67个集装箱坠海，大批中国卖家旺季备货中断

Core Viewpoint - A significant accident occurred at the Port of Long Beach on September 9, 2023, when approximately 67 containers fell into the water from the container ship "MISSISSIPPI," disrupting operations and impacting sellers during a critical inventory preparation period for the holiday season [2][3][5]. Incident Details - The "MISSISSIPPI," operated by ZIM Integrated Shipping Services, experienced a container stack collapse while unloading at the G terminal, resulting in about 67 containers falling into the port waters [3][5]. - The ship, built in 2024 with a capacity of 5,500 TEU, was carrying a large volume of e-commerce goods from China, including clothing, footwear, and electronics, which are in high demand for the upcoming sales season [5][8]. Seller Impact - Sellers expressed significant concern over potential losses, with one home goods seller estimating a 30% loss of annual sales if their goods were damaged or delayed [8]. - The logistics situation is already strained during the peak season, and sellers face increased shipping costs and limited availability of air freight options [8]. - Sellers are advised to closely monitor the situation and activate emergency plans to mitigate losses [8][12]. Industry Context - Container stack collapses are not isolated incidents in the shipping industry, with historical examples such as the ONE Apus incident in 2020, where over 1,800 containers were lost or damaged due to severe weather, resulting in estimated losses of $200 million [10][11]. - On average, over 1,000 containers are lost at sea each year, not including incidents occurring during port operations [11]. Risk Management Strategies - Sellers are encouraged to diversify their shipping methods and not rely solely on one carrier, considering options like air freight and alternative rail services [12][14]. - Establishing clear responsibility clauses with logistics providers and ensuring adequate cargo insurance coverage are critical steps for risk management [12][14]. - Maintaining a buffer inventory of 20-30 days is recommended to handle potential delays or accidents effectively [14]. Conclusion - The incident involving the "MISSISSIPPI" highlights the vulnerabilities within global supply chains and the importance of proactive risk management strategies for sellers [15].