In the vast network of global maritime trade, container ships serve as the backbone of modern commerce with their massive transport capacity and efficient logistics management. However, as climate change intensifies and extreme weather events multiply, the shipping industry faces growing risks that threaten both safety and supply chains.
The latest warning came on July 29 when the Liberian-flagged container vessel Ever Feat , operated by Evergreen Marine, encountered sudden violent storms off the coast of Brazil's Rio Grande. With winds reaching 60 km/h (37 mph), the ship suffered a chain collapse of approximately 30 to 40 containers—a dramatic incident that has reignited concerns about vessel safety and cargo protection in extreme weather conditions.
The Ever Feat , built in 2021 with a capacity of 11,888 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), was en route from East Asia to South America on the ESA service when the accident occurred. Photographs from the scene show multiple containers visibly damaged, some dangling precariously over the ship's edge, threatening to plunge into the ocean and create environmental hazards.
Emergency Response and Environmental Concerns
Brazilian coast guard units swiftly established a no-sail zone around the affected area to facilitate rescue operations and environmental monitoring. Authorities are particularly concerned about several containers carrying toxic fertilizers that could cause severe ecological damage if leaked. While containment measures are underway, the complex variables of potential contamination—including chemical composition, spill volume, and ocean currents—present significant challenges for ecological risk assessment and future remediation efforts.
"The immediate priority is stabilizing the suspended containers and preventing further collapse," said a coast guard spokesperson. "We're working closely with Evergreen Marine to implement emergency cargo removal protocols while minimizing environmental impact."
Supply Chain Disruptions Loom
The incident has sent ripples through global supply chains. Currently anchored at Montevideo, Uruguay, the Ever Feat 's delayed schedule threatens timely deliveries to subsequent ports—particularly troublesome for retailers preparing for Black Friday sales. The ship's diverse cargo, primarily electronics, textiles, and machinery from China's Yangtze and Pearl River Delta regions, underscores modern supply chain interdependence.
"For companies relying on these shipments, especially consumer electronics firms, this couldn't come at a worse time," noted a logistics analyst. "Missed sales windows don't just mean lost revenue—they damage customer relationships and brand reputation."
Shared Liability in Cooperative Shipping
The accident also highlights the complex liability landscape of cooperative shipping arrangements. The Ever Feat 's slot charter partners—including COSCO, OOCL, CMA CGM, and Yang Ming—now face shared exposure to cargo losses. While such alliances reduce operational costs, they complicate risk allocation when incidents occur, with each party potentially liable for damages to others' goods.
Industry experts emphasize that climate-driven weather events are becoming the new normal for maritime operations. "Vessels need enhanced weather tracking systems, real-time monitoring, and robust emergency protocols," said a marine safety consultant. "We must fully understand the interplay between weather patterns, environmental factors, and shipping operations to properly safeguard vessels and cargo."
A Call for Climate-Resilient Shipping
The Ever Feat incident serves as a stark reminder of global shipping's vulnerabilities. As the industry pursues efficiency and sustainability goals, participants—from carriers to port operators to suppliers—must adopt more climate-conscious approaches. Logistics companies are urged to integrate weather risk assessments into supply chain planning, moving beyond mere cost optimization to comprehensive resilience strategies.
"This isn't just about reacting to storms," concluded an industry representative. "It's about anticipating climate challenges at every decision point—from route planning to cargo stowage—because in today's interconnected world, one weak link affects us all."