A Taiwanese cargo ship operated by Evergreen Marine Corp, one of Asia’s leading shipping lines, lost approximately 50 containers into the sea near the coast of Peru, disrupting operations at the Port of Callao and triggering an international investigation.

According to reports from Taiwanese media, the incident occurred on August 1 when the vessel, Ever Lunar, was anchored and awaiting clearance to dock. During this time, it experienced sudden, severe rolling—an unexpected tilting motion—which caused several containers at the stern to topple overboard.

All crew members were confirmed safe, and there were no reports of injuries. However, the cargo spill has raised pressing questions about maritime safety, particularly in relation to extreme weather conditions at sea.

Possible Causes Include Earthquake-Linked Tsunami and Harsh Sea Conditions

Evergreen Marine Corp, Taiwan’s largest shipping firm, has stated that multiple factors could have contributed to the vessel’s instability. These include winter turbulence in South American waters, a sudden wave surge, or even a distant earthquake off Russia that may have triggered a localised tsunami effect.

While the exact cause remains under investigation, the operator has committed to cooperating fully with Peruvian port authorities to recover lost cargo and identify what went wrong.

Authorities at the Port of Callao confirmed that the containers were filled with mostly plastic goods and other non-hazardous items. No toxic substances were involved, ruling out immediate environmental pollution concerns, though local agencies continue to monitor the waters for debris.

Disruptions at Port of Callao and Lessons for Global Maritime Trade

The spill temporarily disrupted operations at Peru’s busiest port, causing delays for other ships queued for unloading and departure. Footage circulating online showed debris floating near the port, while local authorities scrambled to clear the affected areas.

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks involved in global shipping logistics. With container shipping playing a vital role in supply chain networks—including for Singapore’s massive re-export and freight forwarding industries—maritime safety and weather-resilient operations remain crucial.

Industry experts have noted that global port infrastructure and shipping lines may need to adapt to increasingly unpredictable sea conditions, especially in the wake of climate change and geophysical disruptions. As Singapore continues to position itself as a leading logistics hub in Asia, lessons from incidents like this highlight the importance of investing in ship stability systems and risk mitigation protocols.