Maritime Analysis
Cma-Cgm-Kerguelen: Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Milestones in Global Shipping
By VesselRate AI Editor
Jun 24, 2026
The Cma-Cgm-Kerguelen has proven to be a vital asset for the CMA CGM Group since its delivery in March 2015. This significant vessel, capable of carrying up to 17,722 TEU, has navigated the globe, encountering both significant challenges and remarkable achievements along its journey.
On May 1, 2019, while sailing from Southampton to Le Havre, the Cma-Cgm-Kerguelen experienced a technical issue when a leak occurred in one of its cylinders approximately 16 miles southeast of St. Catherine's Point. Fortunately, the crew was able to rectify the defect promptly, allowing the vessel to continue its voyage. It successfully berthed at Terminal de France in Le Havre on May 2, showcasing its resilience amid potential operational disruptions.
Earlier in its history, on May 2, 2015, the Cma-Cgm-Kerguelen accomplished a significant milestone by crossing the Suez Canal for the first time. During this event, Admiral Mohab Mameesh, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, boarded the vessel to commemorate the journey. This crossing was part of a larger rotation that included routes between Asia, the Mediterranean, and Northern Europe, solidifying the vessel's strategic importance in global shipping.
Moreover, the Cma-Cgm-Kerguelen made headlines during its inaugural call at the Port Klang Terminal in Malaysia, where the terminal employed an unprecedented arrangement utilizing 12 cranes simultaneously. This impressive logistics effort was necessitated by the ship's exceptional length of 398 meters, setting a new record for handling one of the Group's vessels.
From overcoming mechanical challenges to celebrating significant milestones in its operational life, the Cma-Cgm-Kerguelen continues to navigate the complexities of maritime trade effectively, reflecting the innovative spirit and resilience of the CMA CGM Group in the global shipping industry.
On May 1, 2019, while sailing from Southampton to Le Havre, the Cma-Cgm-Kerguelen experienced a technical issue when a leak occurred in one of its cylinders approximately 16 miles southeast of St. Catherine's Point. Fortunately, the crew was able to rectify the defect promptly, allowing the vessel to continue its voyage. It successfully berthed at Terminal de France in Le Havre on May 2, showcasing its resilience amid potential operational disruptions.
Earlier in its history, on May 2, 2015, the Cma-Cgm-Kerguelen accomplished a significant milestone by crossing the Suez Canal for the first time. During this event, Admiral Mohab Mameesh, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, boarded the vessel to commemorate the journey. This crossing was part of a larger rotation that included routes between Asia, the Mediterranean, and Northern Europe, solidifying the vessel's strategic importance in global shipping.
Moreover, the Cma-Cgm-Kerguelen made headlines during its inaugural call at the Port Klang Terminal in Malaysia, where the terminal employed an unprecedented arrangement utilizing 12 cranes simultaneously. This impressive logistics effort was necessitated by the ship's exceptional length of 398 meters, setting a new record for handling one of the Group's vessels.
From overcoming mechanical challenges to celebrating significant milestones in its operational life, the Cma-Cgm-Kerguelen continues to navigate the complexities of maritime trade effectively, reflecting the innovative spirit and resilience of the CMA CGM Group in the global shipping industry.
Based on these news reports:
- Containership suffered cyliner leak (2019-05-03)
- CMA CGM KERGUELEN to be christened in Le Havre on May 12 (2015-05-08)
- CMA CGM KERGUELEN welcomed with a unique arrangement at the Port Klang Terminal (2015-04-23)