Maritime Context News – 1 December 2025
Ocean Network Express (ONE) has declared general average following last month’s fire aboard the container vessel ONE Henry Hudson, which broke out while the ship was alongside at the Port of Los Angeles. The declaration signals that shippers with cargo on board will now share in the costs associated with the firefighting response, salvage operations, and subsequent vessel stabilisation.
Fire Broke Out While Vessel Was Berthed
The incident occurred on 21 November 2025 at around 6:38 p.m. local time. The ONE Henry Hudson, a large container vessel serving trans-Pacific trade, was loading and discharging containers when flames were detected in the forward section of the ship.
Terminal workers and crew alerted the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), which deployed a multi-unit response including engines, fireboats and hazardous-material teams. An intense fire developed within a cargo hold, prompting a prolonged suppression effort that lasted several hours.
Although no fatalities were reported, several crew members required medical attention for smoke inhalation. The ship, the terminal area, and nearby workers all faced immediate risk before the blaze was brought under control.
General Average Declared to Cover Salvage and Damage Costs
In notices circulated to customers, ONE confirmed that it has declared general average — a long-standing maritime law principle applied when extraordinary sacrifices or expenses are made to preserve a vessel and its cargo during a maritime emergency.
Declaring general average means:
- All cargo owners must contribute financially, regardless of whether their own containers were damaged.
- Expenses such as firefighting, salvage, inspections, and cleaning/recovery efforts are shared proportionally among the ship, cargo, and freight interests.
- Cargo may not be released until shippers provide the required general average bond or guarantee through insurers.
Specialist average adjusters have been appointed to calculate the collective losses, a process that typically spans several months.
Extent of Damage Still Being Assessed
Preliminary reports suggest that several stacks of containers in the affected hold sustained direct fire damage, while adjacent areas suffered heat and water damage from the firefighting effort. The ship’s internal structures in the forward compartments also underwent stress due to high temperatures.
Port officials stated that both the vessel and pier underwent safety inspections before port operations resumed in the vicinity. Environmental monitoring teams were also deployed to ensure no harmful substances leaked into the harbour.
Impact on Supply Chains and Shippers
The declaration of general average adds a layer of complexity for shippers whose cargo was on board. They are now required to submit:
- a general average security,
- a bond or guarantee, and
- documentation proving cargo value.
Cargo insurers typically handle these requirements, but uninsured cargo owners may face substantial out-of-pocket liabilities.
Some freight forwarders have advised clients to prepare for extended delays, as cargo release procedures often take weeks following a GA declaration, especially when damage assessment is extensive.
Another High-Profile Containership Fire Case
The blaze on the ONE Henry Hudson adds to a growing list of containership incidents linked to hazardous cargo, misdeclared shipments, or electrical faults. Over the past decade, several industry bodies have urged carriers to enhance cargo verification, fire detection systems, and onboard firefighting equipment.
Investigators from the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities are still reviewing the cause of the fire, with early assessments focusing on cargo within the involved hold.
ONE Monitoring Situation and Coordinating With Customers
Ocean Network Express stated that it is working closely with authorities, adjusters, and affected customers to manage the post-incident process. The company emphasised its priority of ensuring safety and restoring normal service as soon as possible.
As the investigation continues and the average adjustment unfolds, shippers are advised to maintain close communication with insurers and freight partners to understand their obligations and prepare the necessary documentation.
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