44 containers were lost overboard during a voyage from Asia to Europe last week, as extreme weather conditions impacted several services around the Cape Of Good Hope.

The containership ‘CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin’ was travelling around the South African coast during storm conditions when the containers were lost and 30 more were reported to be damaged.   

The French carrier advised that the ship made an unscheduled stop at Cape Town for a detailed inspection and to ensure it was safe to continue. The vessel was subsequently confirmed as seaworthy and incurred no damage during the storm. 

The adverse weather conditions along South Africa’s coastline have also delayed several services in the past week, including Asia to Europe services that are being routed through the region since the Red Sea crisis began.

The incident serves as a reminder that importers and exporters need to ensure they are fully covered with Cargo Insurance. Carriers and logistics providers are always protected by liability limitations in their trading conditions and without the necessary cover, the full value of the goods lost or damaged is unlikely to be recovered.

If you would like to check your cover with us, or speak to us about our own cargo insurance products, then please do not hesitate to contact a member of our team.

If you have any questions regarding the above, then Westbound are here to help. So, please do not hesitate to contact us.