Hapag lloyd vessel MV Ionikos looses 85 containers in water at Casablanca port

On 26 February 2026, the Greek-owned containership MV Lonikos (52,427 DWT), flying the Liberian flag and chartered to Hapag-Lloyd, lost approximately 85 containers overboard while departing the Port of Casablanca.

The incident occurred at night amid heavy swells, which caused significant vessel rolling near the port’s entrance channel. The fallen containers drifted into the fairway, creating immediate navigational hazards.

Port authorities ordered a temporary suspension of vessel movements overnight due to unsafe transit conditions.

Recovery operations involved units from the Royal Maritime Gendarmerie and the Royal Navy, including helicopter support to locate and secure drifting containers.

Impact

Port Operations

• Temporary halt of inbound and outbound vessel traffic.
• Schedule disruptions for ships and cargo handling activities.

Navigation & Safety

• Floating containers obstructed the main access channel.
• Immediate marine safety risk to commercial traffic.