On May 11, CMA CGM’s feeder vessel CMA CGM Ermitage, operating in the Baltic region, was involved in an accident while docking in Hamburg, Germany.

According to reports, the vessel had arrived from Bremerhaven and was approaching the terminal when it struck the quay wall and the base of a cargo crane, pushing the crane off its tracks.

The vessel sustained hull damage and has been detained pending an investigation.

CMA CGM Ermitage (31,000 DWT / 2,000 TEU), delivered in 2024, is one of CMA CGM’s latest innovative feeder vessels. Built by HD Hyundai at the Mipo shipyard in South Korea, the LNG-powered ship measures 204.29 meters in length and 29.6 meters in width. It is the first in CMA CGM’s fleet to feature a forward-leaning deckhouse design, which reportedly improves aerodynamics and increases loading capacity. The vessel’s inverted bow with an integrated bulbous bow also enhances hydrodynamic efficiency, reducing fuel consumption by up to 15% per voyage.

The vessel serves ports across the Baltic Sea and the Scandinavian Peninsula, with Hamburg and Bremerhaven as its primary home ports.

Footage of the incident shows the vessel approaching the quay at a steep angle and unable to stop. Unconfirmed German media reports suggest the vessel may have turned to avoid a private boat on the river. A river pilot was reportedly onboard. The vessel came into contact with the crane base, and further scraping occurred along the side of the ship.

No injuries were reported. Port staff secured the vessel at the berth.

Germany’s Federal Bureau of Maritime Casualty Investigation (BG Verkehr) has detained the ship and is analyzing radar data, radio transmissions, and AIS system records as part of the investigation.