CMA CGM Boxship Slices Into Pier at Port in Estonia
Boxship Collision at Estonia's Muuga Port
A significant maritime incident occurred at Muuga Port in Estonia when the container ship CMA CGM Mermaid collided with the quay on September 8. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the wharf, with reports indicating that the ship’s bow penetrated several meters into the structure. Additionally, another vessel, the bulk carrier Belasitza, sustained damage during the incident. As of September 11, the CMA CGM Mermaid remains moored at the quay while assessments of the damage continue.
Details of the Incident
The collision took place around 11:50 AM UTC as the CMA CGM Mermaid was arriving from Kotka. Local media captured images showing the extent of the damage to the quay, highlighting the sharp impact of the ship’s plumb bow. The quay suffered a significant breach, raising concerns about the structural integrity of the port facilities. The adjacent bulk carrier, Belasitza, was also affected, with damage reported to its bow. However, details regarding any potential damage to the CMA CGM Mermaid itself have not yet been disclosed.
As of the morning of September 11, the CMA CGM Mermaid remains docked alongside the quay wall, indicating that the vessel is stable despite the incident. The ship is a modern container feeder with a capacity of 2,000 TEU, part of a series of ten sister ships designed by Chantiers de l’Atlantique and Hyundai Heavy Industries. Delivered in the previous year, the CMA CGM Mermaid is engineered for enhanced efficiency, boasting CO2 savings of up to 20 percent. Its design features, including a sharp, plumb bow, are intended to improve wave penetration, which may have contributed to the severity of the collision.
Impact on Port Operations
The incident at Muuga Port raises questions about the operational safety of the facility and the potential for disruptions in shipping schedules. Authorities are likely to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the collision and assess the damage to both the quay and the vessels involved. The port’s management will need to evaluate the structural damage to the quay to ensure it can safely accommodate future shipping activities.
As the situation develops, stakeholders in the shipping and logistics sectors will be closely monitoring the impact of this incident on maritime operations in the region. The CMA CGM Mermaid is a vital component of the shipping network, and any delays in its operations could have ripple effects throughout the supply chain. The port’s ability to quickly address the damage and restore normal operations will be crucial in minimizing disruptions.
