A Container Ship Lost Nearly 100 Containers In A Severe Storm Near South Africa
On 15 August 2024, the CMA CGM Belem, a 13,000 TEU container ship, lost 99 containers in a severe storm off the east coast of South Africa.
This is the second incident in a month where CMA CGM has lost containers in the region as the vessel is being diverted around the Cape of Good Hope for safety reasons in the Red Sea.
The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) said the vessel suffered a severe collapse of its cargo hold during the storm, forcing it to seek shelter.
The vessel initially sought shelter in Maputo Bay, Mozambique, but after further inspection. It was directed to Port Nqula (Port Elizabeth) near Gqeberha. The Malta-registered vessel was delivered to CMA CGM in June.
The Malta-registered vessel, delivered to CMA CGM in June, is moving slowly towards the port and is expected to arrive on 18 August 2024.
The port of Ngqura was chosen as the only suitable refuge due to the vessel’s dimensions. 145,650 dwt, 1,102 ft (336 m) long, 48.5 ft (14.8 m) draft.
SAMSA has issued a navigation safety alert and asked the public to report any floating cargo.
The CMA CGM Belem is one of six dual-fuel LNG vessels built by CSSC Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding under a contract with CMA CGM.
The vessel departed from Qingdao, China, on July 18 and visited several Chinese ports and Singapore. It was scheduled to arrive in Rio de Janeiro and Santos, Brazil, in early September.
On July 9, 2024, another CMA CGM ship, the Benjamin Franklin, lost up to 40 containers in the same area. The Benjamin Franklin sailed on July 16 after a week-long stay in Algoa Bay.
Industry experts warn that despite the diversions necessary due to rising tensions and the Red Sea attacks. The Cape of Good Hope route faces significant challenges, especially during severe winter storms off South Africa.
Recent storms have affected container and bulk carriers. Such as the Ultra Galaxy, which sank and broke apart near Cape Town after being abandoned by its crew.
CMA CGM has not yet made an official statement on the Belem incident, but a full damage assessment is likely.
