7000CEU PCTC Allides with Pier in Bremerhaven: CMA CGM Monza Detained After 6-Metre Hull Damage

A 7,000 CEU car carrier has been detained in Bremerhaven after striking a pier in windy conditions. 

According to reports from the Bremen Water Police and other maritime sources, the Malta-flagged CMA CGM Monza was entering the port area in the early hours of 21 April when strong gusts made manoeuvring difficult in the narrow waters near the former swing bridge area.The master reportedly requested an additional harbour tug after recognising the worsening conditions. However, despite tug assistance, the vessel’s starboard side made contact with the pier edge.The impact caused a hull opening of around six metres.

Fortunately, the damage was located approximately 2.5 metres above the waterline, and no water ingress, pollution, injuries, or serious damage to port infrastructure were reported.

The German authorities have launched administrative proceedings against the master and imposed a departure ban on the vessel until repairs are completed and the ship is confirmed safe to sail.

The vessel involved, CMA CGM MONZA, is a 2024-built LNG dual-fuel PCTC of around 200 metres in length, with a capacity of approximately 7,000 vehicles. The ship was built in China and is owned by Eastern Pacific Shipping, under charter to CMA CGM.

This incident is also a reminder that port manoeuvring risk remains significant even for modern vessels, especially under sudden wind conditions, restricted waterways and tight harbour spaces.Strictly speaking, this was an allision — a vessel striking a fixed object — rather than a collision between two moving vessels.

For shipowners, operators, ports and insurers, the case highlights several familiar but important questions: wind limits, tug allocation, pilot-master coordination, real-time risk assessment and the threshold for aborting or delaying port manoeuvres. 

Source: Maasmond Maritime