A major fire incident occurred at the Port of Los Angeles last Friday night, November 21, when the container vessel ONE Henry Hudson caught fire and exploded at the Yusen Container Terminal. The incident temporarily disrupted port operations and drew significant attention across the global shipping industry.
Fire Contained, No Crew Injuries Reported
Fortunately, all crew members on board were safely evacuated, and no injuries have been reported.
Port operations fully resumed on the morning of November 22, after four of the seven terminals temporarily halted work due to the emergency.
A “shelter-in-place” order was also issued for nearby communities but was lifted the following morning once the situation was brought under control.
The vessel has since been towed to the anchorage outside the Port of Los Angeles, where fire suppression and hull-cooling efforts continue.
Estimated 100–117 Containers Damaged
Initial reports indicate that among the approximately 8,000 containers carried onboard, around 100 to 117 units were burned or severely damaged.
The cargo onboard consisted of:
automotive parts
machinery
beef and fruit
footwear
personal protective equipment
and various other consumer goods
The presence of dangerous goods, including lithium-ion batteries, significantly complicated the firefighting process and increased the risk of additional explosions.
Suspected Cause: Electrical Fire Below Deck
According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, the preliminary cause of the incident appears to be an electrical malfunction below deck.
The fire spread rapidly, eventually triggering explosions and causing a complete loss of power on the ship.
Common causes of electrical fires include:
Short circuits generating intense heat
Overloaded circuits exceeding safe capacity
Loose or poor connections producing electrical sparks
Aging equipment or damaged insulation
Electrical fires are especially dangerous because they often begin inside equipment or enclosed spaces, releasing toxic smoke and potentially causing explosions before being detected.
Port Officials Call for Federal Support
Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles, publicly stated that the newly formed federal administration under President Trump has not yet coordinated or provided support for cleanup efforts following the incident.
He emphasized the urgent need for federal involvement to accelerate recovery operations.
Vessel Details: ONE Henry Hudson
Built: October 2008
Deadweight: 98,849 tons
Capacity: 8,212 TEU
Operator: ONE (Ocean Network Express)
Service Route: FP1 service (Asia → North America)
Conclusion
The fire aboard the ONE Henry Hudson highlights the ongoing risks posed by electrical systems, hazardous materials, and increasingly complex cargo compositions. As investigations continue, the maritime and logistics industries are once again reminded of the importance of stringent safety protocols and rapid emergency response coordination.
