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In French, "au quai" means "in the harbour."

Cargo in the harbour, is not lost at sea, or in transit.

Instead it is safe and sound, or O.K.

The "au quai" etymology isn't universally accepted, and isn't recognised by the Academie Française, who don't concede its use.

Generally, people use "d'accord" (sometimes shortened to "d'ac") over "OK" in French.

I can understand that the etymology is disputed, but what does the modern French expression of agreement have to do with it?

For all I know, it's entirely possible a misunderstanding/reappropriation of a foreign phrase could be it.