The CMA CGM Group, a leading worldwide shipping group, and the German Authority Havariekommando tested Havariekommando´s capability to tow ultra-large container vessels during an exercise held on June 13th 2015, the company said in its press release.
The vessel used for this exercise was the CMA CGM JULES VERNE, the Group’s 16 000 TEU flagship.
During the exercise, the Havariekommando ordered the CMA CGM JULES VERNE:
To alter its geographical position,
To take over the role of a “vessel in distress” in an emergency towing,
To allow and assist representatives of the Havariekommando to board.
The task of Havariekommando´s operation forces were
To board the ship via helicopter
To evaluate the situation with the master of the CMA CGM JULES VERNE
To train the communication between the on-scene-coordinator, the boarding team, the emergency towing vessels and the CMA CMG JULES VERNE
To assemble towing connections
To tow the CMA CGM JULES VERNE on different courses
This exercise was intended as a learning experience conducted at Deep Water Road off Heligoland to enhance preparedness for emergency towing operations and succeeded in demonstrating both the Havariekommando and CMA CGM responsible attitude toward safety and environment.