The ONE Henry Hudson was returned Thursday to the Yusen Terminal at the Port of Los Angeles after the ship was damaged in a fire that burned for more than three days, the U.S. Coast Guard reported.
Authorities said this marks a critical step toward the next phase of response operations now that the fire has been fully contained.
“The vessel’s safe transit and return to port is a testament to the continued partnership within this Unified Command and the supporting agencies that have worked around the clock since this incident began,” said U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Stacey Crecy, the Incident Commander. “Our top priority remains ensuring the safety of the public and all those involved in the operation. We will see it through completion.”
Next, the ship’s cargo will be categorized as damaged by fire, damaged by water, or not damaged. All waste onboard, including water from the firefight, will be disposed of under an approved waste management plan, the Coast Guard said.
“We are working closely with salvage experts, the vessel’s crew, local labor, and all Unified Command partners to bring this incident to a safe conclusion,” said Los Angeles Port Police Deputy Chief Greg McManus.
Dockworkers will also play a role in recovery.
“This collaboration not only exemplifies the strength of partnership among various agencies, but also reaffirms our collective commitment to safeguarding our communities,” said Gary Herrera, ILWU Local 13 president. “For 90 years, the ILWU has played a critical role in reinforcing the vital link between domestic and international trade, demonstrating why dockworkers are essential to our national security and commerce.”
Crews investigated the ship’s stability for its transit back to port. Vessel stability will continue to be evaluated during cargo removal and repair preparations, the Coast Guard said.
Active air monitoring continued by LA Port Police, with all readings still below state and federal action thresholds, and no impacts have been detected outside the established safety zone. Real-time air monitoring results are available on the Port’s public air quality site.
Active firefighting ended as of 9 a.m. Tuesday, according to Crecy. The blaze broke out around 6:30 p.m. Friday.
The presence of hazardous materials in some of the containers presented an added danger for firefighters and the public. The ship was towed out to anchorage outside of the breakwater, where firefighters continued battling the blaze.
The cause of the incident remains under joint investigation by the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board.