CMA CGM successfully performed a joint emergency drill together with the Chinese Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) in Chiwan, China, on November 16.
This exercise was the first training of CMA CGM in cooperation with the Chinese Maritime Safety Administration pollution control and safe navigation team, the terminal operator MCT, Shenzhen Hangpeng Marine Environmental Service and the local agents.
Dealing with leakages of containers involving possible dangerous goods or hazardous materials requires a high level of professionalism and coordination between the parties involved. In order to be ready for any kind of emergency, CMA CGM trains its collaborators and cooperates with authorities.
In this exercise it was assumed that there was a leakage in a container transporting dangerous or hazardous material (IMDG-Code). The aim was to train the emergency response team on board and ashore and to practice its cooperation with the Chinese Maritime Safety Administration.
The scenario contained three phases after the leakage of an IMDG-container had been discovered onboard the CMA CGM VIRGINIA while at sea, shortly before berthing:
1. The preparation of dealing with a leaking container on-board by the crew as per the emergency manual and the handling of the container ashore by the MSA
2. The investigation of the container by the authorities
3. The discharge and treatment of the container ashore
The exercise displayed the professional and vigilant work of all parties involved. Lessons learned and further improvements have been exchanged. Further exercises are to come in order to continue the collaboration and readiness.
Source & Image credit: CMA CGM
