CMA CGM ship loses 44 containers off South Africa

MARSEILLE : The 18,000 TEU container vessel CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin encountered severe weather off the coast of South Africa, resulting in the loss of 44 containers and damage to 30 more boxes.

This incident occurred on 9 July, while the 2015-built container ship was en route from Asia to Europe.

“No injury to the crew has been reported, no pollution, no strong damage to the vessel which remains fully seaworthy,” said CMA CGM in a statement.

The French carrier added that after inspection, “it is assessed that all containers lost at sea contained harmless goods and do not contain any dangerous cargo.”

CMA CGM said it has already notified the relevant authorities and will proceed to Cape Town, South Africa for making a throughout assessment of the situation and taking all relevant and necessary measures to ensure a safe prosecution of the sea voyage.

The company noted that it will contact customers impacted by the incident individually to share all available information.