In response, a navigational warning to sailing vessels has been issued and a public call made to report any sighting of the cargo containers possibly still floating at sea.
In a statement over the weekend, SAMSA confirmed that CMA CGM Belem, a containership sailing under the Maltese flag, encountered severe weather off the coast of Richards Bay on the evening (local time) of Thursday, August 15, 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.
CMA CGM Belem then headed towards the Port of Ngqura, arriving there on Sunday, August 18.
SAMSA said it is the second vessel of its kind and from the same France-based company – CMA CGM – to be battered by adverse weather conditions while sailing around South Africa’s Indian Ocean area, and resulting in substantial loss of containers overboard at sea.
In July, the ultra large container vessel CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin, also Maltese-flagged, reportedly lost up to 40 containers in about the same region of the South African Indian Ocean area, while also sailing past the country from Asia to Europe.
Due to its size, the ship also had to take cover at the deep water port of Ngqura in Algoa Bay near Gqeberha, Eastern Capem both for shelter as well as an adjustment of its cargo load for the rest of the journey to Europe. A few days later, having been cleared by SAMSA to sail, it departed South Africa, while a search for its lost containers remained active.
Speaking to local media on Saturday, SAMSA said CMA CGM Belem was also a sizeable vessel best likely to be temporarily, safely berthed at the Eastern Cape’s newest deep water port in Algoa Bay.
SAMSA said that, given the ship's draught, the Port of Ngqura has been identified as the only suitable port of refuge. Stowage collapses have also been confirmed, and the affected containers will need to be discharged at a container port facility upon arrival.
SAMSA also said that the owners of the vessel were “cooperating with the authorities and that a navigational warning has been promulgated for the safety of navigation of other vessels in the vicinity.”
SAMSA has requested the public and vessels traversing the ocean area 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.
CMA CGM Vessel Loses Containers in Storm
The latest incident involving CMA CGM Belem is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by container ships navigating the notoriously rough waters around the Cape of Good Hope. Due to the ongoing security situation in the Red Sea, many container ships have been forced to divert their routes, opting for the longer journey around the southern tip of Africa. However, this alternative route exposes vessels to harsh weather conditions, which can lead to significant cargo losses and safety hazards.
The incident is also raising concerns about the safety and resilience of container stowage. The two CMA CGM vessels losing containers within a short period highlight a potential vulnerability, especially given the increasing size of container ships and the complexity of their cargo loading.
A Growing Trend in Shipping?
The CMA CGM Belem incident is not an isolated case. In recent years, there have been a number of high-profile incidents involving container ships losing cargo overboard. In 2021, for instance, the ONE Apus lost over 1,800 containers in the North Pacific Ocean during a storm. These incidents are a reminder of the risks associated with shipping, especially in increasingly volatile weather patterns.
While the exact cause of the container losses on CMA CGM Belem is still under investigation, the incident has brought into focus the need for greater attention to cargo stowage practices, particularly in relation to the increasing size and weight of containers being loaded on ships. Moreover, the incident is likely to reignite the debate on the need for stricter regulations and standards for cargo securing and container stacking, especially considering the growing number of container ships transiting the Cape of Good Hope.
Looking Ahead: A Need for Collaboration and Action
The latest incident involving CMA CGM Belem underscores the importance of collaboration between shipping companies, maritime authorities, and the wider shipping industry. There is a need to share best practices, implement stricter safety measures, and invest in technologies that can improve cargo securing and vessel stability in challenging weather conditions. The future of container shipping depends on this collaborative effort. By taking steps to mitigate risks and enhance safety, the shipping industry can ensure the safe and efficient movement of goods around the globe, even in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
