Cmacgm-Vasco-De-Gama Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

A recent report from the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has shed light on the missteps in planning that culminated in the grounding of the CMA CGM Vasco de Gama while approaching the ABP-operated Port of Southampton. This colossal 399-meter ultra-large containership — the largest vessel flagged under the UK at the time — ran aground on a rising tide over a flat shingle sea bed on the morning of August 22, 2016. At the time of the incident, the vessel was staffed with two specialized container ship pilots who were attempting the entry. The grounding occurred in the western section of the Thorn Channel, but thanks to a coordinated effort involving tugs and the ship's engines, the Vasco de Gama was successfully refloated shortly thereafter. MAIB's findings indicated that while the bridge team and pilots possessed the necessary experience and resources to navigate successfully, deficiencies in navigation standards, communication, and the effective utilization of electronic charting systems were apparent. Furthermore, the inquiry pointed out the absence of a comprehensive navigation plan, a lack of briefing regarding the lead pilot's strategy for maneuvering around Bramble Bank, and ambiguous roles within the bridge team as contributing factors to the incident.

In the early hours of August 22, 2016, the cruise ship Vasco da Gama encountered an unexpected incident as it approached the bustling port of Southampton, UK. Traveling from Algeciras, the vessel ran aground shortly after midnight. Fortunately, the situation was swiftly managed, and the ship was successfully refloated approximately 30 minutes later. Following this quick resolution, Vasco da Gama continued its journey and docked safely in Southampton without further complications.

CMA CGM is set to make significant changes to its FAL 1 service, as outlined in their recent press release. Starting from the m/v CMA CGM JULES VERNE on voyage 115 FLE, the service will omit calls at the port of Zeebrugge. The last vessel to dock at Zeebrugge will be the m/v CMA CGM VASCO DE GAMA, scheduled for voyage 113FLE on August 29, 2016. Furthermore, effective from the m/v CMA CGM ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT on voyage 109 FLE, the service will also cease operations at Dalian, with the final call being made by the m/v CMA CGM MAGELLAN on voyage 107FLE, arriving at Dalian on September 16, 2016. Following these adjustments, the revised rotation of the FAL 1 service will be as follows: Southampton - Dunkirk - Hamburg - Rotterdam - Le Havre - Malta - Khor Al Fakkan - Jebel Ali - Shanghai - Tianjin Xingang - Busan - Qingdao - Shanghai (WB) - Ningbo - Yantian - Port Kelang - Algeciras - Southampton.