CMA CGM Containership Collides with Beacon Due to Ambiguous Steering Procedures, ATSB Reports

A containership operated by CMA CGM collided with a navigational beacon in Australia’s Yarra River due to unclear steering procedures and crew unfamiliarity with steering systems, according to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB).

The incident occurred on May 25, 2023, when the CMA CGM Puccini was departing the Port of Melbourne under pilot guidance. The vessel’s rudder began responding erratically to helm orders, causing it to swing wide during a turn. Though the ship sustained only minor hull paint damage, the beacon suffered significant damage.

ATSB investigators determined that the erratic steering resulted from a hydraulic bypass valve left ope…