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María Francisca left Vigo again three weeks after cargo shift
The 'María Francisca' has left the Transversal Wharf in Vigo on Feb 4, bound for Antwerp. The ship dropped anchor in the shelter of the Cíes Islands in pos. 42° 12' N 008° 52' W, before continuing its journey. On Feb 8 at 1 p.m. it entered the port of Matosinhos. The ship had suffered a partial shift of its cargo off the Portuguese coast due to rough seas. The situation presented a major logistical challenge. After the ship was berthed at the Transversal Wharf, a security perimeter was established and the vessel was preemptively surrounded with pollution barriers. The work of repositioning and removing damaged containers began on Jan 19 under a strict technical protocol, only possible with natural light and favourable weather conditions- The plan was designed jointly by the shipping agent Kaleido Logistics, the stevedoring company Estibadora Gallega, and the ship's owners.Despite a succession of storms—Harry, Ingrid, Joseph, Kristin, and Leonardo—the operation was completed successfully. Reports with photos and video: https://www.atlantico.net/vigo/maria-francisca-vuelve-navegar-corrimiento_1_20260204-4149030.html https://www.diariodelpuerto.com/maritimo/el-maria-francisca-sale-de-vigo-tras-superar-el-corrimiento-de-carga-JE25569088 https://cadenaser.com/galicia/2026/02/04/culmina-con-exito-en-el-puerto-de-vigo-la-compleja-operativa-del-buque-maria-francisca-radio-vigo/
Inspections and investigations underway after cargo shift
The 'Maria Francisca' was held in Vigo as the inspections have started into the severe cargo shift midship. The disruption has temporarily removed the vessel from service on the important route linking West Africa with Iberian ports. The 'Maria Francisca' had been carrying containers largely loaded with granite, cocoa and palm oil destined for Vigo and Leixões, cargoes typically associated with higher handling sensitivity and insurance scrutiny. Two midship deck stacks collapsed, with several containers crushed or torn open and others left hanging over the port side. A significant number of containers were lost overboard and were believed to have sunk offshore. While there has been no immediate environmental impact, the loss adds to growing industry concern over container losses at sea during increasingly volatile winter weather patterns. The Port Authority of Vigo said the ship will remain at the transversal pier while damaged and at-risk containers were progressively secured, re-lashed and discharged under a detailed safety plan, with close coordination between stevedores, pilots, maritime authorities and technical experts. Insurers and technical surveyors were now assessing the condition of the vessel’s lashing equipment, deck fittings and residual stability margins. The expected sequence was a full survey of the collapsed stacks, stabilization of any remaining at-risk units, and then shore-crane discharge of damaged containers before any consideration is given to onward sailing. The Spanish Maritime Authority confirmed that clearance to depart will depend on the outcome of these inspections and on approval from class and insurers, a process that would take several days.
Work to restore stability has started
Onn Jan 20, the Vigo Port Authority has launched a highly complex technical operation to restore stability to the 'María Francisca', which had suffered a cargo shift while sailing between Vigo and Leixões in a severe storm south of Aveiro, and has been docke at the transverse pier of the port of Vigo.The operation, meticulously planned after several coordination meetings between the Port Authority, the shipping agent Kaleido Logistics, Estibadora Gallega, and the ship's owners, was being carried out exclusively in daylight and under favourable weather conditions. The objective was to reposition and secure the displaced cargo, thereby minimising any risk to people and the marine environment. The ship was carrying palm oil, cocoa, and granite, which necessitated taking extreme precautions from the outset. The action plan established a safety perimeter in the affected area and included specific environmental protection measures, such as the installation of a waterproof tarpaulin between the port side and the dock to prevent debris from falling into the sea, as well as the deployment of anti pollution barriers. In addition, steel pontoons were being used to protect the dock floor during the operation. The work has begun with the containers located at the top, following a technical sequence designed to guarantee stability. The operation involved the ship's own crane, with a capacity of 100 tons, a 52-ton mobile crane, self-propelled platforms for working at height, and a personnel basket. At all times, the stevedores remained outside the radius of any potential cargo fall. The technicians anticipated that the work would continue for several days, depending on the cargo's development and weather conditions. Reports with photo and video: https://www.vigoalminuto.com/2026/01/20/el-puerto-de-vigo-coordina-una-cirugia-de-precision-en-el-carguero-maria-francisca/ https://www.farodevigo.es/videos/gran-vigo/2026/01/20/inician-operativa-recolocar-retirar-estabilizar-125887805.html
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