It was claimed they found it carrying over 50 tonnes of weapons to Gaza strip
CMA CGM has denied any knowledge that one of its vessels was carrying arms from Iran, after calls from US congressmen for the US Treasury Department to consider sanctions against the line.
In a letter, obtained by a newspaper, Republican congressman Mike Conaway urges Secretary of State Hilary Clinton and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner to consider sanctions against CMA CGM for its failure to comply with international counterterrorism legislation.
On 15 March, the MV Victoria was seized by Israeli commandos after it was claimed they found it carrying over 50 tonnes of weapons destined for the Hamas administration in the Gaza strip.
CMA CGM released a statement explaining that documents detailing the contents of three containers on board the ship were false.
These documents, prepared by the shipper, clearly indicated that the containers were loaded with lentils, when in fact they contained weapons.
It stated: As regards trade to and from Iran, CMA CGM diligently applies the rules prescribed by the United Nations, the European Union and the US.
It has also announced that it has set up an in-house Iran Compliance Desk that works with agents to ensure that cargo carried to and from Iran complies with prevailing regulations.
In addition, Group employees are continuously trained in applying strict procedures to comply with rules and regulations, it said.
The carrier explained: CMA CGM reaffirms that container shipping is based on the same principle as postal mail, i.e. the declarative principle.
A maritime shipper loads containers that are delivered sealed to dockside, without any other knowledge of their contents than what is declared by the customer on the shipping documents. As a result, the carrier cannot be held liable for the contents.
The shipping documents are presented to customs officials and local authorities, who then grant the export licenses. They are the only persons authorised to inspect container contents, as needed.
In the case of the MV Victoria, after impounding the incriminated containers, Israeli authorities allowed the ship to continue on its voyage. No fines were levied, no security deposit was required and no legal action was taken against the ship or its owner, which was in no way held to be liable.
Source: IFW
