Swell Chaos

The Evergreen boxship Ever Lunar lost approximately 50 containers overboard while anchored at the Port of Callao in Peru, causing a temporary suspension of port operations over the weekend.

The incident occurred around 9:40-10:30 a.m. local time when the vessel experienced severe rolling while waiting to enter the port. The ship was carrying around 7,000 containers, and those lost were from the stern section.

Fortunately, none of the containers carried hazardous materials, mostly plastic goods, and all crew members onboard were reported safe.

As a result of the container loss, the port temporarily closed, affecting operations at major terminal facilities, but port activities resumed the same day after the containers were moved to a safe area for recovery via barge-mounted cranes.

Authorities continue to investigate the exact cause of the incident, considering factors like rough sea conditions in South America, a recent tsunami warning in the region, and a sudden swell of waves, though no direct link to the tsunami warning has been confirmed.

This event follows closely another incident involving the Evergreen vessel Ever Feat on July 29, which sustained damage to 30-40 containers due to heavy swells and container stack collapses during a voyage from Brazil to Uruguay.

According to the World Shipping Council, container losses at sea remain a concern, with 576 containers lost in 2024 so far, compared to 221 in 2023, and a 10-year average of 1,274 per year. Mandatory reporting of container losses to the IMO will begin from January 1, 2026, following SOLAS amendments.

Evergreen is cooperating fully with local authorities investigating these incidents.