Cma CGM container ship lost nearly 100 containers in a storm
The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has issued an announcement about a serious incident involving CMA CGM Belem, a newly launched large container ship owned by CMA CGM (IMO No. 9938286) off the east coast of South Africa. Newly built in 2024, the Maltese flagged vessel has a capacity of 13,200TEU, is powered by liquefied natural gas, and was launched last month, but unfortunately, its maiden voyage was hit by a major accident caused by extreme weather.
For the foreign trade export enterprises and freight forwarding logistics companies that have recently loaded this ship, it is urgent to remind them to contact the shipping company immediately to understand the damage of their goods and the possible impact of the accident on the subsequent shipment date, so as to take timely countermeasures.
Notably, the CMA CGM BELEM is the second ship to encounter bad weather while sailing in South Africa's Indian Ocean region, a month ago, The Maltese flagged very large container ship CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin, also from CMA CGM, lost up to 40 containers in the same part of South Africa's Indian Ocean region while passing through the country on its way from Asia to Europe.
In a statement released in Pretoria on Saturday, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) noted that the CMA CGM Belem, as a large vessel, has a draft depth that makes Ngura Port, the newest deep-water port in the Eastern Cape's Algoa Bay, the safest and only suitable temporary berth for the vessel at this time.
"Given the ship's draft characteristics, Ngura Port has been identified as the only suitable option for refuge," SAMSA stressed. At the same time, it has been confirmed that the container stack on board has collapsed and the affected containers will be arranged for unloading at the container port facility upon arrival at the port."
In addition, SAMSA said that the ship owner is actively cooperating with the authorities and has issued navigation warnings aimed at ensuring the navigation safety of other vessels in the surrounding waters and preventing potential accident risks.
In order to track and dispose of lost containers in a timely manner, SAMSA reminds vessels and the public that if they find any suspected lost containers, they should immediately call the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) on 021 938 3300, report to the relevant authorities, and provide the specific location, number and color of the containers found. In order to respond quickly.
For the foreign trade export enterprises and freight forwarding logistics companies that have recently loaded this ship, it is urgent to remind them to contact the shipping company immediately to understand the damage of their goods and the possible impact of the accident on the subsequent shipment date, so as to take timely countermeasures.
Notably, the CMA CGM BELEM is the second ship to encounter bad weather while sailing in South Africa's Indian Ocean region, a month ago, The Maltese flagged very large container ship CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin, also from CMA CGM, lost up to 40 containers in the same part of South Africa's Indian Ocean region while passing through the country on its way from Asia to Europe.
In a statement released in Pretoria on Saturday, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) noted that the CMA CGM Belem, as a large vessel, has a draft depth that makes Ngura Port, the newest deep-water port in the Eastern Cape's Algoa Bay, the safest and only suitable temporary berth for the vessel at this time.
"Given the ship's draft characteristics, Ngura Port has been identified as the only suitable option for refuge," SAMSA stressed. At the same time, it has been confirmed that the container stack on board has collapsed and the affected containers will be arranged for unloading at the container port facility upon arrival at the port."
In addition, SAMSA said that the ship owner is actively cooperating with the authorities and has issued navigation warnings aimed at ensuring the navigation safety of other vessels in the surrounding waters and preventing potential accident risks.
In order to track and dispose of lost containers in a timely manner, SAMSA reminds vessels and the public that if they find any suspected lost containers, they should immediately call the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) on 021 938 3300, report to the relevant authorities, and provide the specific location, number and color of the containers found. In order to respond quickly.
