CMA CGM has reported that severe weather conditions are impacting navigation in the Atlantic along the French, Spanish and Moroccan coastlines. The company said the situation involves an event of exceptional intensity and duration, particularly in the Bay of Biscay. As a precautionary measure, CMA CGM has decided to place vessels transiting the area in safe positions to ensure the safety of crews and cargo. The measure applies across the entire area from southern Morocco to the entrance of the English Channel, with holding positions notably in the Seine Bay and Gibraltar.
"The situation is being closely monitored, and our teams remain fully mobilised," CMA CGM said in a statement. The carrier listed the impacted services as FAL, EPIC, US, EURAF, LATAM and SSL. Navigation in the Bay of Biscay is expected to be disrupted for approximately 72 hours. Vessels held during this period will continue rotation when conditions allow, leading to temporary delays in container planning along European routes.
Shippers can expect adjustments in equipment turn and port ETAs. The event underlines that extreme weather driven by climate change has become a persistent supply chain risk factor across global container chains. CMA CGM will continue updates on the situation through customer notification platforms; marine insurance and general average implications will also be closely monitored.
Key Takeaways:
1. CMA CGM has placed vessels in safe holding positions due to severe Atlantic weather.
2. The measure spans the entire area from southern Morocco to the entrance of the English Channel.
3. Affected services: FAL, EPIC, US, EURAF, LATAM and SSL.
4. Navigation in the Bay of Biscay is expected to be disrupted for approximately 72 hours.
5. The event highlights that climate-driven extreme weather is a persistent supply chain risk in global container chains.
