CMA CGM To Revise Steering Procedures After Ship Collision In Yarra River

CMA CGM is updating its fleetwide steering procedures after an investigation found that unclear instructions contributed to one of its container ships, CMA CGM Puccini, losing steering control and striking a navigational beacon in Melbourne’s Yarra River.

The incident occurred on May 25, 2023, when the vessel was departing the Port of Melbourne under a harbour pilot’s guidance.

As the ship turned, its rudder began responding unpredictably, causing it to swing too wide and hit the beacon. The vessel suffered minor hull paint damage, while the beacon sustained major damage.

An investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) found that the erratic steering was caused by a hydraulic bypass valve that had been left open after a routine port state control inspection by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) the day before.

Th…

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