Video: Containership Loses 85 Containers Off Casablanca, Forcing Port Shutdown

The Port of Casablanca suspended maritime traffic late on February 26 after the Liberian-flagged containership Ionikos lost approximately 85 containers overboard near the harbor entrance.

The incident occurred as the vessel departed the Moroccan port bound for Barcelona. Authorities halted operations overnight due to navigational risks posed by drifting containers in the port’s fairway.

Port officials kept the port nonoperational through February 28 as recovery efforts and safety assessments continued.

The 52,427 dwt vessel Ionikos, a 4,360-TEU containership built in 2009, had completed cargo operations in Casablanca before departing around 2300 local time. As the ship cleared the port gates, it encountered heavy swells that caused it to roll sharply.

According to reports, the severe movement led to a shift in deck-stowed containers. An estimated 85 boxes fell into the sea close to the harbor entrance channel.

The vessel is currently anchored approximately six nautical miles offshore. The ship operates under charter to Hapag-Lloyd and is owned by Greek interests.

It sails a route linking Turkey and the eastern Mediterranean with ports in West Africa, including Nigeria, before heading toward Europe.

Morocco’s National Ports Agency ordered a suspension of traffic at approximately 2300 local time on February 26, citing unsafe transit conditions. Containers were reported floating in the port entrance channel and nearby coastal waters.

Fermeture temporaire du port de Casablanca après la chute de 85 conteneurs d’un navire libérien#casablanca #libérien #conteneurs pic.twitter.com/SEeEb6zS4g

— Walaw (@WalawPress) February 27, 2026

By daylight, numerous boxes were visible drifting in the fairway, creating a direct hazard to inbound and outbound vessels. Tugboats were positioned near some of the floating containers to prevent further movement into critical navigation areas.

Authorities confirmed that the port would reopen only after safe transit conditions were restored.

A coordinated recovery effort was launched immediately. Five vessels from the Royal Maritime Gendarmerie and the Royal Navy were deployed, along with tugboats and a helicopter conducting aerial surveillance.

Officials stated that nighttime conditions initially complicated efforts to locate containers in the water.

Several containers were later observed drifting and running aground along coastal locations, including Marina Casablanca, Dar Bouazza, Tamaris, Ain Diab beach, and areas near the Hassan II Mosque.

Security forces were deployed along affected shorelines to secure cargo and prevent unauthorised access.

Local media reported that the containers were carrying auto parts, furniture, and other consumer goods. At least one container broke open, and packaged food products were found washed ashore on nearby beaches.

References: marocactu, maritimetelegraph

Source: Maritime Shipping News