272 Metre Containership Hits Ship-To-Shore Crane At Italy’s Port Of Livorno And Gets Detained

A CMA CGM containership hit a container-handling crane while approaching its berth at Italy’s Port of Livorno on Wednesday, October 21, damaging the structure and leaving only two of the terminal’s six cranes usable immediately after the incident.

The 272-metre Malta-flagged CMA CGM Pointe Noire was manoeuvring in the turning basin at Terminal Darsena Toscana (TDT) with the assistance of two tugboats when its bridge struck the boom of a crane parked alongside the quay for maintenance.

The impact knocked the crane off its rails, leaving it tilted towards the water. Per initial reports, the ship sustained only minor damage. No injuries were reported.

The damaged crane’s removal was expected the following week, while its restoration could take several months, according to reports.

The collision has reduced the number of cranes available for container handling at the terminal, although the extent of any resulting cargo delays has not been specified.

The damaged unit is one of six similar Paceco cranes at TDT. Only two were usable immediately after the collision, affecting the terminal’s available container-handling capacity.

The Port Authority restricted the waters in front of quay 14, between bollards 15 and 29, extending 80 metres from the quay edge. The measure was introduced to secure the damaged crane and maintain navigational safety in the area.

The terminal involved technicians from the crane manufacturer and submitted a stability report to the Port Authority. The crane’s position during maintenance and the circumstances of the collision are under investigation.

Authorities detained the CMA CGM Pointe Noire pending the checks required to authorise its departure. The captain was also summoned to provide clarification.

The Port Authority is investigating how the collision happened and who was responsible. The Coast Guard is also examining the ship’s manoeuvre.

TDT General Manager Marco Mignogna said the crane’s position during maintenance had been agreed with the pilots and the Maritime Authority. The cause of the collision is still unknown.

The damaged crane was expected to be removed the following week, with repairs likely to take several months.

The terminal may have fewer cranes available during this period, but no details have been provided about possible cargo delays or waiting times for ships.

The CMA CGM Pointe Noire remains detained while authorities carry out the necessary checks.

References: Shipping Italy, Baird Maritime