Wan Hai Lines has issued an update on the ongoing recovery and cargo discharge efforts aboard the Wan Hai 503, where operations continue under the supervision of specialist teams working in difficult conditions.
Pumping of firefighting water from the cargo holds remains underway, with an estimated 5,000 tonnes discharged to date. The company noted that the process is becoming increasingly challenging as cargo residue obstructs pumps, pipes and hold openings, slowing the rate of drainage.
Work also continues on cutting and removing the vessel’s severely deformed hatch covers. Because the covers cannot be lifted by heavy machinery in their current state, they must first be segmented before extraction. More than half of this work has now been completed. Once all damaged covers are cleared, burnt containers inside the holds will be removed with grab equipment, and preparations are being made to deploy a second grab unit for the next phase.
As of 15 November 2025, unloading remains complex, and the condition of the cargo has made it increasingly difficult to identify individual containers as they are discharged. Current estimates indicate that approximately 1,148 containers have been discharged so far, while about 574 remain on board.
Wan Hai Lines said its teams, together with onsite experts, continue to overcome significant operational challenges and are working to accelerate the unloading process without compromising safety. The company extended its appreciation to authorities, partners and professional teams for their continued support throughout the recovery effort.
