A container ship in the Port of Barranquilla, Colombia, was damaged after colliding with a pier.

On the morning of October 2, 2024, a small container ship, the CMA CGM Balboa, collided with a pier at the Port of Barranquilla, Colombia, due to mechanical failure.

According to local media reports, the accident occurred at 12:40 p.m. when the vessel drifted and collided with the pier of the port’s small container facility.

Port authorities confirmed that there were no reports of casualties or pollution. At 11:00 a.m., a rapid response team of four tugboats was dispatched to assist the ship and successfully transfer it to a safe berth.

The tugboat operator, the Colombian Maritime Authority, and the local port captain coordinated the operation.

The hull was severely damaged, and the ballast tanks were filled with water, as would be expected in this situation. A port official said the water ingress was limited to the tanks, limiting further damage to the ship.

Inspections are currently underway to determine whether the ship needs to be dry-docked in Barranquilla or if it can be repaired at the next destination.

The CMA CGM Balboa was carrying more than 2,700 tons of cargo at the time of the accident. On Thursday, the vessel remained moored at the terminal for further inspection.

The 28,000-dwt container ship, built in 2007, had previously experienced operational issues, including a mechanical failure during an inspection in 2023 that resulted in an engine shutdown.

These difficulties were resolved before the vessel resumed sailing.