Reviews & Ratings for the Cma-Cgm-Puccini

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has released a report detailing the circumstances surrounding the allision of the CMA CGM Puccini with a navigation beacon during its departure from Melbourne on May 25, 2023. The investigation revealed that a lack of proficiency in steering gear operations, compounded by unclear procedural guidelines, was responsible for the vessel's deviation from its intended course along the Yarra River. Erratic steering responses were reported by both the pilot and crew, leading to the ship's collision with the beacon. Key findings indicated that an incomplete understanding of steering gear functionality among onboard engineers, along with ambiguous terminology within CMA CGM's operating procedures, critically contributed to the incident. The ATSB's initial probe uncovered that the ship had been behaving erratically, prompting a closer examination of the steering system's performance. Investigators found that the crew had inadvertently left a hydraulic bypass valve open after an AMSA port state control inspection on May 24, resulting in improper hydraulic configuration for normal steering operations. While the steering system still operated adequately under low load conditions—passing the visual pre-departure inspection—the problem arose as the vessel's speed increased, leading to the hydraulic oil leaking and causing the rudder's erratic response. The investigation further noted that several officers lacked the required proficiency in steering gear operation and control modes, as stipulated by industry regulations. Complicating matters was CMA CGM's use of specialized steering terminology which did not align with broader industry standard terms, adding to the confusion among crew members. Specific terms like 'steering gear failure' failed to encompass common notions like 'emergency' and 'local steering.' During the incident, while the CMA CGM Puccini navigated through the Yarra River, the crew observed sluggish rudder responses without raising the alarms or consulting the pilot, as no warning systems indicated malfunctioning equipment. At 4:36 a.m., after dismissing two tugs, the vessel passed under the Westgate Bridge at a speed of 6.6 knots. Shortly thereafter, the helmsman reported that the rudder had become unresponsive, causing the ship to veer off course and collide with navigation beacon 32 at a speed of 7.7 knots. Fortunately, the nearby tugs returned to help stabilize the vessel's erratic navigation. Following the incident, the CMA CGM Puccini was moved to Webb Dock for inspection, where it was found to have only minor paint damage, but the navigation beacon sustained significant damage. In response to the findings, CMA CGM has taken corrective action by revamping its steering protocols across the fleet, replacing the previous 'steering gear failure' procedure with an updated 'emergency steering procedure.' Additionally, Ports Victoria has enhanced its harbor master directions to improve towage requirements for vessels navigating the Yarra River, particularly focusing on guidance for those encountering major engine or steering failures while in port waters.

An interim report from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has revealed that a steering malfunction led the CMA CGM Puccini to veer off course and collide with a navigation beacon in the Yarra River. The incident took place after the vessel departed from Swanson Dock in the Port of Melbourne on May 29, 2023, under the guidance of a pilot and initially supported by two tugboats. At approximately 4:18 a.m., while executing a turn to exit Swanson Dock, the ship's captain and chief mate noticed an unusually slow response from the rudder. Approximately 25 minutes later, after passing under the Westgate Bridge and dismissing the tugs while cruising at about 6.6 knots, the helmsman reported that the rudder was unresponsive to the commands from the steering wheel. This unresponsive behavior resulted in the ship straying further from its intended path, heading towards the western edge of the navigable portion of the Yarra River. Despite attempts by the crew and the pilot to reestablish control and reduce speed, the vessel struck a navigation beacon, with its stern crossing the dredged channel's limits. The nearby tugs returned to assist in stabilizing the erratic motion of the CMA CGM Puccini, which was then directed to Webb Dock for further inspection. The vessel had been cleared for departure on May 26 and was en route to Port Botany, Sydney, by May 27. On May 28, prior to its arrival, the ship's crew tested the steering gear again, only to find it misbehaving once more. A second engineer, who had joined the ship in Melbourne, discovered that the hydraulics of the steering system were improperly configured. After rectifying the configuration by closing the by-pass valve of the non-operational pump, the steering system responded normally without further issues. The CMA CGM Puccini then sailed to Brisbane, where it docked successfully on June 1. The ATSB launched an investigation following initial reports that the erratic steering observed on May 25 had not been adequately explained, prompting further examinations once the vessel arrived in Brisbane on June 2 and again in July when it returned to Melbourne. During these investigations, ATSB officials conducted thorough evaluations of the steering systems, interviewed crew members, and gathered extensive documentation and data. They also sought testimony from the incident pilot, the pilotage provider, AMSA, and port authorities. The investigative team will continue to verify timelines, analyze the ship's steering mechanisms, assess crew actions, and review protocols for steering gear management across the ship and the broader CMA CGM fleet. The final report will be made public upon completion of the thorough investigation.