The Msc Houston V had to divert to the Spanish port of Vigo on 21 March 2025 due to damage caused by a storm off the Portuguese coast. The ship, which had departed from the port of Piraeus in Greece and was en route to Liverpool, lost at least fifteen containers overboard, while many others on deck were displaced and damaged. The incident has reignited debate over safety standards in regions prone to extreme weather events, as well as the effectiveness of container securing procedures.
On the night of 20 March, the Msc Houston V encountered Storm Martinho while navigating near Cape St. Vincent. The storm brought gusts of wind reaching up to 48 knots and very rough seas. A large wave destabilised the vessel, causing a sudden shift in deck cargo. The captain immediately altered course to request an emergency berth in Vigo. The ship entered port the following morning, 21 March, assisted by local pilotage services under challenging conditions due to the vessel’s compromised stability.
Port sources cited by various Spanish media outlets have suggested that, in addition to the severity of the storm, the incident may have been exacerbated by issues with the stowage operations. The inspection carried out in Vigo confirmed the loss of at least fifteen containers at sea. Others collapsed chaotically on deck, with some left hanging precariously over the starboard side toward the stern, in a situation described by observers as “critical” for the ship’s overall balance. Images published by local media show twisted containers, unevenly stacked and severely damaged. However, according to port authorities, no hazardous materials were on board and no spillages into the sea were detected.
The Msc Houston V operates on the Nwc service of the Swiss shipping company, linking Greece, Turkey and the United Kingdom. The unscheduled stop in Vigo and the ongoing recovery and inspection operations at the Termavi container terminal are expected to result in significant delays and costs for both the company and affected shippers. Preliminary estimates suggest several days will be needed to safely remove the damaged containers and restore the cargo.
Built in 2010 and flying the Portuguese flag (registered in Madeira), the Msc Houston V is a mid-sized container ship with an estimated capacity of between 4,432 and 5,000 TEU. It measures approximately 267 metres in length and 35 metres in width, with a maximum draft of 12.5 metres and a gross tonnage exceeding 44,000 tonnes. Despite these specifications, the vessel clearly struggled to withstand the intensifying ocean storm, highlighting how even relatively modern and well-equipped ships remain exposed to high operational risks in extreme weather conditions.
