Weather patterns around the coast of South Africa continues to add to routing delays and increased transit times faced by global shipping lines creating trade disruptions.
Following the CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin which lost around 40+ containers in stormy weather around the coast of South Africa on the Indian Ocean side last month, another ship, also operated by CMA CGM and also Maltese flagged, the CMA CGM BELEM has lost around 99 containers.
The ship encountered adverse weather conditions 10 nautical miles off the coast of Richards Bay on the 15th of August, resulting in a significant stow collapse and a loss of around 99 containers.
SAMSA (South African Maritime Safety Authority) issued a navigational warning to vessels sailing in this area and has also issued a public call to report any sighting of the cargo containers possibly still floating at sea.
In a statement at the weekend SAMSA confirmed that: “The CMA CGM BELEM, a container ship sailing under the Maltese flag, encountered severe weather off the coast of Richards Bay last night (Thursday), resulting in a significant stow collapse and a loss of 99 containers.“
“The vessel had initially sought refuge at Maputo Bay. However, after further assessment, the decision was made to redirect the ship to Qheberha. The CMA CGM BELEM is currently slow steaming towards Port of Ngqura, with an expected time of arrival on 18 August 2024,” said SAMSA.
The CMA CGM Belem is a 2024 ship with a carrying capacity of 13,200 TEUs measuring 336 meters in length, 51 meters in height with a draft of 14.8 meters was on its way from Singapore to Rio De Janeiro. It is one of CMA CGM’s LNG powered ships.
In an advisory, CMA CGM said, “The cause of the incident is currently under investigation, and a thorough assessment of the extent of the container losses is underway.
No crew injuries have been sustained, and there has been no report of pollution as a result of this incident.“.
As per SAMSA, due to the size of the ship, it had to take cover at the deep-water port of Ngqura in Algoa Bay near Gqeberha, Eastern Cape both for shelter and also to adjust the cargo on board before continuing on its way to Europe.
“Given her draft, the Port of Ngqura has been identified as the only suitable port of refuge. Stowage collapses have been confirmed, and the affected containers will need to be discharged at a container port facility upon arrival” said SAMSA.
SAMSA added: “Vessels traversing the ocean area, and the public, are requested to report any sightings of the lost containers to the relevant authorities by contacting the Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC) on telephone number 021 938 3300 with the position, number, and colour of the containers observed.”
Several ships have lost their containers at sea mostly due to adverse weather conditions causing motions like parametric rolling.
