LNG-powered CMA CGM Belem loses 99 containers in Indian Ocean

Less than two months after it was delivered to French shipping major CMA CGM, CMA CGM Belem, a 13,000 TEU liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel containership, has lost 99 containers off the east coast of South Africa due to adverse weather conditions.

“The CMA CGM BELEM, a container ship sailing under the Maltese flag, encountered severe weather off the coast of Richards Bay last night (August 15), resulting in a significant stow collapse and a loss of 99 containers,” the French shipping giant said in a statement.

“The vessel had initially sought refuge at Maputo Bay. However, after further assessment, the decision was made to redirect the ship to Qheberha.”

In response, a navigational warning to sailing vessels has been issued and a public call has been made to report any sighting of the cargo containers possibly still floating at sea, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) informed.

The Malta-flagged vessel reached Ngqurha deep water port in Algoa Bay, near Gqeberha, Eastern Cape province on August 18, 2024. It will be temporarily berthed there as the port 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.

No information was shared if any of the containers carried potentially hazardous substances.

CMA CGM Belem, featuring a length of 336 meters, a width of 51 meters and a draft of 14.8 meters, was launched by Chinese shipbuilder Hudong-Zhonghua in January this year.

This is the fifth unit in a series of six dual-fuel, LNG-powered boxships ordered by CMA CGM in April 2021 under the $2.3 billion deal. The deal is part of the company’s decarbonization agenda which has seen over 77 ‘green’ ships ordered over the past ten years worth $10.2 billion. 

CMA CGM Belem was delivered to its owner at the aforementioned shipyard on June 28, 2024.

In related news, another CMA CGM’s ship, the Malta-flagged CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin, reportedly lost up to 40 containers in about the same region of the South African Indian Ocean area a month ago, while also sailing past the country from Asia to Europe.