Ultra-Large Containership APL Vanda Loses Boxes Overboard in Indian Ocean

A CMA CGM-operated mega containership apparently lost an undisclosed number of containers overboard while underway in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Djibouti earlier this month.

The revelation puts to rest several questions concerning APL Venda’s status after it unexpectedly arrived at a Djibouti anchorage on July 6.

An update from CMA CGM on July 7 said the vessel suffered an “unexpected incident” during a westbound voyage on July 3, delaying its arrival in North Europe by two weeks.

Casualty management firm WK Webster reported Thursday that 17,292 TEU capacity ship lost an unknown number of containers overboard on or about July 3 and it was working verify the severity of the incident. We now know 55 containers were lost overboard.

The Loadstar’s continued reporting on the incident has on multiple occassions pointed out that CMA CGM has been unusually tight-lipped about the incident.

APL Vanda is operated on CMA CGM’s FAL3 service connection Asia with North Europe. The ship was built in 2013 and is registered in Singapore.

In 2016, APL Vanda made headlines after it intentionally grounded in the Solent outside the Port of Southampton after experiencing a loss of power.

Update: CMA CGM confirmed Friday that 55 containers had fallen overboard. Its statement obtained by The Loadstar is below:

“On 3 July, APL Vandareported that about 55 containers from a single bay fell overboard whilst the vessel was facing heavy weather en route from Singapore to Suez, just before entry to the Gulf of Aden. No injury has been reported and all crew members are safe.
“The vessel has stopped in Djibouti to clear some damaged containers on deck before safely continuing her voyage. We are working with all relevant authorities who have been informed of the situation.”