Congressman seeks sanctions against CMA CGM for Iranian weapons aboard

WHILE CMA CGM denies knowledge of carrying weapons from Iran, a Texas Republican congressman is presses the US Government to consider sanctions against French container shipping line.


Congressman Mike Conaway has called on Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner to consider imposing sanctions against the shipping line for its failure to comply with international counter-terrorism measures, reports London's International Freighting Weekly.


The demand comes after the 1,678-TEU Victoria was seized by Israeli forces, who claimed they found 50 tonnes of weapons on board the vessel destined for the Hamas-controlled Gaza strip.


In response, CMA CGM issued a statement saying 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 was cited as saying in the report: "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 established an in-house Iran Compliance Desk that works with agents to ensure cargo carried to and from Iran comply with existing regulations.


"In addition, group employees are continuously trained in applying strict procedures to comply with rules and regulations," it said.


"CMA CGM reaffirms that container shipping is based on the same principle as postal mail, ie, 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 licences. They are the only persons authorised to inspect container contents.


"In the case of the 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," said the statement from the Marseilles-based shipping company.
(Source:http://www.schednet.com)