Brazil Port of Santos: Seaspan Empire Containership Collides With 2 Ferries on February 16

A containership, Seaspan Empire, hit two ferries in Brazil's Port of Santos. This happened on February 16, and luckily, no one was hurt.
By Newsroom | Maritime, Brazil |

A maritime investigation is underway following a collision between a large containership and two smaller ferries in Brazil's busy Port of Santos. The incident, which occurred on the evening of February 16, has raised questions about harbor safety and operational procedures.

Video footage widely circulated online shows the Singapore-flagged containership, identified as the Seaspan Empire, maneuvering in the port and striking two ferries. The impact caused the ferries to be pushed across the harbor. Reports indicate that at least four crew members from one of the ferries jumped into the water as a precautionary measure. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, and the damage to the containership appears to be minor, with scrapes on its bow. The two ferries were later secured and are being examined for any damage.

Investigation launched after containership strikes barges in Brazil - 1

Sequence of Events and Vessel Details

The collision took place around 9:30 PM local time on Monday, February 16, as the containership was preparing to depart from the Port of Santos.

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  • Vessel Involved: The containership is flagged in Singapore and identified as the Seaspan Empire.

  • Other Vessels: Two smaller ferries were struck by the containership. These ferries had four crew members on board but no passengers or vehicles at the time of the incident.

  • Location: The incident occurred within the Port of Santos, a major shipping hub in Brazil.

  • Damage: The Seaspan Empire sustained minor damage to its bow. The extent of damage to the ferries is currently being assessed.

  • Injuries: No injuries have been reported from the incident.

  • Witness Accounts: Video evidence captures the collision, and some local commentary suggests a lack of warning signals.

Port Operations and Environmental Factors

The Port of Santos is a crucial maritime gateway for Brazil. The incident occurred during a period of ongoing industrial action at the port, though the direct impact of the strike on this specific collision is unclear. Customs workers have been engaged in actions that have increased pressure, leading to concerns about disruptions and rising logistics costs for various industries, including chemical producers.

Investigation launched after containership strikes barges in Brazil - 2

  • Labor Actions: Brazil's customs workers have been implementing periods of "zero clearance," raising concerns among trade groups about potential paralysis of essential services.

  • Judicial Involvement: Courts have ruled that industrial actions cannot completely halt critical public services, with potential case-by-case judicial intervention.

  • Logistics Concerns: Industry representatives have warned that prolonged strikes could negatively affect systems designed to simplify import processes and reduce logistics costs.

Similar Incidents and Broader Safety Concerns

This event in Santos is not the only recent maritime incident involving containerships in Brazil. In September 2025, a different containership, the Vincente Pinzon, broke free from its moorings at Brazil's Itajaí Port due to strong river currents, swinging into the main channel. Emergency teams intervened to secure the vessel without injuries or significant damage. This incident at Itajaí also prompted a safety review, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance in port operations.

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  • Itajaí Port Incident: The containership Vincente Pinzon lost bow lines and moved into a river channel at Itajaí Port in September 2025.

  • Port Modernization: The Port of Itajaí is undergoing modernization, including infrastructure upgrades and dredging, ahead of concession auctions scheduled for early 2026.

Expert Perspectives on Harbor Maneuvering and Risk Management

The circumstances surrounding the collision at Santos will likely be a focal point for investigators. Questions will likely revolve around the containership's maneuvering speed, visibility, the effectiveness of communication protocols, and the overall traffic management system within the port.

  • Maneuvering Safety: Experts will examine the decision-making processes and actions taken by the containership's bridge team during the approach and departure maneuvers.

  • Traffic Management: The efficiency and reliability of the port's Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) and communication systems will be scrutinized.

  • Environmental Conditions: Investigators will consider any prevailing weather or current conditions that might have contributed to the incident.

Findings and Next Steps

The investigation into the collision at Port of Santos is expected to provide a detailed account of the factors leading to the incident. Authorities will assess whether any operational procedures were violated and if any safety enhancements are required.

  • Investigative Focus: The investigation will aim to determine the root cause of the collision.

  • Potential Outcomes: Findings could lead to recommendations for improved safety protocols, training, or infrastructure within the Port of Santos.

  • Regulatory Review: The incident may trigger a broader review of safety standards for large vessels operating in congested port environments in Brazil.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened at Brazil's Port of Santos on February 16?
The Seaspan Empire, a large containership, hit two smaller ferries. The incident happened around 9:30 PM.
Q: Were there any injuries from the ferry collision in Santos?
No injuries were reported. Four crew members on one ferry jumped into the water as a safety step, but they were safe.
Q: What damage was caused by the containership hitting the ferries?
The Seaspan Empire had small scrapes on its front. The damage to the two ferries is still being checked.
Q: Why did the Seaspan Empire hit the ferries in the Port of Santos?
A full investigation is happening to find out why. They will check how the ship was handled, if warnings were given, and port safety rules.
Q: Is there a strike happening at the Port of Santos that could be related?
There are ongoing labor actions by customs workers at the port, but it is not yet clear if this caused the collision. This has raised worries about port safety and costs.
Q: What happens next after the containership and ferry collision in Brazil?
Investigators will look into the cause and see if safety rules need to be changed. This could lead to new safety steps for ships in busy ports.