CMA CGM STRAUSS Container Vessel struck by a Tug in Genoa

24 Feb 2010

As CMA CGM STRAUSS was manoeuvring to leave the Port of Genoa on the morning of February 19th, 2010 with a pilot on board, tug “FRANCIA”, following an engine problem and in deteriorating weather conditions, struck the container ship, breaching one of its fuel tanks, causing a spillage of approximately 184 tonnes of fuel into the sea.

CMA CGM immediately took all necessary steps to limit the oil leakage by transferring the content from the damaged tank to other tanks and by trimming the vessel.

No one was injured in the incident, and the fuel leak was halted by early afternoon. The two vessels were able to return to port safely.

Anti-pollution measures were taken by the Italian authorities at the time of the incident, and the situation is being carefully monitored.

As the oil spill drifted, the French authorities (Maritime Prefecture in Toulon) were also notified, in addition to implementing the Italian anti-pollution plan.

CMA CGM sent company’s representatives and appointed an expert from the International Tanker Owner Pollution Federation Limited (ITOPF) to work together with the authorities concerned, both in Genoa and in Toulon.

Given its commitment to the environment, CMA CGM is treating this incident very seriously and is fully cooperating with the authorities concerned in order to minimize the environmental impact.

CMA CGM STRAUSS is a modern container vessel, built in 2004, with a capacity of 5 782 TEU.

CMA CGM